Meet Our Team

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:  Colin (shown in picture), Brody, Kiri, Falcon.   What else would they be but Shelties!! Only the best breed!! She has had Shelties since 1971.  She has a kitty, Smokey (technically this is Alicia's cat!). 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. 

Alicia Pichler graduated from Valley High School in West Des Moines. 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, and helping her husband, Jonathan. 

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.