Our Team of Veterinarians

Canines, Cats and Critters is a full-service veterinary medical facility, boarding facility, grooming and pet store with three island practices located in the US and British Virgin Islands. 

With a team of highly skilled veterinarians, the professional and courteous staff at Canines, Cats & Critters are dedicated to provide the best possible medical, surgical and dental care for our highly-valued patients.

We are committed to promoting responsible pet ownership, preventative health care and health-related educational opportunities for our clients. Canines, Cats & Critters strives to offer excellence in veterinary care to the US and British Virgin Islands.

Please contact us at any of our 3 island locations
St. John USVI - (340) 693-7780
St. Thomas USVI - (340) 775-7780
Tortola BVI - (284) 495-3109

To learn more about our veterinary practice and find out how Canines, Cats & Critters can serve the needs of you and your cherished pet.
  • Mon-Fri: 9:00am - 5:00pm
  • Sat: 9:00am - 1:00pm (store only)
  • Sun: Closed

  • Dr. Laura Palminteri, VMD

    Veterinarian (STJ / STT / BVI)
    Dr. Laura graduated cum laude from University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1991.  Her first few years of veterinary practice were as an equine veterinarian at the racetracks around New York City.  In 1998, she relocated to St. John USVI and opened the first Canines, Cats & Critters which was the first veterinary clinic based on St John.  Over the past 20 years, the clinic expanded to Tortola BVI and St Thomas USVI.  Dr. Laura's specialties include advanced surgeries, with an emphasis on orthopedic surgery and equine medicine.  She travels to all the islands in the USVI and BVI as the sole equine veterinarian in the territory.  Her two sons were born and raised on St. John and attended Gifft Hill School.  In their free time the family enjoys boating, fishing, and diving. Dr Laura is the President of the USVI Veterinary Board and a member of the USVI Horse Racing Commission. 
    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 1991
    Education:
    University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine
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    Dr. Maria Catlett

    Veterinarian (STJ)
    Dr. Maria obtained her undergraduate degree from the University of Central Florida in Orlando Florida.  She earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from St. Matthews University in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands with clinical year spent at the University of Minnesota in St. Paul Minnesota in 2013.  Her interests include sailing, hiking, SCUBA and cooking.  Dr. Maria is a general practitioner focused on wellness and helping the animal-loving community of St. John.  
    Education:
    University of Central Florida and University of Grand Caymen
    Interests:
    Sailing, hiking, SCUBA and cooking

  • Dr. Karen Hauer

    Veterinarian (STT)
    Dr. Karen earned her degree as Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University with a Bachelors in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.  She is particularly interested in anesthesia, pain management, high quality and high volume spay neuter and heart worm disease. 
    She enjoys hiking, yoga, kayaking, free diving and spending time with family.  
    From Dr. Karen: " I love being a veterinarian because I get to help so many people by helping their best friend."
    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 2004
    Education:
    DVM Mississippi State University and BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
    Interests:
    hiking, yoga, kayaking, freediving, spending time with family. I love being a veterinarian because I get to help so many people by helping their best friend.