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Welcome to Countryside Veterinary Clinic, your local veterinarians in Lockport, NY.

To be a continually evolving veterinary practice that offers excellent veterinary services via a thoroughly trained staff of Veterinarians, Licensed Veterinary Technicians, Kennel Staff, and Receptionists. Our aim is to educate our clients, treat and protect our patients against disease. We always strive to offer the optimum care for our patients. When indicated referrals are always offered.

We’re proud to provide a wide variety of veterinary medical services for dogs & cats in Lockport, NY & surrounding areas!

Dr. Ashish Sood
Medical Director

Has been with Countryside since 2017. Graduated and post graduated from College Of Veterinary Sciences, Punjab Agricultural University, Punjab, India in 2003. In India, he belonged to an agricultural family. His father is a physician and uncle was a veterinarian, so he was always fascinated towards the medical profession. When he got admission in Vet school in 1996, he knew that this is his life’s calling. During his free time, he likes to read books, go to the gym, loves landscaping and meditates. His professional interests include small animal surgery, radiology, ophthalmology, and dermatology. He lives in Tonawanda with his wife, Nidhi, son, Augustus and 1 cute cat (Sunshine).

Dr. Tonia Minko
Veterinarian
Dr Minko is a native of WNY who attended Roberts Wesleyan College for her Bachelors degree and attended the Ohio State University for her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine.  Dr Minko enjoys watching science fiction movies, playing board games with friends, doing crafts and DIY projects, attending various festivals in Buffalo, etc.  Dr Minko and her family live with two rescue dogs (June Bug and Bellatrix) and two former barn cats (Tarzan and Missy).
Dr. Mary Driess
Veterinarian
Dr. Mary Driess was born and raised in Buffalo, NY. Her compassion for animals started when she was very young, and knew she wanted to be a veterinarian since she was in elementary school. She graduated from Medaille College in 2004 with an associate’s degree in veterinary technology, and a Bachelor’s degree in Biology in 2006. She then made the trip down to St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine located in Grenada, West Indies, and obtained her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in January 2012. Dr. Mary has worked in a variety of veterinary clinics across WNY and is happy to be joining Countryside Veterinary Clinic, where she hopes to provide personalized care for her clients and their pets.
Dr. Mary has 2 young boys, a Rottweiler mix named Jetta, an orange cat named Tater Tot, a Holland Lop bunny named Hoppy, and a Quarter Horse named Norman. In her spare time she enjoys riding her horse, camping, cooking, and spending time with her family.
Megan B
Kennel Manager

Megan embarked on her professional journey as a Kennel Assistant in 2017, steadily progressing to her current role as Kennel Manager. Megan seamlessly blends professionalism with a vibrant and approachable demeanor, contributing positively to the clinic’s atmosphere. Her genuine commitment to animal welfare shines through in her meticulous care for our residents. Outside the clinic, Megan cultivates her interests in reading, cooking, and spending quality time with her family. Her household is graced by two cherished canine companions, Benny and Marley.

Megan
Licensed Veterinary Technician

Megan is a recent addition to our team, having joined us in June 2023, and bringing with her a wealth of experience and knowledge. She holds an associate in veterinary technology, graduating from Genesee Community College in Batavia, New York, in 2023. Megan’s journey in the veterinary industry began as a veterinary assistant, where she dedicated three years to a vaccine clinic, demonstrating her commitment to animal care. Beyond her professional life, Megan finds solace and joy in outdoor activities, particularly camping with family, kayaking, and hiking. At home, she shares her space with a loyal canine companion, Ivy, making Megan’s love for animals not just a profession but a way of life.

Elizabeth (Liz)
Licensed Veterinary Technician

Has been with Countryside since 2006. She graduated from SUNY Delhi in 2001. She enjoys kayaking, hiking, pet sitting, theater shows, and any festival where you can dress-up in costume. She has 4 dogs (Hercules, Stella, Arthur and Rocket), 2 cats (Emmett and Scruffy), 1 ferret (Nagoni) and 1 parrot (Oliver).

Wendy
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Wendy, LVT brings over 4 decades of invaluable expertise as a Veterinary Technician to our team at Countryside Veterinary Clinic. A proud alumnus of State University at Delhi, New York, Wendy joined our ranks in November of 1983, having cultivated a passion for animal care from a young age. Wendy’s journey began with roles in grooming shops and horse stables during her teenage years, further solidifying her dedication. Prior to her formal education in veterinary technology, she volunteered at Killewald Animal Hospital, where she gained hands-on experience in clinic maintenance.
In her extensive veterinary career, Wendy has found joy in meeting countless furry friends and their owners, with a particular focus on cytology and microscopy. Outside the clinic, Wendy immerses herself in diverse interests, including hiking, traveling, reading, herb gardening, and cooking. Her home is enriched by the presence of Nero, a loyal canine companion , and Widget, a feline friend. Wendy’s wealth of experience, coupled with her genuine love for animals, makes her an invaluable asset to our team and a cherished member of the Countryside Veterinary Clinic family!
Heather
Veterinary Assistant & Receptionist

Heather, our multi-talented Receptionist and Vet Assistant joined our team in October 2023. Heather’s primary motivation in the industry is her deep love for animals. Her role allows her to provide them with love and comfort, making their visits to the vet less daunting.

