Our Veterinary Team

Meet the staff

We have a fully trained veterinary and technical staff to ensure the safest, most efficient, procedures for your pet. Through continuing education, we stay up to date with the most recent developments within the veterinary field. In addition, or staff is active in showing and breeding dogs with many years of experience.

Our founding doctor 

Jean Metzler, MS, DVM

Dr. Metzler passed away on September 27, 2022. She attended the University of California at Davis where she earned her BS in Animal Science (with high honors), her MS in Animal Science (reproductive behavior), and her DVM from UCD Veterinary School. She opened Orangevale Veterinary Hospital in October 1998. Her interest in purebred dogs began in her teens when she acquired her first show dog, a Gordon Setter bitch, finishing her AKC conformation and field championships, and put obedience titles on her. She has bred and owned top producers of several breeds, including Gordon Setters, English Cocker Spaniels, Greyhounds, and currently, Longhaired Miniature Dachshunds. Not only has she participated in conformation shows but has competed in field trials, earth dog, obedience, Schutzhund, tracking, lure coursing, and open field coursing over the years. Dr. Metzler firmly believed that every dog should be able to do the job the breed was developed to do.

Our Doctor

Christine Gerst, DVM

Dr. Gerst graduated from Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2010 and has served as Medical Director at two different local hospitals prior to coming to Orangevale Veterinary Hospital. She met Dr. Metzler in 2019 and worked some relief for her through COVID. During her career Dr. Gerst has had many breeding/show/field trial clients and will continue with the reproduction work as was Dr. Metzler’s intent.

Our Support Staff

Sandi – Practice Manager

I have been working at veterinary hospitals since 1986 and joined Dr. Metzler and her staff in 2010 as the Practice Manager. I have always had a great interest in reproduction and fertility since my hobby since 1974 has been breeding and showing English Setters. As a breeder I had attended many seminars on reproduction to further my knowledge about breeding. When the opportunity at Orangevale Veterinary Hospital became available, I was excited at the prospect to learn more regarding reproduction and fertility from Dr. Metzler.

Karyn – Bookkeeper

I joined Dr. Metzler and her staff in 2005 as the bookkeeper. I have been fortunate in the training that Dr. Metzler has provided me in working as a veterinary assistant. I have been showing dogs since 1974 having bred and titled many champions in the breed ring as well as obedience and rally titles in the performance ring.

Brandy – Reception

I have been in the veterinary field for eight years and been at Orangevale Veterinary Hospital for three years. I have two cats of my own and love being outside with animals. The reproductive field has opened my eyes to so many new aspects of the veterinary business and I learn new things all the time. While at Orangevale I have met so many great clients and co-workers and love my work here.

Elaine – Reception

I have been breeding dogs for close to forty-five years and have found that there is always something new to learn. I’ve known Dr. Metzler since 2004 when I became a client of hers. I love showing my Havanese and have a wonderful husband that supports my hobby and has even learned to show dogs with me. My six years at Orangevale Veterinary Hospital have been educational and love that Dr. Metzler shares her knowledge regarding both veterinary care, and reproduction.

Kira – Veterinary Assistant

I am a veterinary technician student at Carrington College, and I just started in the field. I used to be a barista so coming into vet med was a big change, but I am happy with my decision. I never would have imagined finding a passion for reproduction yet here at Orangevale Veterinary Hospital my interests have changed in that direction and I’m excited to grow in the field.

Mia – Veterinary Assistant

I am currently attending Carrington College in their Veterinary Technician program. Working here at Orangevale Veterinary Hospital was my first experience in the vet field and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. I have interest in breeding dogs in my future so working at a reproduction clinic has truly opened my eyes. I am excited to get my license in a year and continue in my vet med career!

Jordan – Veterinary Assistant

I am currently a fourth year Animal Science major at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo applying to vet schools to be a Reproductive Veterinarian for large and small animals. I have successfully bred beef cows and horses at Cal Poly through the enterprise classes. Also, at Cal Poly I am a leader and president of Poly Pups where we train Guide Dogs for the Blind. I am currently raising my second guide dog. During high school I was a part of Future Farmers of America where I earned my FFA American Degree and I raised a total of seven market goats, one who received Champion Market Goat at Placer County Fair.