Our doctors
Involved in every choice
We want you to be involved in your pet’s health care and choices. We spend the extra time to thoroughly discuss your pet’s health and medical conditions so that you can make educated choices about their health care needs.
D.V.M., B.S., C.A.C., C.V.A.
Dr. Karen Strickfaden
Dr. Strickfaden’s interest in holistic medicine has stemmed from her personal experiences and her own medical issues growing up. She enjoys the challenge of helping an animal that no one else could. She is originally from Troy, Michigan. She shares her home with Chaz, her Boxer mix and Pooh and Tigger, her cats.
Dr. Strickfaden believes pets have taught her the meaning of unconditional love: a quiet loyalty, shared routines, and a comfort that never needs words. The bond runs both ways, and her role as a veterinarian is to honor, heal, and protect that connection when it matters most.
- B.S. in Biology, University of Michigan, cum laude
- D.V.M., Michigan State University, Phi Zeta honors
- Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
- Certified in Animal Chiropractic
- Practice emphasis: holistic medicine
Post graduate courses and training
- Biophysical wellness support
- Western & Chinese Herbology
- Flower Essence Therapy
- Applied Kinesiology
- Craniosacral therapy
- Osteopathic Animal Normalization Therapy
- IASIS Neurofeedback Therapy
D.V.M., B.S.
Dr. Aili Heintz
Dr. Heintz is originally from the area and grew up just outside of Howard. She is married and has 2 sons. Her hobbies include cooking, gardening, family adventures, and fishing and swimming. She shares her home with a dog named Bonnie.
Dr. Heintz believes there is nothing better at the end of the day than being greeted at the door by her dog’s wagging tail and happy kisses! Even on the toughest days, pets remind us that we are loved. They teach us what matters most is being present with one another.
- B.S. in Science in Agriculture, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, magna cum laude candidate
- D.V.M., University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, high honors
- Practice emphasis: exotic medicine, small animal medicine and surgery
Our staff
Get to know our staff
We all love animals! Select anyone’s photo to learn more about them.
In their words
The hearts we’ve touched
“I trust you and truly believe you are looking out for our pets’ best interests. On a scale of 1 to 10, you are off the charts. Everyone at Countrycare shows genuine compassion and concern for the pets and the owners. During the last 9 years we have brought seven of our pets to Countrycare, and the care they have received has always been top notch. Your motto is ‘modern veterinary medicine with old-fashioned caring!’ and you truly practice it day to day.”
“We bring our English Bulldogs to Countrycare Animal Complex for many reasons. The most important reason is trust. We know the doctors and staff will do anything and everything they can to give our dogs the best care possible. They are there to provide us with the professional yet understanding support that every family with pets should have. We wouldn’t trust anybody else!”
“Since CAC has become my primary veterinary clinic I have introduced many friends, clients and my sisters to the clinic, both of which have told me how grateful they are to have “found” a clinic with such progressive and highly qualified doctors. The quality of the support staff that helps keep things moving smoothly is also important. The first impression you get of any clinic comes from the reception staff; at CAC you are always met with a smile and a big HELLO! The welcoming atmosphere, the mere presence of the building, the modern technology, the progressive thinking, the compassion shown to the humans and animals are all things I love about CAC but it truly is the people inside the building that keep me coming back! THANK YOU CAC for making an impression on my life and on the lives of my boys!”
“Everyone is absolutely wonderful! There’s a reason we drive from Wausau to Countrycare! Thanks!”
“Everytime I go there with my dog or message them a question and even boarding I feel very comfortable and know that Litty is well taken care off. My questions are always answered and everyone is always so friendly and welcoming when we come in.”
“Jeff and I are extremely grateful to everyone we came into contact with with regards to our ginger Charlie. The care and the continuous follow ups set my mind at ease knowing that our boy was constantly on your minds wanting updates on how he was progressing. Thankfully he was progressing in the right direction. We cannot thank you all enough!”
“Love how caring the staff was for not only my dog but me too! I was very worried about my boy and they helped us both. He was sooo loved the entire time there. It was evident everyone truly cares about what they do! Not an easy job at all. Thank you for all yall do!!!”
“Dr. Heintz took the time to listen to my concerns and was very patient with my nervous dog. She even introduced herself when we stopped in for a ‘happy visit’ to get my dog used to the facility and associate it with positive things. She was very understanding and knowledgeable in how to approach my dog who is extremely fearful of strangers and also provided great treatment for my dog! It meant so much to me to have her take the time needed with my dog so she can get the care she needs!”
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