Meet Our Team!
Meet the compassionate, skilled veterinarians and staff at Sova Animal Hospital, dedicated to providing exceptional care for your beloved pets.
Get to Know Our Team!
We are solely dedicated to your pet’s care! We look forward to getting to know you, and we hope you’ll take the time to scroll down and get to know us.
Veterinarians
Dr. John Ammeraal
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.
Dr. Robert Sova
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.
Dr. Victoria Dodson
Dr. Victoria Dodson is a proud graduate of Michigan State University, where she earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2018. A lifelong animal lover and Morris County native, she is thrilled to be caring for pets in the community she calls home.
Dr. Dodson has special interests in dentistry, soft tissue surgery, and compassionate end-of-life care. She is a Certified Peaceful Euthanasia Veterinarian (CPEV) and is passionate about helping families navigate difficult decisions with dignity, empathy, and support. She is also USDA-accredited and committed to providing care that aligns with Fear Free principles, always striving to create a low-stress experience for both pets and their people.
Prior to joining Sova Animal Hospital, Dr. Dodson worked in several small animal practices across northern New Jersey. Her approach to veterinary medicine is rooted in communication, education, and kindness—she aims to ensure every client feels heard and every patient receives thoughtful, individualized care.
Dr. Dodson lives in Butler with her husband, Andrew, their two children, Liesel and Levi, and a houseful of beloved pets—including three rescue dogs, Sophie, Tico, and Margarita (Rita); a blind cat, Minnie; and two ball pythons, Bocce and Pickle. When she’s not in the clinic, you can find her crocheting stuffed animals, exploring the Adirondacks with her family, or gardening at home.
Practice Manager
Rob VanDeusen
Born and raised in Michigan, I enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a Hospital Corpsman right out of high school and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. After my service, I earned degrees from the University of Michigan and Columbia University. I spent several years working in human medicine while also giving back to my community as a volunteer firefighter and ambulance corps member.
In 2016, I chose to follow my lifelong love for animals and transitioned into veterinary medicine. Today, I find joy in helping pet parents and veterinary professionals grow, while supporting the delivery of the best possible veterinary care.
Outside of work, I’m a proud father of two and share my home with a lively crew of pets: Spike, my French Bulldog (a special pup from the first C-section I ever assisted with), Daisy the Doberman, and three cats—Moppy the Persian, Ray Ray (a fearless cat without eyes), and Negrita a rescue. Rounding out the family are about 30 chickens who keep life interesting.
Veterinary Technicians
Dannie
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.
Marco
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!
Justin
Veterinary Technician
Justin joined Sova Animal Hospital in February 2024. He has always been passionate about all animals both big and small. At a very young age, he used to help his family’s dogs give birth and raise their puppies until they found their forever homes.
Now he lives with his Pitbull, Eevee, that keeps him active and loved with her nurturing and energetic personality. They love spending time outdoors at dog parks or hiking in the woods.
When he is not at work or spending time with his doggo, he is out spending time with his family and friends.
Amanda
Veterinary Technician
Amanda is a dedicated Veterinary Technician with over eight years of experience in veterinary medicine. She previously held the role of Lead Technician for five years at a different animal hospital, where she developed advanced skills in patient care, surgical assistance, and client education. Her passion for animal welfare extends beyond the clinic. Since 2018, Amanda has actively fostered for various animal rescue organizations and is currently in the process of launching her own rescue. She’s deeply committed to giving animals a second chance and providing safe, loving homes to those in need.
At home, Amanda cares for her six beloved rescue dogs, who keep her busy and inspired. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending quality time with her fiancé and attending country concerts.
Mike
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!
Veterinary Receptionists
Kathy
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.
Lacey
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.
Cait
Cait started her career in veterinary medicine in 2016 and joined Sova Animal Hospital in 2021. After moving to Illinois for a year and a half, she returned to her home state of NJ in July of 2025 and plans to be here for good! Cait’s love of animals stems back to childhood as her home was never without at least one rescue dog. Cait has always wanted to work with animals and considers working in veterinary medicine to be a dream come true. Currently, she and her husband Ryan are the fur-parents of three rescue dogs – Roo, Sarge, & Hurley. In her spare time, Cait enjoys visiting new breweries with friends and going to concerts – her favorite band is Fall Out Boy!
Jenn
Jenn has had a lifelong love for animals, which naturally led her to begin her career working in a dog daycare before transitioning into the veterinary hospital setting. Caring for pets and supporting the people who love them quickly became a passion, inspiring her to grow in the field.
She earned her Business Management degree from Ramapo College of New Jersey and hopes to combine her education with her love for animals to continue building a meaningful career in veterinary medicine. Her rescue dog, Duke, her “soul dog” has been a huge part of her journey and a daily reminder of why she is so dedicated to helping pets live happy, healthy lives.
When she’s not working with animals, Jenn enjoys fashion and shopping, discovering new restaurants, fitness, and spending time with her family and friends.