Meet the Veterinarians & Team of Dunkirk Animal Hospital in Dunkirk! We’re pleased to provide exceptional vet care for your pets!
Please call us at301-855-8126 to speak to one of our caring veterinary staff members!
Dr. Carey Goehle
Dr. Carey Goehle graduated from high school in Fort Thomas, Kentucky. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Kentucky in 1995. Interested in learning to care for both large and small animals, Dr. Goehle graduated from the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1999 with his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.
After 20 plus years in the profession, Dr. Goehle continues to enjoy all aspects of small animal practice and strives to provide the best veterinary service possible to the community. Outside of work, Dr Goehle and his wife, Jackie, stay busy caring for their five children, their Pomeranian Annabelle, and their cat Charlie. Dr. Goehle also enjoys spending time fishing, crabbing, and boating on the Chesapeake Bay.
Dr. Jackie Goehle
Dr. Jacqueline Goehle has practiced at Dunkirk Animal Hospital since earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Auburn University in 1999. She completed her undergraduate studies at James Madison University and ultimately decided to return home to be closer to family.
One of the many aspects of her job that she finds rewarding is the variety of cases. No two days are ever the same at Dunkirk Animal Hospital. Dr. Goehle enjoys the challenge of determining why a pet might not feel well, and more importantly, how they might feel better. She also appreciates the opportunity to balance a part time career with time for her family.
In her spare time, Dr. Goehle enjoys running, swimming, gardening, listening to music and going to the beach. She lives in Chesapeake Beach with her husband Carey, their five children, their Pomeranian Annabelle and cat Charlie.
Dr. Matthew Distler
Dr. Matthew Distler has been practicing at Dunkirk Animal Hospital since 2000. A native of the area, Dr. Distler returned to practice at Dunkirk Animal Hospital after receiving his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Virginia – Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in Blacksburg, Virginia.
Dr. Distler’s interest in veterinary medicine started as far back as the 5th grade when he participated in a mentorship program with a local veterinarian. The opportunity to use science in the pursuit of helping animals was what first drew him to the practice of veterinary medicine. This endeavor was fostered through his tenures at Northern High School and then Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland.
After 20 plus years of practice, Dr. Distler still enjoys meeting the diverse population of cats and dogs that visit our hospital. When not at the clinic, Dr. Distler spends his time with his wife and 2 daughters, entertaining his Nova Scotia Duck Tolling retriever Ryder, playing lacrosse, and when time permits, wood working.
Dr. Gracie Spreat
Dr. Gracie Spreat grew up spending time at her mother’s veterinary clinic. She has always loved animals, and an interest in science pointed her towards veterinary medicine. Dr. Spreat received her Bachelor of Science from Gettysburg College and then moved to Ireland to attend University College Dublin’s School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Spreat graduated from UCD in 2018, moved back to the States and, shortly after, started working at Dunkirk Animal Hospital. She enjoys the challenge of veterinary medicine and being able to help and advocate for the animals that she sees. In her spare time, Dr. Spreat enjoys horseback riding, baking and spending time outside with her dogs. She has a horse named Gunner, a cat named Badger, and three dogs— Stella, Ruby and Teddy.
Dr. Elizabeth Scholz
Dr. Elizabeth Scholz grew up in Towson, Maryland. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland. Dr. Scholz earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine (Virginia Tech).
Following veterinary school, Dr. Scholz completed a one-year medicine and surgery internship at an equine referral hospital in northern Virginia. She worked in the local area as a large animal veterinarian before switching her focus to small animals. Dr. Scholz joined Dunkirk Animal Hospital in 2020.
In her free time, Dr. Scholz enjoys riding horses, reading, and spending time with her family, including a beagle-mix named Lilly, who constantly inspires her to be the best vet she can be.
Dr. Abigail Schmit
Dr. Abigail Schmit is a native of the mountains in Pennsylvania and grew up riding horses. She decided when she was 7 years old that veterinary medicine was going to be her future. She owned a particularly stubborn and accident-prone horse that gave her plenty of opportunities to learn about medicine.
Dr. Schmit attended Delaware Valley College in Pennsylvania and earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Livestock Science and Management. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Missouri and where she studied both large and small animals. While her husband was stationed with the Marines in San Diego, California, she found working with dogs and cats, particularly rescues, quite fulfilling.
Dr. Schmit and her husband, Matt, moved to Maryland in 2021. They welcomed their first child in 2022. Their three dogs, Koda, Lanie and Dodger, have accepted their son as one of the pack. In her free time, Dr. Schmit enjoys reading, riding horses and spending time outside.
