Meet Our Staff

Karl Bolser, DVM

Hello, I’m Karl Bolser. I graduated in 1990 from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University – Go Cyclones! Since that time, I’ve worked primarily in emergency medicine at the clinic that is currently known as Iowa Veterinary Specialties (IVS). I gave up this position when I bought the clinic; 30 plus years of emergency medicine and surgery taught me a lot.

Since graduation, I have filled in at a number of veterinary clinics around the greater Des Moines area which gave me a taste of primary veterinary care and let me sample different practice techniques and philosophies.

In 2000, I took on a part time position at ISU teaching freshmen veterinary students. At first, I taught anatomy and case studies, but as I grew into the position, I developed a course teaching students physical exam skills. My success at this has been recognized by promotion to full Teaching Professor.

During my time at IVS, the one thing that I continued to wonder about was how my patients did over the long haul. I’d periodically call clinics to check on a few selected patients here and there, but it was hard to keep track. Now, I get to see patients throughout their lives; I’m excited and I’m glad to be here.

Rose, Veterinary Technician

Hello Van Meter! My name is Rose, and I am one of the technicians here at the clinic. I graduated from Drake University in 2017 and have been living my dream of working in animal care since then.

I grew up with many animals, enjoyed finding and taming feral cats, and helped train my childhood dog. I currently have the pleasure of owning an older cat named B.B, who I inherited from my grandmother, and a horse named Luna.

Over the years, I have worked in shelter, grooming, and training environments.  I’m currently enjoying adding to my knowledge in the general-practice veterinary field. I love working with the wide array of animals in our practice, and use my background in fear free training and shelter work to make your pet’s and your experience the safest and happiest it can be.

I look forward to increasing my knowledge and experience here in Van Meter, and cannot wait to meet everyone and all of their animals!

Leslie, Veterinary Assistant

Hello! My name is Leslie. I have been working at Van Meter since 2022 and I love my job! My goal here at Van Meter Vet is to make sure you and your pet are being helped, answering your questions or concerns, and over all creating a great experience. I have my own 2 fur babies Blu and Theo, having them for the last 3-4 years really sparked my interest in animals and yearning to want to learn on how I can be a great dog mom at home as well as what can I do to keep them healthy. I am excited to learn new things everyday while working here at Van Meter Vet and I hope to extend my knowledge to you!

Lexi, Veterinary Assistant

Hello, my name is Lexi and I am one of the assistants here at Van Meter. I grew up with animals and have been working in the animal industry since 2015. I have worked in stables, dog daycare as well as being a dog trainer for the two years before I came to the clinic. I currently have three dogs and two reptiles.

I love working with animals and constantly being around them and learning new things all the time. I am so excited to get to meet and help you and your pets. I can’t wait to learn how to help you and your pets while being here at the clinic. I hope to make this clinic feel like a safe, fun and trusting place to bring your pet because I understand that they are more than just pets, they are family. I can’t wait to meet everyone! See you soon.

Madilyn, Veterinary Assistant

Hello, my name is Madilyn. I got my certificate in animal training and enrichment in 2020, and I love using my knowledge to work with all animals. I have always loved animals and have worked to grow my understanding of how to best care for them in different environments.

Before I joined the clinic, I worked at a zoo handling many kinds of animals and teaching others about the different species there. I also worked with horses in a therapeutic setting, and helped with training and caring for the horses there. I love seeing the human animal bond grow in so many situations. I am excited to join the clinic to help animals and their owners and to continue to grow and learn more myself. I am excited to meet new pets and work with new animals.