Our Veterinarians
Meet Our Team!
Get To Know Our Team!
We are solely dedicated to your pet’s care! We look forward to getting to know you and hope you’ll take the time to scroll down and get to know us.
Meet Our Veterinarians
Dr. Ted Spinks, VMD
Founder & Chief of Staff
Under his guidance and nearly four decades of experience, the hospital has earned the respect and trust throughout Sussex County as a leader in the veterinary profession. He has brought the Hospital to a level of highest marks for exceptional professionalism and compassion for the animal patients and their owners, with a team of 7 veterinarians that share in his vision.
Dr. Spinks’s Bio
Dr. Spinks, born and raised in Sandyston Township in Sussex County, acquired his desire to become a veterinarian from growing up on the family farm. There, he raised various farm animals, quarter horses, English settlers, and cats. He is an avid participant in the local community concerning animals, including 4-H programs, school lectures, and Cow Kids programs, and is a speaker at various feline and canine breeder clubs. He is an active member of the N.J. Veterinary Medical Association, A.V.M.A., and the American Animal Hospital Association, and he provides a great deal of support to local rescues and sanctuaries and is proud to boast that AHSC is a cat-friendly practice.
After graduating with honors from our local Pope John XXIII High School, completing his undergraduate degree in Animal Science in only 3 years from the Penn State University magna cum laude, and graduating from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1981, Dr. Spinks has returned to his hometown very well qualified. Building the AAHA-certified Animal Hospital in Augusta in 1986, after gaining experience in practice in Pennsylvania and New York, he has maintained the quality in small animal practice, using his experience and AAHA’s stringent standards for excellence in the field of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery.
After 15 years of growth in the existing animal hospital facility, Dr. Spinks found the need to expand the team of staff and veterinarians, as well as the hospital itself. Using the standards of the American Animal Hospital Association and a veterinary design architect, he designed the newest veterinary hospital in Sussex County. He visited animal hospitals across the United States including the Hospital of the Year in Yorba Linda California for design and ideas. Every detail was planned using Frank Loyd Wright architecture including spacious areas with natural light throughout. The staff, along with the clients and their pets find the design to make their experience comfortable and many have said that the facility is actually much nicer than their own personal medical facilities. Dr. Spinks did not use a general contractor but contracted it himself, controlling every detail of construction to ensure the best quality in materials and craftsmanship.
His unique interests include canine orthopedics, along with cryosurgery. He is Penn Hip certified which enables him to perform special tests to detect hip dysplasia in dogs at an early age. He has always found an interest in difficult medical and surgical cases and gladly welcomes second opinions. In conclusion, your companion animals will be in good hands with Dr. Spinks at the helm of the Animal Hospital of Sussex County.
Dr. Spinks’s Unique Interests
- Canine & Feline Orthopedic Surgeries
- Feline & Canine Internal Medicine
- Feline & Canine Soft Tissue Surgery
- Echocardiology & Ultrasonography
Dr. Courtney Scairpon
DVM
Dr. Courtney Scairpon is a lifelong resident of Sussex County. Graduating from Pope John XXIII High School, Dr. Scairpon received her undergraduate degree in Animal Science from Rutgers University. She then went on to complete her veterinarian degree at University College Dublin in Ireland.
After 4 years of being abroad, she has returned home to her family roots. As early as she can recall, Dr. Scairpon always wanted to be a veterinarian. In her off time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and her German Shorthair Pointer, Cooper. Her hobbies include photography, traveling, and reading a good book. Dr. Courtney has been with us since 2016, and we couldn’t imagine the clinic without her!
Dr. Courtney’s Unique Interests:
- Soft Tissue Surgery
- PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Therapy
- ACL (cruciate ligament surgery)
- Class 4 Laser Therapy
Dr. Monique Obsharski
DVM
Dr. Monique Obsharski was born and raised right here in Sussex County. Growing up on a farm, her family had horses, cows, pigs, and chickens, which led her onto the path of becoming not only a small animal veterinarian, but she loves treating large animals as well! After graduating from High Point High School, Dr. Monique made her way to Cornell University to pursue her dreams of being a veterinarian. She graduated in 2019 with a Doctorate of Medicine.
