Meet Our Team!

Owner/Medical Director

A native of New Jersey, Dr. Ammeraal grew up in Roxbury and currently resides in Morris County. Dr. Ammeraal received his undergraduate degree from The Ohio State University with honors in 2003.

He attended Ross University and completed clinical rotations at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine where he received his DVM degree in 2007. After graduating from veterinary school, Dr. Ammeraal began practicing small animal medicine in New York, then in New Jersey for a few small animal hospitals, and has been in practice for over 13 years.

In October 2020 his dream came true; he became the practice owner at Sova Animal Hospital in Butler, NJ. Dr. Ammeraal is a member of the NJVMA, AVMA, and AAHA and he is USDA-accredited for international health certificates.

Dr. Ammeraal has extensive medical interests including dentistry, internal medicine, surgery, dermatology, and ultrasonography. He is dedicated to providing the highest quality veterinary medical care for his patients with the utmost compassion, attention, and a comprehensive approach for healthy, long-term, and happy human-to-pet relationships.

He has always had a strong passion and interest in animals and science. Through the years, Dr. Ammeraal has assisted with the rescue of wildlife and given his time to care for animals in need. In his spare time, he enjoys golfing, biking, traveling, learning about new technology and spending time with his wife Leigh, their dog, Jake, and cat, Abby.

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Sova’s interest in veterinary medicine started at a young age. He spent much of his youth caring for animals at his father’s veterinary practice. He graduated from Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and then served as a captain in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps.

After his discharge, he was an associate veterinarian in Cedar Grove, New Jersey, and a part-time clinician at the ASPCA in New York City. In 1975, Dr. Sova established Sova Animal Hospital in Butler, New Jersey, and has been serving the community ever since.

His special interests include surgery and diagnostic work-ups. When not at work, he enjoys photography, scuba diving, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Practice Manager

Born and raised on the New Jersey shore, Hailey had a strong love for animals starting at a young age. After working at a dog daycare and boarding facility in high school, she knew right away that she wanted to be in the veterinary field.

While attending Becker College in Massachusetts majoring in Veterinary Science, Hailey was hired as a receptionist at her very first animal hospital. Since then, she has worked her way up through all aspects of a veterinary practice and found her passion in veterinary practice management.

Hailey shares her home with her husband, two dogs (Laila and Avery), and three cats (Jersey, Prim, and Eevee). In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach, and attending confirmation dog shows.

Veterinary Technician

Dannie has been with Sova Animal Hospital since 2004. At the age of 16, she started working as a kennel assistant while attending Morris County Vocational School of Technology.

In 1995, Dannie graduated with a degree in Animal Science. Pursuing her dream and her love for animals, Dannie continued to work while being a wife, a mother of her two handsome boys (18 and 16), and attending all their events (football, baseball, hockey, and mountain biking).

Now 25 years later, she continues to do what she loves the most: loving and caring for animals.

Veterinary Technician

Marco joined our staff in 2020. He is a NJ native and he started in the veterinary industry 9 years ago. Marco enjoys working with all types of animals from cats to dogs and guinea pigs to reptiles.

Marco spends most of his time with his dog, cat, and many reptiles. Marco plans to create an animal sanctuary someday to care for animals in need of their forever homes. Marco’s favorite part of his job is getting rewarded with a kiss from his furry friends!

Veterinary Technician

Bleona is our newest team member and has been a wonderful addition to our hospital. Originally from Albania, Bleona moved to the United States two years ago and has been working in veterinary medicine for over 4 years.

Her passions include surgery and pathology. When Bleona is not here caring for your pets, she spends a lot of time taking in the beauty of nature on long walks and trying new and exciting experiences.

Veterinary Assistant

Mike officially joined out staff in 2023 after previously working with us as a volunteer during his college breaks.

He recently graduated from the University of Vermont with his bachelor’s degree in animal science and will be applying to vet schools soon!

Born and raised in northern New Jersey, Kathy has always been a lover of animals. It was her dream as a child to work at a veterinary hospital and she was absolutely elated when that dream came true. Kathy is a lover of gentle giants!
She shares her home with her husband, two children, and dog Sally (Golden Retriever Mix).

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, vacationing, shopping and going to concerts.

Veterinary Receptionist

Lacey joined our staff in 2021. Lacey is cross trained as a Veterinary Technician and receptionist and has been in the industry for 18 years.

In Lacey’s down time, she enjoys hiking, paddleboarding, amateur pet photography, guitar, singing, and breweries.

She also does wildlife rehab for squirrels and fosters kittens from the ACC euthanasia list for Ginny’s 10th Life Rescue.

Veterinary Receptionist

Dominique joined our staff in 2021 and has been in the veterinary field for 6 years.

Her fur family consists of Mason and Sadie, whom she enjoys spending her free time with. Dominique enjoys going to a concert in every state.

Veterinary Receptionist

Bio coming soon!