In her free time, Heather enjoys a diverse set of hobbies, including teaching herself to play guitar, drawing, indulging in video games, and engaging in family activities. At home, she is surrounded by a lively assortment of pets, including two dogs, one cat, two birds, and a thriving community of fish. Heather’s passion for animals extends beyond the workplace, making her a valuable asset to our team and a dedicated caregiver to her own furry and feathered friends.

Madison
Veterinary Assistant

Madison holds degrees in Animal Management and Animal Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation. She brings six years of invaluable experience in the veterinary industry, driven by her deep love for animals. Outside work, Madison enjoys bird watching, volunteers at Messinger Woods Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, and embraces outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking. At home, she cherishes the company of Daisy, a basset hound, and lovingly remembers her angel dogs, Chewy and Dougie. Madison’s passion for animals enriches both our team’s and her own furry companions’ lives.

Des
Receptionist

Desiree joined the Countryside Veterinary Clinic team in November of 2023, bringing with her many years of customer service experience and a lifelong passion for animals. She is dedicated to helping both pets and the clients who care for them. Desiree resides in Lockport with her spouse and two cats, Joni and Marshmellow. In her free time, Desiree enjoys going camping, reading, traveling both domestically and internationally, and cheering for the Baltimore Ravens (and occasionally Buffalo Bills, but only when they are not playing the Ravens!). Desiree is currently working toward a Bachelor’s of Science in Animal Management and Behavior to further her knowledge and skills in the field of Veterinary Medicine.

Olivia
Receptionist

Olivia has been with Countryside, as a receptionist, since September of 2024, and loves every second of it! When they are not at the front desk, they are taking on different adventures and projects. They volunteer for a choir most Sundays,  take multiple road trips each year for conventions,  play guitar,  like to paint the inside of their car,  really like most oddities and generally anything eclectic, and like live music/concerts (Recently saw Hozier in ohio, yippie).

Jen
Practice Manager & Licensed Veterinary Technician

As a lifelong Buffalo resident and animal lover, our Practice Manager, Jen, has been with Countryside since 2025. She has been in the veterinary field for nearly 20 years, in various roles throughout Western New York. Jen is a Licensed Veterinary Technician and has a bachelor’s degree in business administration. In her spare time, Jen is an avid runner and has completed 4 full marathons and many half marathons. She also enjoys hiking with her dog, Fiona (a Parvo survivor) and teen son, Adrian. At home, Jen has two cats (Aglio and Sylvio). Jen also enjoys community service projects which she has done locally and internationally with organizations such as World Vets, The Pet Emergency Fund, The Buffalo City Mission, Haircuts for Those in Need, and Zonta International, amongst others. Jen is so happy to be part of this amazing team and this hospital that cares so much for its clients and patients!

Ana
Veterinary Assistant & Receptionist

Ana has been with Countryside since November of 2024, as a receptionist and a veterinary assistant. Ana loves working here and enjoys spending her time with the sweetest and cutest animals of our clinic. Ana is currently in school at Genesee community college to be a veterinary technician. She also attended Boces for 2 years in animal science. Outside of work, Ana likes to go on walks with her two dogs named Precious and Fatboy. She enjoys playing outside with her two little cousins, going to the beach, and playing basketball or soccer with her partner.

Andrea
Licensed Veterinary Technician

Andrea graduated from SUNY Delhi as a Veterinary Technician many years ago. She worked at Countryside Veterinary Clinic for 18 years and then left to work at other clinics in the area before returning to Countryside in the spring of 2024. Andrea shares her home with 3 cats: Rosie, Tillie, and Gabbie. She enjoys spending time outdoors. It is a great day, when Andrea can combine her 3 favorite activities: birding, biking, and photography! She also enjoys traveling around the world.

Ashe
Receptionist

Ashe has a background in Veterinary reception and working at a pet resort due to a passion for working with animals. Coming back to the vet field has been a dream with big plans to go back to school for Veterinary Technology at Penn Foster. They have a passion for helping people and animals alike with whatever problems they have. When not working in the office, they’d likely be found curled up with their four cats watching TV or reading a fantasy book. They also have a big passion for traveling wherever they can and going to different conventions and concerts.

Alyssa
Licensed Veterinary Technician

Alyssa joined our team in April 2024. As a lifelong animal lover, she pursued this passion in college, earning a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology from SUNY Canton (class of 2020). She has two beloved cats, Olive and Nella, and a German Shepherd named Kaiser. Outside of work, Alyssa enjoys caring for her plants, reading, hiking, visiting local breweries, and, of course, rooting for the Bills!