Anthony Tavormina, DVM
From his earliest memories, Dr. Tony knew he wanted to be a veterinarian. As a child and young adult, Dr. Tony would frequently find stray animals and bring them home where he would clean them up, and find each animal a loving, permanent home. Several of these strays found a loving, permanent home with Dr. Tony - including several ducks, snakes, sparrows, and rabbits.
Dr. Tony graduated from the University of Missouri with a DVM in veterinary medicine in 1986. Upon graduation, his first position was at an animal hospital in West Babylon, NY. He then accepted a position at the Associated Humane Societies in Newark, NJ, as chief veternarian. He served on the Board of Trustees, a position he held until 2001. In 1993, Dr. Tony fulfilled yet another life-long dream and founded VIP Animal Hospital in Elizabeth, NJ, where he has been practicing ever since.
While VIP primarily specializes in small animals, Dr. Tony frequently assists in the caring for large animals. In fact, one of his most memorable experiences was helping an elephant give birth at the Elizabeth Port. In the spring of 2007, Dr. Tony traveled to South Africa to assist in the tagging of rhinoceros, to aid South Africa in conducting wildlife preservation research.
Dr. Tony lives with his wife of 26 years, his three children, and their four dogs. The most recent addition to his family is "Bella", a year-old St. Bernard, who frequently visits VIP. Dr Tony's favorite pastimes include: photography, going on safaris in Africa, watching the television shows: Lost and Survivor, and going to the gym.
Nicholas Munroe
Specially trained as an veterinary technician by Dr. Tony, Nick became a member of the VIP team in 2004. He feels the most rewarding aspect of working at VIP is knowing that he has actively assisted in the recuperation of sick animals and has eased the worrying of loving pet owners.
Nick has been an animal lover all of his life and has had all types of small pets ranging from goldfish to cats. Currently, Nick has two sons and a pure white Siberian Husky named "Dakota."
Some of Nick's favorite pastimes include: spending time with his girlfriend, playing strategic mind games, and working out.
Peggi Malone
Peggi began her career working as a Judicial Secretary for the Union County Courts for nearly twenty years. Peggi became an important member of the VIP team in 2004.
Peggi lives at home with her husband of 45 years and currently has three cats and four dogs - three Pitbulls and a Beagle mix. All of her furry family members have been rescued. Due to her love of rescued animals, one of Peggi's favorite responsibilites at VIP is finding loving, permanent homes for adoptable animals.
Peggi can frequently be seen attending to all office functions at VIP. When not at work, Peggi enjoys spending time with her children, attending hockey games, and looking after her grandsons.
Kathryn Bell
After graduating from high school, Kathie worked for the State of New Jersey in an administrative position for thirteen years. Leaving her full-time position to raise her three children, Kathie has been working at VIP since 2000. Kathie can be seen volunteering in the front office on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The remainder of the week, she works as a loving preschool teacher.
Ever since Kathie can remember, her house has been filled with animals (brought home by her older brother, Dr. Tony), a fact that has instilled a dedication to the general well-being of all living things.
Kathie lives with her husband, David, a NJ State Detective, her children, and her three year old Shih Tzu "Libby." Her favorite activities include: reading novels, cooking and baking, playing poker, and home decorating.