Meet The Team At ACU

Animal Care Unlimited
2665 Billingsley Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43235
(614) 766-2317

Dr. Donald L. Burton
After completing his Bachelor's Degree in Zoology in 1975, his Master's Degree in Fisheries & Wildlife Management in 1977, and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1980, Dr. Burton began his veterinary career at Beechwold Veterinary Hospital . In 1986, he began his own practice. Dr. Burton is also the founder of The Ohio Wildlife Center, a non-profit organization committed to fostering awareness, appreciation, and rehabilitation of Ohio native wildlife.

Over the years, Dr. Burton has contributed writings to various publications and has spoken to organizations such as The Ohio State University, the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association, the Humane Society of the United States and Canada, Tufts University, the Avian Veterinary Medical Association, the Northern Ohio Association of Herpetologists, the Columbus Audubon Society, The Columbus Zoo and all three local television stations. In 1990, he was awarded The Columbus Dispatch award for Outstanding Community Service and in 1991, he received WTVN's People

Who Care recognition for community service. In 1994 Dr. Burton was honored as an Ohio Entrepreneur of the Year. In the fall of 2006, Dr. Burton was awarded the OSU Alumni Association Citizenship Award for Outstanding Community Service.

Dr. Burton and his wife, Susan, have two daughters, Stephanie and Kristen. They share a home with Toby, a gray domestic shorthaired cat and Emma, a bouncy Golden Retriever.

Dr. Jodi Lynn Smith

Dr. Smith was born in Lancaster, OH and received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from The Ohio State University in 1995. Since then, she has practiced in Georgia, Montana, and Ohio. She has a wide range of clinical and surgical experience, stretching from dogs, cats and ‘pocket pets’ to horses, cows and sheep. Her special interests include soft tissue surgery, reproductive physiology, dermatology, and pediatric and geriatric care.

Dr. Smith has two children, Braig and Trystyn. Free time is enjoyed with her family, as well as her six cats, two turtles, and a hamster named Chewie. She is a self-admitted Buckeye Football fanatic, and a reality-TV junkie.

Dr. Shannon Strini

Dr. Strini originally hails from Orange , California . After completing her Bachelor’s degree in Biology at the University of Cincinnati , she worked for 3 years as a zookeeper at the Cincinnati Zoo, spending time in the bird, manatee, primate and bear departments. The summer of 2005 was spent at the Alaska SeaLife Center completing a Wildlife Rehabilitation and Veterinary Care internship. Upon completion of her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at The Ohio State University, we were very pleased to welcome her to the staff of Animal Care Unlimited. Her professional interests include internal medicine, critical care and surgery.

Dr. Strini belongs to many professional organizations, including the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV) and the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP).

Dr. Strini and her husband, Bryan, enjoy traveling, participating in triathlons and playing frisbee with their energetic Brittany spaniel, Oakley. Two crazy cats, Ace and Henna, also share their home.

Client Services

Likely the first people that you will meet at our hospital are our friendly and helpful Client Services staff. They are here to answer your questions, schedule your appointments and boarding reservations, and get you checked in and out as smoothly as they can. Their day begins at 7:00 AM so that you can drop your pet off on your way to work, at your convenience.
Our experienced staff is happy to answer your questions, or put you through to person who can help you the best. They are committed to serving every client with respect and compassion, and will do their best to accommodate any special requests you might have.
Appointments begin each day at 8:00 AM. With five examination rooms and several veterinarians, we can usually find a time that fits your busy schedule. If an appointment time is not convenient, feel free to drop your pet off and we'll keep you updated throughout the day on your pet's condition and our recommendations for treatment.

Veterinary Technicians

Registered Veterinary Technicians must complete formal schooling and be licensed by the State of Ohio . RVTs maintain their accreditation by participating in continuing education in their field to stay up to date on the latest pet health care news and patient care techniques. Our Technicians are experienced in a variety of areas, including Laboratory, Radiology, Surgery, Dentistry, Emergency and Critical Care.

Additionally, our staff of RVTs are experienced with all breeds of pets, including exotic pets. From dogs to cats, ferrets to iguanas, cockatiels to boas, they are capable of handling all aspects of patient care for most species. If you ever have any questions regarding your pet’s health care, please feel free to call and speak to one of our technicians any time.

Hospital Services Manager

Our Hospital Services Manager, Kathy Osborne, has served ACU for nearly 10 years. Kathy ensures that each patient in our hospital receives extra tender loving care during his or her stay with us, and that their owner’s special requests are carried out. Kathy’s exceptional kindness and attention to detail make every pet’s stay in our hospital ward as comfortable as possible.

Veterinary Assistants

Veterinary Assistants are highly trained in all aspects of patient care, and can be found working in several areas of the hospital. As assistants to the doctors and the registered veterinary technicians, they are an important part of our staff, and integral in maintaining the highest level of nursing care for our patients.

Kennel Technicians

When your pet is away from home, it is important to know that they are being cared for in the best possible manner, and our staff is second to none in meeting the needs of your pet while you are away. ACU Kennel Techs take great pride in maintaining a sanitary environment while ensuring that your pet is served with compassionate care while in our facility. Comprised primarily of college-bound and college-grads with academic specialties that complement their chosen field, our kennel staff is knowledgeable in the care of most species, and participate in continuing education seminars regularly.