Meet the Veterinarians & Team of Howard City Veterinary Services in Howard City, Michigan! We’re pleased to provide exceptional vet care for your pets!
Please call us at 231-937-4396 to speak to one of our caring veterinary staff members!
Hello all! My name is Dr. Ryan Buitenwerf (Bite N werf) but I go by Dr. Ryan at work because it is easier. I am a 1998 graduate of Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science, and a 2001 graduate of Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. I have been practicing for the last nineteen years in a small mixed animal practice in northeast Iowa. While in practice I spent more than 50% of my time treating all the small animals in the practice and split the rest of my time between beef, dairy, swine, exotic, and horses. I also taught as an adjunct professor at the local Veterinary Technician school for the past 6 years.
I married my wife in 2003 and we have four children. They range in age from 14 all the way down to 4. We enjoy being involved in our church and this has lead to us getting to travel the world serving others. I have been to Mongolia twice where I helped teach Mongolian veterinarians more modern medical procedures. I have been to Ethiopia three times, once to adopt, and twice to serve under privileged widows in a remote village. I treated their sick livestock and educated them in preventative medicine. Finally I have traveled to Kosovo, formerly part of Yugoslavia, four times where I have done some Biblical teaching, taught English, and just some humanitarian relief.
My family and I are looking forward to our time here in Howard City. We are excited to get involved in the school and local community. We enjoy kayaking as a family, along with watching movies and reading.
Dr Christine Crandall is a small animal veterinarian focusing exclusively on dogs and cats. She is a Michigan native who graduated with a biology degree from the University of Michigan, then attained her DVM from the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Missouri in Columbia. In her 28 years of practicing veterinary medicine, she believes passionately in strengthening the human/animal bond by helping clients to recognize the sometimes subtle ways that dogs, and especially cats, transmit their signs and symptoms of needing help. Her goals include providing a positive experience in the veterinary clinic for both pets and their family members. She has a special empathy for cats and small breed dogs.
She loves to travel with Jeff, her significant other of 25 years. They have experienced incredible journeys together, including cave exploring in Missouri, swimming with manatees in Florida, paddle boarding in the Caribbean, visiting the set of The Hobbit in New Zealand, feeding Tasmanian Devils in Tasmania, walking on a glacier in Alaska, and exploring Antelope Canyon in Arizona. Her goal is to visit all 59 US National Parks. At home she enjoys summer afternoons by the pool reading or doing jigsaw puzzles. In winter she likes to read in bed until the cats gather for naptime.
Michelle has been in this field since 2006. She started out as an assistant and has done just about every job and is now the manager. She has been at Howard City since 2016. She lives with her husband of 20+ years Ryan and their German Shepherds, Maltese and Mini Schnauzer. In her downtime, she enjoys working with her shepherds, spending time in her flower garden or just relaxing on the boat.
Jen has been a groomer, vet assistant and receptionist for over 20 years. She enjoys building client/pet relationships. She’s married with 2 stepdaughters, 2 boxers and 1 cat. In her spare time she enjoys kayaking, boating and spending time with family.
She has been in the veterinary industry for about 6 years. She has done reception work as well Veterinary Technician assistant and now has just started to make the transition to veterinary technician. . When she is not at work she enjoys camping, spending time with family and friends and snuggling with her 2 dogs a Vizsla name Frankie and Willow a Bernese Mountain dog. Her favorite part of the job is building relationships with the clients and their pets.
