Michelle Forella

Michelle Forella

Degrees: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)

College of veterinary medicine: Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine

  I believe being a veterinarian is one of the most important jobs, because our patients can’t use words to tell us what they need. It’s our responsibility to truly listen to them, respect them, and advocate for their well-being. That belief motivates me to go above and beyond basic pet care and always strive to do what’s best for every pet I meet.

  My goal walking into every patient visit is to make sure you feel heard and understood—and to get to the true root of whatever is going on with your pet. I strive to create a low-stress, comfortable experience for both you and your pet. I want to know what matters most to you as a pet parent so I can help your companion live their longest, healthiest, happiest life. I take a holistic approach to veterinary care, considering your pet’s entire lifestyle, routine, and well-being. When a pet first arrives for a visit, my priority is helping them feel safe. Using gentle handling and lots of patience to reduce fear and stress leads to better relationships, and better medical outcomes.

  I developed this approach after working in many different settings, from emergency rooms to spay/neuter clinics to hometown practices like Hopmeadow. I owe so much of my career to my first mentor, Dr. Tulman; we initially connected over our shared history of sailing around Block Island, and from there discovered a mutual love of surgery. He practiced in an era when there were few (if any) specialists around, which meant he learned to perform a wide range of surgeries out of necessity. He generously passed that knowledge on to me. More importantly, he taught me that there is no limit to what I can do to help my patients if I’m willing to put in the time and dedication to learn. His guidance shaped the doctor I am today. Serving as the Chief of Staff at Hopmeadow where I can guide future generations is the best way to carry on his legacy.

  My husband, Dustin, and I share our home with four wonderful pets: Jazz, our goofy Boxer; Sully, our scruffy terrier mix; and our two cats Henry and Roger. Besides the love they give, my animals make me a better veterinarian. Even with my medical knowledge, I still feel the same worry every pet parent feels when something is wrong, and that experience helps me support my clients with more empathy and understanding. My first cat, Henry, taught me how uniquely cats communicate, helping me grow into a bona fide cat person. And as Jazz has aged and developed arthritis, caring for him has sparked my passion for pain prevention and management in senior pets.

  I have been active in the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association for several years, and recently served as the association’s President. Outside the clinic, some of my favorite things include gardening, biking, swimming, hiking and backpacking, and spending time around boats. As a Connecticut native and UConn grad, I love cheering on UConn basketball - go Huskies!