Meet Our Team

Dr. Barb Rush

Dr. Barb Rush  is a 1980 graduate of Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She was raised in Minot, North Dakota and did two years at North Dakota State University in Fargo before coming to Iowa State University. She began practice in a two-clinic group in Des Moines, Iowa and started Rush Animal Care Clinic in March of 1992. Dr. Rush has two daughters, Amanda and Alicia.  "I can never thank my daughters enough for all the help and support they have given me over the years."  Dr. Rush is an Elite Fear Free Certified veterinarian.  Dr. Barb and Dr. Pat love helping clients, and occasionally reminisce back to the 1970's (the looks we get from the team!!). 

Dr. Rush has three dogs:  Zorro, Colin (shown in picture) and Brody. What else would they be but Shelties!! Only the best breed!! She has had Shelties since 1971.  By extension she loves her granddogs, Squire (Border Collie mix),  Daisy (Pembroke Welsh Corgi), and Zion (Border Collie). In her free time, Dr. Rush is a pianist. She is on staff at Union Park United Methodist Church in Des Moines, and accompanies the Edgewater Singers in West Des Moines.  When needed, she helps transport dogs for Central Illinois Sheltie Rescue. 

Dr. Barb Rush
Dr. Pat Huston

Dr. Pat Huston

Dr. Patrick Huston is a fully licensed accredited and retired veterinarian, who volunteers at Rush Animal Care.  He is Level 2 Fear Free Certified. Dr. Pat and Dr. Barb met as  20 year-old wide-eyed freshmen at Iowa State College of Veterinary Medicine and worked together shortly after graduation.  Dr. Pat left the Des Moines area to join his father’s mixed animal veterinary practice as the primary pet care provider for 35 years.  He returned to the Des Moines area to be closer to family.  He is the oldest of 5 children, with his youngest brother a retired vet in Florida.  Dr. Pat has been married to Cindy for 39 ½ years with 2 lovely grown daughters, 3 granddaughters and 1 grandson.  Sadly, Sammy (in the picture) is gone.  He enjoys helping people and their pets.  His hobbies include attending a full schedule of grandchildren events, and supporting State of Iowa Athletics—Cyclones, Bulldogs, Panthers, and a 51-week-a –year Hawkeye fan.  One of his many skills is the ability to make Dr. Barb laugh.   Dr. Pat is Level 3 Fear Free Certified.

Alicia Pichler

Alicia Pichler graduated from Valley High School in West Des Moines in 2013. She is currently finishing her bachelor's in Management. She has been working for Rush Animal Care since October 2009.   Alicia is our office manager.  She has 2 dogs--a Texas Heeler named Tex, and an English Mastiff named Sparkles.  Although she lives in North Dakota, she does off-site management work for our practice.  Alicia is Level 3 Fear Free Certified.  When she comes back to Des Moines, she can be found in the clinic! Otherwise, she is busy being the mom of 2 boys. 

Alicia Pichler
Rebecca Reid

Rebecca Reid

Rebecca Reid graduated from North Polk High School in 2016 and from there she continued her education at Des Moines Area Community College. She graduated from the Veterinary Technician program in 2019 and is a Registered Veterinary Technician. She began her career at Rush Animal Care in 2018 as an intern and was offered a job after that. She has always had a passion for animals and has three dogs of her own.  When she is not working, Rebecca likes to hang out with friends, go to concerts, and spend time with her pets.

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Emily King

Emily King

Emily has returned to Rush Animal Care Clinic after 3 years of working at a Low Cost, High Volume Spay/Neuter Clinic in Joshua Tree, California. Emily graduated from Valley High School in 2008 and Luther College in 2012 with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. Her husband is in the process of being medically retired from the Marine Corps, so no more moving around for this family! She lives with 4 furry friends, Kira (Husky), Gambit (Chihuahua), Chocolate (Guinea Pig) and Peanut Butter (Guinea Pig). Emily also has a 8-year-old daughter that is growing far too quickly. Emily enjoys spending time with her family, everything Disney and reconnecting with old friends. Emily is Level 1 Fear Free Certified, and is our office coordinator.

Shanna Dessinger

Ever since Shanna was a little girl, she knew that she wanted to work with animals. Now she has the chance to make her dream come true! Shanna graduated from Waukee High School in 1998 and the Vet Tech program at Iowa Lakes Community College in 2023. She is living proof that it is never too late to follow your dreams.

She has 2 cats-Emma and Flynn, with room in her heart for another in the near future. In her free time, Shanna likes to bowl on a league, hang out with her cats, and play games on her phone. Shanna also has a special talent. She can listen to a song on the radio and learn to play along with it on her keyboard. Whatever life has in store for her, she is ready for the ride.

Shanna Dessinger
Alicia Burleson

Ella Martin

Ella graduated from North Liberty Highschool in Iowa city in 2021. I am currently working on my animal science degree from NICC and moving on to DMACC In the fall of 24’ and moving on to equine surgical school. Ever since I was little I have been interested in Horses and how their skeletal systems work. My dream is to one day become a orthopedic surgeon for horses and have my own clinic. I currently have 2 dogs in Iowa with me. Scout is a yellow lab and Luna is our 7month old Staffy puppy. I also have a 15yr old cat in Texas named Kitty! In my Spare time I like to hangout with my family and travel to Texas multiple times a year to see my mom and brother.

Connor Zhang

Connor was born in Beijing, China, and moved to the United States to attend high school in Indiana. Coming from a big city, he immediately fell in love with the beauty of the Midwest beyond the endless farmland. So, he decided to attend Iowa State University for his bachelor's degree. Connor graduated with a degree in Animal Ecology. He is currently applying for veterinary school and wants to focus on working with small and exotic animals in the future. Connor's love for animals was evident even before he could remember; his parents recall that the only thing that could keep him seated for more than 3 minutes as a child was an animal documentary. He has spent a lot of time volunteering at wildlife rescue centers during high school and college. Additionally, in his free time, Connor enjoys all kinds of outdoor activities like fishing, bird watching, and hiking.

Connor Zhang
Jessica Dodge

Jessica Dodge

HI! I'm Jessica Dodge and I was hired in October of 2014 as one of the kennel attendants. I love animals! I even have a betta fish named Firework, and two cats named Zoey and B.C.(which stands for Battle Cat, but she's a lover, not a fighter). In my spare time, I like volunteering at Furry Friends Refuge, reading and watching cooking shows.

Corey Rail

Corey Rail graduated from Hoover High School in 2007, having been a former member of the FFA, and studying Animal Sciences out of Central Campus. He has worked with a variety of animals, from rabbits, ferrets and chickens to sheep and cattle. He volunteered for one year with the Animal Rescue League.

Corey currently has one dog, Luna, who is a vocal two year old Golden Retriever/Australian shepherd mix who enjoys the outdoor, daily walks, and loves to chase toys and play tug-o-war. Corey enjoys music, playing games, hanging out with friends and family, and reading.

He has a great fondness for animals, especially rabbits. He hopes to have one as his own in the future. Animals have always remained a big part of his life. Corey joined Rush Animal Care in October 2014. He hopes to continue his pursuit in a career with animals.

Corey Rail

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday

7:30 am - 5:30 pm

Tuesday

7:30 am - 6:30 pm

Wednesday

Closed

Thursday

7:30 am - 6:30 pm

Friday

7:30 am - 5:30 pm

Saturday

8:00 am - 1:00 pm

Sunday

Closed

Monday
7:30 am - 5:30 pm
Tuesday
7:30 am - 6:30 pm
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
7:30 am - 6:30 pm
Friday
7:30 am - 5:30 pm
Saturday
8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Sunday
Closed

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