Meet Our Team

Get to Know Our Team!
Meet the compassionate, skilled veterinarians and staff at Sova Animal Hospital, dedicated to providing exceptional care for your beloved pets. We are solely dedicated to your pet’s care! We look forward to getting to know you, and we hope you’ll take the time to scroll down and get to know us.

Veterinarians

Dr. John Ammeraal

Owner / Medical Director

Dr. Robert Sova

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Victoria Dodson

Associate Veterinarian

Practice Manager

Rob VanDeusen

Born and raised in Michigan, I enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a Hospital Corpsman right out of high school and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. After my service, I earned degrees from the University of Michigan and Columbia University. I spent several years working in human medicine while also giving back to my community as a volunteer firefighter and ambulance corps member.
In 2016, I chose to follow my lifelong love for animals and transitioned into veterinary medicine. Today, I find joy in helping pet parents and veterinary professionals grow, while supporting the delivery of the best possible veterinary care.
Outside of work, I’m a proud father of two and share my home with a lively crew of pets: Spike, my French Bulldog (a special pup from the first C-section I ever assisted with), Daisy the Doberman, and three cats—Moppy the Persian, Ray Ray (a fearless cat without eyes), and Negrita a rescue. Rounding out the family are about 30 chickens who keep life interesting.

Veterinary Technicians

Dannie

Dannie has been with Sova Animal Hospital since 2004. At the age of 16, she started working as a kennel assistant while attending Morris County Vocational School of Technology.
In 1995, Dannie graduated with a degree in Animal Science. Pursuing her dream and her love for animals, Dannie continued to work while being a wife, a mother of her two handsome boys (18 and 16), and attending all their events (football, baseball, hockey, and mountain biking).
Now 25 years later, she continues to do what she loves the most: loving and caring for animals.

Marco

Marco joined our staff in 2020. He is a NJ native and he started in the veterinary industry 9 years ago. Marco enjoys working with all types of animals from cats to dogs and guinea pigs to reptiles.
Marco spends most of his time with his dog, cat, and many reptiles. Marco plans to create an animal sanctuary someday to care for animals in need of their forever homes. Marco’s favorite part of his job is getting rewarded with a kiss from his furry friends!

Justin

Justin joined Sova Animal Hospital in February 2024. He has always been passionate about all animals both big and small. At a very young age, he used to help his family’s dogs give birth and raise their puppies until they found their forever homes.
Now he lives with his Pitbull, Eevee, that keeps him active and loved with her nurturing and energetic personality. They love spending time outdoors at dog parks or hiking in the woods.
When he is not at work or spending time with his doggo, he is out spending time with his family and friends.

Amanda

Amanda is a dedicated Veterinary Technician with over eight years of experience in veterinary medicine. She previously held the role of Lead Technician for five years at a different animal hospital, where she developed advanced skills in patient care, surgical assistance, and client education. Her passion for animal welfare extends beyond the clinic. Since 2018, Amanda has actively fostered for various animal rescue organizations and is currently in the process of launching her own rescue. She’s deeply committed to giving animals a second chance and providing safe, loving homes to those in need.
At home, Amanda cares for her six beloved rescue dogs, who keep her busy and inspired. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending quality time with her fiancé and attending country concerts.

Erin

Erin is a lifelong resident of West Milford, who graduated with honors from the University of Scranton with a double major in Elementary Education & Special Education before adopting her first pitbull, her "soulmate" Viper; and deciding to switch career paths to pursue her passion in Veterinary Medicine.
A mom of 4, Erin spends most of her free time with her children and dogs, reading psychological thrillers, spending time outdoors, and fostering neonatal puppies and kittens while also raising awareness and funding for pediatric cancer research in honor of her son, Julian.
Erin has special interests in surgery, emergency medicine and hospice care.

Veterinary Receptionists

Kathy

Lead Veterinary Receptionist
Born and raised in northern New Jersey, Kathy has always been a lover of animals. It was her dream as a child to work at a veterinary hospital and she was absolutely elated when that dream came true. Kathy is a lover of gentle giants!
She shares her home with her husband, two children, and dog Sally (Golden Retriever Mix).
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, vacationing, shopping and going to concerts.

Lacey

Lacey joined our staff in 2021. Lacey is cross trained as a Veterinary Technician and receptionist and has been in the industry for 18 years.
In Lacey's down time, she enjoys hiking, paddleboarding, amateur pet photography, guitar, singing, and breweries.
She also does wildlife rehab for squirrels and fosters kittens from the ACC euthanasia list for Ginny's 10th Life Rescue.

Cait

Cait started her career in veterinary medicine in 2016 and joined Sova Animal Hospital in 2021. After moving to Illinois for a year and a half, she returned to her home state of NJ in July of 2025 and plans to be here for good! Cait's love of animals stems back to childhood as her home was never without at least one rescue dog. Cait has always wanted to work with animals and considers working in veterinary medicine to be a dream come true. Currently, she and her husband Ryan are the fur-parents of three rescue dogs Roo, Sarge, & Hurley. In her spare time, Cait enjoys visiting new breweries with friends and going to concerts her favorite band is Fall Out Boy!

Jenn

Jenn has had a lifelong love for animals, which naturally led her to begin her career working in a dog daycare before transitioning into the veterinary hospital setting. Caring for pets and supporting the people who love them quickly became a passion, inspiring her to grow in the field.
She earned her Business Management degree from Ramapo College of New Jersey and hopes to combine her education with her love for animals to continue building a meaningful career in veterinary medicine. Her rescue dog, Duke, her soul dog has been a huge part of her journey and a daily reminder of why she is so dedicated to helping pets live happy, healthy lives.
When she's not working with animals, Jenn enjoys fashion and shopping, discovering new restaurants, fitness, and spending time with her family and friends.
Contact
Us
Office hours 
& location
Monday
7:30 am - 7:00 pm
Tuesday
7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday
7:30 am - 7:00 pm
Thursday
7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Friday
7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday
7:30 am - 1:00 pm
Sunday
Closed
Sova Animal Hospital
1546 Route 23
Butler, NJ 07405 1821
OUR LOCATION
1546 Route 23
Butler, NJ 07405 1821