Meet Our Team
Meet the Veterinarians & Team of Animal Blessings Pet Hospital! We’re pleased to provide exceptional vet care for your pets!
Get to Know Our Team
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.
Our Veterinarians
Dr. Z
Medical Director, Veterinarian
Dr. Jani Zirbel graduated with the first class of the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree in 1984. A dedicated member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Dr. Zirbel has spent over 30 years practicing veterinary medicine in both small animal clinics and pet emergency hospitals.
In 2005, Dr. Zirbel relocated to Montana and founded Animal Blessings Pet Hospital, where she continues to provide compassionate and exemplary care to countless pets. She shares her love for animals with her two children, Johanna and Jacob. Johanna, a Montana State University graduate, now works as the assistant manager at the clinic, while Jacob, also an MSU graduate in rangeland management, manages a ranch in eastern Montana, where he lives with his wife, Kyla. Together, the family cares for a wide range of animals, including dogs, cats, horses, and donkeys.
Dr. Zirbel’s commitment to veterinary excellence and her deep connection with animals has shaped her career, leaving a lasting impact on the community she serves.
Dr. Shoni Card
Veterinarian
Dr. Shoni Card has been a dedicated veterinarian in the Missoula area for over 30 years. A member of the MVMA, AVMA, AAV, AEMV, and ARAV, Dr. Card’s journey into veterinary medicine began as a kennel attendant at a local clinic during her teenage years, solidifying her passion for animal care. After graduating from Colorado State University, she quickly became known for her compassion and expertise, earning the trust of a loyal client base.
Dr. Card’s practice extends to a wide range of patients, including cats, dogs, birds, reptiles, exotics, and pocket pets. Outside of the clinic, she and her husband raise cattle northeast of Missoula. They have two sons, one studying medicine and the other pursuing a veterinary degree.
Dr. Ann Vestal
Veterinarian
Dr. Vestal has always known she wanted to be a veterinarian, sharing that “I’ve never had a plan B.” She graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Oklahoma State University in 2007 and went on to complete an internship at Colorado State University. Dr. Vestal is also a Certified Veterinary Medical Acupuncturist (cVMA), allowing her to offer specialized acupuncture treatments for animals. Since 2018, she has been practicing veterinary medicine in Missoula, most recently serving as an emergency care veterinarian. Dr. Vestal enjoys living in Missoula with her family and appreciates the city’s eclectic community.
Dr. Scott Jackson
Veterinarian
Dr. Jackson grew up in the dairy heartland of Western Australia, where he spent his early years milking cows and showing Holstein cattle at local fairs. He earned his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Murdoch University in Perth, the capital of Western Australia. After graduating, Dr. Jackson worked in a rural mixed practice, focusing on small animal emergency care, critical care, and reproduction.
In his free time, he enjoys sailing his 14-foot catamaran, fishing, hiking, camping in the bush, and brewing his own beer. He also loves off-roading in his Toyota ute. Now residing in Missoula, Dr. Jackson takes full advantage of Montana’s natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
Dr. Patti Prato
Veterinarian
In 1991, Dr. Prato earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Oregon State University. Dr. Prato is also certified in veterinary chiropractic medicine through the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association and veterinary acupuncture through The International Veterinary Acupuncture Society. She is available by appointment at Animal Blessings Pet Hospital on Monday and Thursday mornings. Deeply connected to the community, Dr. Prato gives back in many ways, including her involvement with the Run4Kids fundraiser for Youth Homes, her work as a veterinarian with Fox Hollow Animal Project, and her dedication to rescuing Great Pyrenees and other mountain dog breeds.
Our Managers
Jeri
Jeri is the Hospital Manager at Animal Blessings Pet Hospital. Her primary responsibility is ensuring that Dr. Z and the entire team have everything they need to keep the clinic running smoothly. While Jeri holds a degree in horticulture, her career path led her to management, where she has excelled. As Dr. Z’s sister, she finds joy in being part of the Animal Blessings team, witnessing firsthand the many blessings pets bring to their owners’ lives each day.
Johanna
Johanna, the Assistant Manager at Animal Blessings, is the daughter of Dr. Zirbel. A proud graduate of Montana State University (Go Cats!), she is passionate about her role on the Animal Blessings team. Johanna loves assisting clients with their questions and takes great joy in helping animals heal and return home to their devoted pet parents. As a dedicated pet mom, she cares for a lively mix of critters, including two sibling cats, a bunny, a Great Dane, and a tiny mixed-breed dog—all of whom she adores!
Licensed Veterinary Technicians & Support Staff
Marcy, LVT
Jen, LVT
Mckenna, LVT
Angela, LVT
Kelsey Vet Asst
Ryann, Vet Asst
Kim, Lead CSR
Eileen, CSR
Michelle, CSR
Tori, CSR
Boca
Boca reigned supreme as the master of client experience at the clinic. With a natural flair for making everyone feel welcome, Boca greeted clients and their pets with a warm, comforting presence. Whether soothing nervous pets, comforting those who were feeling sad, or entertaining children, Boca’s role was pivotal in creating a positive atmosphere.
Boca, who always had diabetes that was difficult to control, passed October 2024 from dilated cardiomyopathy and associated complications. He fought a courageous battle and is truly missed.