Dr. Monique has a vast knowledge of reproductive work, which she gained over the years of assisting her family in breeding German Shepherds. In her off-hours, Dr. Mo and her best friend, GSD Starra, have been working on agility and obedience training. She is also obsessed with all things Disney (so much so that she even attends marathons held right in the park!). She is an integral part of our team treating all sorts of small & large animals, and we’re incredibly grateful to have her!
Dr. Monique’s Unique Interests:
- Large Animals
- Soft tissue surgery
- Reproductive Services
- Chickens
Dr. Gabrielle Catania
DVM
Meet Dr. Gabrielle Catania. A newer member of the Caring Vets team, she studied at Ross University, finishing her clinical year at Tufts University. She loves veterinary dermatology and enjoys seeing — and helping — all the itchy dogs get over their issues.
While based in St. Kitts during her time at Ross, Dr. Gabby adopted four island dogs that she brought back with her upon her return to the mainland. Fun trivia: all of her dogs are named after food! Their names are Banana, Chicken, Bagel, and Potato. (And she now has a cat named Pickles!)
Dr. Gabby’s Unique Interests:
- Veterinary Dermatology
- Surgery
Dr. Jaffe
DVM
Dr. Jaffe grew up in Coral Gables, Florida. He graduated with a B.A. degree in English Literature from the University of Florida in 1968. He earned his B.S. degree in 1970 and graduated with high honors from Tuskegee University
School of Veterinary Medicine in 1972. That same year he was awarded The Upjohn Award for superior achievement in small animal medicine and surgery. From 1972 to 1973 he completed a medical and surgical internship at Cornell University. In 1979 he formed a partnership and was co-owner of an animal practice in Brooklyn, NY for 39 years. Dr. Jaffe has been practicing veterinary medicine for over 45 years!
In his spare time, he does metal sculptures and stained glass art. He joined our healthcare team at the Animal Hospital of Sussex County in the fall of 2018 and has special interests in internal medicine and diagnostics.
Dr. Jaffe’s Unique Interests:
- Internal Medicine
- Small Animal Diagnostics
Dr. John Lovell
DVM
Dr. John Lovell grew up in Somerset County, New Jersey. He attended Rutgers University, Cook College and received his Bachelor of Science degree with High Honors in Animal Science with a minor in Equine Science. He went on to obtain his veterinary degree from the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2008.
He has worked as an associate veterinarian at Ocean County Veterinary Hospital, Flanders Vet Clinic and VCA Blairstown Hospital where he eventually became Medical Director. He is also a member of the AVMA & NJVMA.
He lives in Hardwick with his wife Michelle (who is also a veterinarian), daughter Clara, a Rhodesian Ridgeback, Beagle, and Boer & Nigerian dwarf goats. His unique hobby is growing Atlantic GIANT pumpkins!
Dr. Lovell’s Unique Interests
- Soft tissue surgery
- Internal medicine
- Dentistry
- Reproductive medicine
Dr. Maddie Lembo
DVM
Dr. Maddie Lembo grew up in Passaic County. She graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree in Biology from Stockton University in 2019. Afterwards, she completed her veterinary degree at Long Island University as part of their inaugural class graduating in 2024. During her time at school she became Fear Free and CPR certified.
Dr. Lembo has always wanted to be a veterinarian, but her love for medicine grew even larger when caring for her family’s puggle, Lexi. After witnessing her own beloved pet battle many health conditions, Dr. Lembo is dedicated to giving the best care to all of her patients just as she would her own. She cannot wait to learn even more from her amazing colleagues and gain valuable experience as she starts her career!
Dr. Maddie’s Unique Interests
- Surgery
- Dermatology
- Exotic animals