Meet Our Doctors
Dr. Debra Junkins
Dr Deb grew up in Madison, WI. She spent summers on her grandparents’ farm in Iowa, where she realized she loved working with animals. Dr Deb did her undergraduate study at the University of WI, Madison. She was in the third class accepted into the brand-new UW – School of Veterinary Medicine in Madison. She graduated with her DVM degree in 1989. Next, Dr Deb completed a year long internship at The Illinois Equine Hospital and Clinic –in Naperville,IL. Her she worked in an equine only surgical and lameness practice. After this, she became an associate veterinarian at Hartland Veterinary Clinic in Woodstock, IL,. At Hartland she worked on a huge variety of species – both large and small! In January of 1999, Dr Deb struck out on her own and started Pet Vet Animal Clinic and Mobile Practice, ltd. In Huntley, Il.The first five years, Pet Vet was in a leased store front. With her, since the very beginning, was her trusted technician Michelle! After 5 years, the clinic moved into their brand-new building at their current location. And…”the rest is history”.
Originally Pet Vet’s patients were primarily dogs, cats and horses. In addition, there were some fun additional species (such as…llamas, alpacas, potbellied pigs, goats, sheep, camels, reindeer, zebra, elk, mutt jack deer, raccoons, hamster, rabbits, birds etc.) added to the mix. Now, Pet Vet’s patients are primarily dogs and cats.Being able to provide care “out on the road” as a farm or house call brings joy and satisfaction to Dr Deb and Michelle.
Dr Deb has always been a “cat person” at heart – however – she has great admiration for dogs too!
Dr Deb lives in Huntley, with her “together but separate’ person Rose, her kitty Wonka and a dog (!) Hank. She enjoys hiking and kayaking and travelling to sunny, sandy beaches !
Dr. Shalini Emmanuel
Dr. Shalini Emmanuel grew up in the UK. As a child who loved animals and learning, she was first inspired to become a veterinarian by reading James Herriot books. She went on to graduate from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh, Scotland. She worked in rural England for a few years until settling here in the Midwest, along with her husband, two children, 3 family dogs (Cider- a very happy Standard Poodle, Chase – deaf, quirky, cute Australian Shepherd, Kestrel, a cautious, affectionate Papillon mix) and various foster dogs.
As a veterinarian, she enjoys the never-ending variety and daily opportunities for continued learning, while appreciating the privilege of caring for much-loved furry family members. She has completed an 18-month course in ultrasonography in order to provide abdominal ultrasound scans for in depth diagnoses of many conditions. Her focus is helping to provide a whole team approach in order to promote wholeness for the pet in every stage of life.
Dr. Nikki Sterling
Dr. Nikki’s passion for animals began early in life and has only grown stronger with time. She earned her undergraduate degree in Animal Science from Iowa State University, where she lived in the university’s horse barn. During her time there, she gained hands-on experience with equine reproduction, assisted in foaling, and worked with young horses, developing a deep appreciation for farm life and large animal care.
In 2023, Dr. Nikki graduated from St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine, located on the island of Grenada. Her time on the island was filled with meaningful connections and memorable experiences. One of her favorite study breaks involved riding horses through the rainforest to the beach. It was during this time that she met and saved a sick Rottweiler puppy—River—who holds a very special place in her heart. Dr. Nikki helped deliver her at birth and later nursed her back to health with coconut water and honey. The bond they share is a testament to Dr. Nikki’s devotion and instincts as a caregiver.
A lifelong animal lover, Dr. Nikki has always known she wanted to become a veterinarian. As a child, she often rescued wildlife and stray kittens alongside her grandmother. Her journey into holistic animal care was inspired by her first dog, Casey, a long-haired dachshund who lived to be 18. Wanting to ease his arthritis and IVDD in his senior years, Dr. Nikki studied veterinary acupuncture at the Chi Institute. Today, she frequently integrates acupuncture into her practice, especially for pain management and neurological conditions—and has helped many dogs regain mobility through this approach.
Dr. Nikki and her boyfriend live on a lively farm in Marengo, where they share their days with two dogs (River and Tucker), two barn cats (Woodstock and Marengo), three horses and a miniature horse, two miniature bulls, two pygmy goats, a 600-pound pig named Juney, and two honeybee colonies.
Professionally, Dr. Nikki is passionate about soft tissue surgery and acupuncture, and she treasures the opportunity to nurture the human-animal bond in every patient she treats. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time in the barn with her animals, gardening, riding horses, relaxing by bonfires, and listening to music.
Dr. Becky Clow
Dr. Becky Clow grew up in a small town in Iowa and has always loved pets, wildlife, and nature. She attended Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa and obtained her BS in Animal Ecology with a minor in Environmental Studies in 1995. She started at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1994, graduating in 1998. Dr. Becky initially practiced in the southwest suburbs, but ultimately moved to this area to be closer to some friends and extended family. She spent the majority of her career (2002 to 2024) at Arlington Heights Animal Hospital in Arlington Heights, Illinois; joining us in the spring of 2025.
When she’s not caring for your pets, Dr. Becky enjoys traveling, antiquing, home remodeling, and reading. Her favorite book is To Kill a Mockingbird, and she named her cats Scout and Jem.
Although she loves all of her patients equally, Dr. Becky particularly enjoys seeing cats and senior pets.
Have a Question? Get In Touch.
The best veterinary care for animals is ongoing nutrition and problem prevention.
If you have a question, please call (847) 669-6635 or visit our Contact Us page to send an email!