Our Story
More Than a Clinic
Dr. Carla Christman began her career at a mixed animal practice in Deerfield, Wisconsin, caring for everything from farm animals to family pets. She quickly realized her true passion was companion animal medicine, and in 2001 she purchased a small practice on Madison's East Side — just two exam rooms and about 1,000 square feet.
From that modest start, Healthy Pet has grown into one of Madison's most trusted clinics, especially for pet owners who need advanced small mammal care that's hard to find anywhere else. Dr. Christman and her team have been dedicated to Madison's East Side community ever since.
More than two decades later, that founding vision hasn't changed. Every patient — whether a Labrador, a house cat, or a rabbit with a dental issue — receives the same level of thorough, compassionate, and expert care.
"We respect the cherished bond that exists between people and their beloved pets, and we want to do everything possible to keep pets happy and healthy throughout their entire lives."— Dr. Carla Christman, Founder & Owner
Our Founder
A Veterinarian Who Built Her Practice Around Small Mammals
Dr. Christman didn't just add small mammal care as a side offering — she built Healthy Pet around it. With over 20 years of hands-on experience treating exotic small mammals, she brings a depth of knowledge that most general practice veterinarians simply don't have.
Her four years serving on the board of the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians (AEMV) gave her access to the latest research, treatment protocols, and an international network of exotic animal specialists. That experience directly informs the care your pet receives at our clinic every single day.
Small mammals like rabbits, guinea pigs, and ferrets are prey animals — they instinctively hide signs of illness. By the time most owners notice something is wrong, the condition may already be advanced. Dr. Christman's training and extensive experience means she knows what to look for, how to diagnose accurately, and how to treat effectively — often catching issues that would be missed elsewhere.
When she's not at the clinic, Dr. Christman enjoys spending time in her garden, camping, and hiking. She shares her home with dogs, cats, and ferrets — because she doesn't just treat small mammals, she lives with them.
Why We Don't Say "Pocket Pets"
We call rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, and similar species what they truly are: Exotic Companion Mammals. These animals have fundamentally different anatomy, dietary needs, and health risks than dogs and cats. At Healthy Pet, they're not an afterthought — they're a core part of who we are, seen here every single day.
How We Work
Our Philosophy
We believe informed pet parents make the best decisions. We take time to explain every option, answer every question, and empower you to be your pet's best advocate.
We treat every client like family and every patient like our own. That philosophy isn't a marketing line — it's the foundation Dr. Christman built this clinic on in 2001.
We stay current on the latest veterinary technology and treatment options. Our team is always learning, always improving, and always pushing for the best possible care.
Whether it's a call, email, or text, we want to be the first people you reach out to with questions about your pet's health. No question is too small.
Meet the People Behind the Care
Our doctors and staff are passionate about the health and wellbeing of every patient that comes through our doors.
Our Doctors
Our Veterinarians
A 1996 UW–Madison Vet Med graduate, Dr. Christman opened Healthy Pet in 2001 and has built it into Madison's premier destination for small mammal veterinary care. Her four years on the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians board and over two decades of daily exotic mammal experience make her one of the most uniquely qualified small mammal vets in the region.
Known warmly by clients and staff as "Dr. Ola," Dr. Ostrowski brings compassionate, thorough veterinary care to every patient she sees — from routine wellness visits to more complex medical cases. Full bio coming soon.
Our Staff
Technicians & Support Staff
Mike joined Healthy Pet in 2012, bringing nearly 30 years of management and corporate training experience. A former Firefighter/EMT and 911 Dispatcher for over 17 years, he sees a clear parallel between public safety and veterinary care: trust and teamwork are the foundation of every great outcome.
Amber grew up in Johnson Creek and studied in Lake Mills. She shares her home with 4 dogs, 2 cats, 4 chinchillas, and 24 rabbits. When she's not at the clinic, she's enjoying the outdoors — skeet shooting and a variety of outdoor sports.
Born and raised in Taiwan, Katelyn graduated from UW–Madison in Microbiology and completed her Vet Tech Program at Madison College. Currently a veterinary student at UW–Madison (graduating 2028), she specializes in small animal and exotic medicine. She has four cats: Hana, Kazu, Yuka, and Haru.
Alex is a 3rd-year veterinary student at UW–Madison, excited to put his clinical skills to work helping patients at Healthy Pet. When he's not in the clinic or classroom, you'll likely find him out on the water fishing.
Autum is enrolled at MATC on the path to becoming a Veterinary Technician or Veterinarian. She has two guinea pigs and three cats, and loves spending her free time with family, friends, and her animals. She also enjoys drawing and singing.
Olivia moved from South Minneapolis to Madison in 2023 to attend UW–Madison, graduating Spring 2026 with a double major in Animal & Veterinary Biosciences and Zoology. She plans to apply to veterinary school, has a cat named Bilbo, and loves exploring cafes, drawing, and movies.