Our staff at Animal Blessings Pet Hospital would like to take this opportunity to welcome you, your family, and your furry family to our website. We hope that through our website you will be able to learn more about our dedicated staff and the quality of our veterinary clinic.

Our goal here at Animal Blessings Pet Hospital has always been to have the best veterinary team possible that is committed to providing exceptional service and veterinary care to our clients and their pets. Our team displays an unrivaled commitment to our clients through advances in veterinary medicine and services, but most importantly in administering compassionate care to all pets entrusted to us.

A white, orange and black calico cat with a blue collar

Team member Dr. Zirbel and her dog

Dr. Zirbel

Owner/ Veterinarian

Dr. Jani Zirbel graduated with the first class of Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine and received her DVM degree in 1984. She is a member of the AVMA. Dr Z has two children, Johanna who graduated from MSU and is now assistant manager at the clinic and Jacob who also graduated from MSU in range land management and is now a ranch manager in eastern Montana where he lives with his wife Kyla. Dr Z, Johanna, and Jacob have numerous dogs, cats, horses, and donkeys. For the past 30+ years, Dr Z has worked in private practice for small animal clinics as well as pet emergency hospitals. In 2005, she purchased this clinic in Montana, named it Animal Blessings Pet Hospital, and proceeded to do what she does best…provide exemplary care to many pets in need.

Dr. Shoni L. Card

Veterinarian

Dr. Card has been practicing veterinary medicine in the Missoula area for over 30 years. She started at Pruyns Veterinary clinic as a kennel attendant in her teens which cemented her desire to become a veterinarian. She graduated from Colorado State University and joined Pruyns and soon became sought after for her compassion and expertise and has quite a following of loyal clients. Dr. Card treats a variety of patients, from cats and dogs to birds, exotics, reptiles, and pocket pets. Dr. Card and her husband raise cattle northeast of Missoula and have two sons, one pursuing a medical degree and one a veterinary degree.

Team member Jeri

Jeri

Hospital Manager

I am the Hospital Manager here at Animal Blessings. My main job is to make sure Dr. Z and the staff have what they need to keep the clinic running smoothly. I am Dr. Z’s sister and I am a horticulturalist by education, but a manager by career experience. Now I have two wonderful jobs…grower for Caras Nursery & Landscape and manager here at Animal Blessings where daily I get to witness the blessings our pets bring to our lives.

Marcy

Veterinary Technician

I moved to Montana in the spring of 2014 from southwest Pennsylvania with my husband Jim. I have been in the veterinary field for 20+ years now. Animals have always been a big part of my life, and I take pride in knowing I am helping and caring for them. In my spare time I enjoy woodcarving, bird watching, and anything outdoors with my family.

Kim

Lead Customer Service Representative

I have worked at Animal Blessings since February of 2011. I have lived in the Lolo area most of my life with a few years in NV. I am married and have two sons whom are both married. As a family, we all enjoy the outdoors, sports and have been active in the Missoula Co. 4-H program for the past 20+ years.

Eileen and Peri (and the rest of the staff) work with Kim to ensure our clients and patients have the best service every visit!

Johanna

Assistant Manager

I am Dr. Zirbel’s daughter. I am a graduate of MSU (Go Cats!). I love being a team member at Animal Blessings. I love helping clients with questions and helping animals heal and return home with their awesome pet parents. I also enjoy being a pet mom myself; I have two cats who are brother and sister, a bunny, and a Great Dane and a tiny mix breed dog! A big mix of critters and I love them all to bits!

Isabell works full-time and has started OTJ training in hospital management. She cheerfully helps the doctors and staff stay organized and on schedule while multi-tasking a myriad of other duties.

Boca

Greeter

I reign supreme as the master of client experience. I greet clients and their pets, soothe the nervous, comfort the sad, and entertain the children. I am usually found in the lobby or my catio unless I feel the need to vocalize to the staff about the lack of catnip and luvins.

Pre-Vet Students

Dr. Zirbel hires pre-veterinary students from the University of Montana to work as kennel staff so they can gain experience in a veterinary clinic.