Our Veterinarians
Dr. Eric Rice
DVM
Dr. Rice grew up in WNY and graduated from Hamburg High School. He went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from SUNY Fredonia. He graduated from Veterinary School at the University of Tennessee in 2002, and has been practicing Veterinary Medicine in WNY ever since. He enjoys spending time with family, and outdoor activities such as hiking, and boating. He also listens to music and reads, and watches the Bills and Sabres. Dr. Rice lives with his wife, two daughters, and a pet Labrador Retriever and Lion Head Rabbit.
Dr. Joshua Bruzgul
DVM
I’m a second generation veterinarian dedicated to bettering the lives of pets and pet owners in Western New York.
Caring for a pet has a proven effect on our physical and mental health. That makes it our duty to provide only the best to them. Along with top quality preventive medicine, we also have one of the best orthopedic surgery programs available.
Our mission is to educate pet owners and strengthen your bond with your furry companions. Everyone at Alden Small Animal Hospital is a pet owner, so we know you only want the best for them.
Dr. Rachel Rowell
DVM
Dr. Rowell was born and raised in Buffalo, NY. She completed her Associate’s degree in Veterinary Technology, Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Master’s degree in Psychology from Medaille College. She worked as a licensed veterinary technician until she pursued her dream of becoming a veterinarian. She graduated from Kansas State University in 2013 with her Doctorate degree in Veterinary Medicine. She came back to Buffalo, NY to be close to family and friends and worked at another local veterinary clinic for 9 years before joining us at Alden Animal Hospital in May 2022. Dr. Rowell enjoys preventative medicine, client education, dentistry and internal medicine. When not working, Dr. Rowell enjoys traveling with her family, home-brewing with her husband, playing volleyball and loves being a soccer and cheer mom!
Our Team
Our staff at Alden Animal Hospital is highly trained and committed to making sure every experience is outstanding.
Peter, LVT
Position: Practice Manager, Licensed Veterinary Technician
Pets: Frank
Peter has been a veterinary technician for 7 years. He grew up in Alden and he wanted to work with animals for most of his life. He has one pet, an old cat named Frank. In his spare time he loves to exercise, spend time outside (in the summer at least), and play board games with his friends and family.
Madeline, LVT
Position: Licensed Veterinary Technician
Pets: Leia, Andie, Sully, Mike
Hi my name is Madeline, but you probably know me here as Maddie! I’ve been a vet tech since 2020, graduating from Genesee Community College and have been with Alden since 2017. My husband Zach and I have 3 sheep, 3 dogs, 5 cats and a whole flock of turkeys and chickens. Who knows what else we will add to our mini farm in the future!
Andrea, LVT
Position: Licensed Veterinary Technician
Andrea graduated from Medaille in 2005 and has been working at Alden Animal Hospital ever since. When she is not working she enjoys spending her time with her husband and 2 little girls.
Kaitlyn, LVT
Position: Licensed Veterinary Technician
Pets: Indigo, Cornelia
My name is Katie and I’ve been a Vet Tech since 2019. I have a cat named Indigo, a dog named Cornelia and a son. In my free time I enjoy traveling, reading and trying new coffee shops.
Angelina
Position: Client Service Representative
Pets: Indy, Steve, Tarzan
Angelina has been at Alden Animal Hospital for 5 years. She enjoys reading classic literature, nature walks, and visiting historical sites and churches. When not at work she is gardening at her country home with her dogs and cats.
Samantha
Position: Assistant
Pets: Jiji, Jinx, Ghost, Jasper, Jr.
Hi my name is Samantha or Sam, and I’ve been an assistant for 3 years. I am a former Medaille student and a recent SUNY Delhi Vet tech graduate. I have 3 cats, Jiji, Jinx and Ghost. I also have 2 rabbits, Jasper and Jr. In my spare time I enjoy, fishing, hiking, traveling, and video games!
Bianca
Position: Client Service Representative
Pets: Glacier, Gizmo, Meatball, Coco-Noodle
Hi! I’m Bianca. I have been working in vet medicine for 3 years. I have a 7 year old Siberian Husky named Glacier, a 4 year old Shiba Inu named Gizmo and two 7 year old ferrets named Meatball and Coco-Noodle. In my free time I like to walk with my dogs and color. I love and have a passion for animals, so working in the vet field is a dream come true.
Erin
Position: Groomer
Erin has previously worked here as a Veterinary Technician when she began to pursue dog grooming in 2015. Over the past decade she has developed her grooming experience and skills with dogs of all different breeds, sizes, ages, and temperaments! Her grooming process will give your pup the one-on-one attention that they deserve and make it the most comfortable and stress-free experience possible.
Check out our “Grooming” page for more info!
Velvet Francesca Rinaldi
Position: Head Su-purr-visor
Hi! I’m Velvet! I am the hospital cat at Alden Small Animal Hospital. You may not see me very often as I usually stay in the back of the hospital. I love to sit on top of our vaccine fridge and sleep all day. Sometimes I help wake up your pets from anesthesia but I am always very gentle. If you see me wandering around please give me a pat on the head or a scratch on the butt.
Karen
In Rememberance