At Fauna, we aim to deliver exemplary veterinary service by utilizing the highest standard of care and prioritizing client-centered education and support. With each of our clients, we emphasize the importance of preventative care, providing them with ongoing education about how to keep their pets happy and healthy for years to come. Importantly, our approach to patient care is grounded in the understanding that each pet and their family is unique — we strive to provide tailored recommendations that consider the lifestyle of the patient/client and ensure the appropriate combination of evidence-based, Western medicine and alternative treatment modalities. The Fauna team is committed to practicing unparalleled medicine while maintaining a familiar and strong bond to each of our patients and clients.
In addition to honoring the uniqueness of every companion animal and guardian that walks through our door, we believe strongly in recognizing and celebrating the individuality of each of our team members. As a woman-owned and queer-owned business, we value and celebrate diversity and inclusion in our workplace. Knowing that working in the veterinary field comes with unique stressors and challenges, we also prioritize our team’s mental health and well-being and are deeply committed to ensuring a positive employee experience.
Partner & Veterinarian
Dr. Erin Van Dokkenburg, or Dr. Erin as she is known by her clients, opened Fauna Veterinary Care with her business partner in 2024! She earned her Doctorate from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2011 and has been practicing in Chicago since then. During vet school, she explored wildlife conservation in South Africa, camelid research in the Peruvian Andes, and USDA food safety inspection. In 2015 she studied small animal acupuncture at the Chi Institute in Florida to add an additional modality to her patient care. Her special interests in veterinary medicine include soft tissue surgery, dentistry and oral surgery, internal medicine, and animal behavior. She is a firm believer in accessible veterinary care, nonjudgmental client education, and a supported veterinary care team.
Dr. Erin grew up on a small dairy farm in northern New Jersey and initially tracked her studies for both small and large animal medicine. Small animal medicine was the one that stuck, not surprising since she spent most of her childhood with a legendary farm dog (Sandy) and herded feral barn cats to tame their kittens. Her family is still surprised she didn’t manage to train the raccoons in the hay mound. Dr. Erin lives with her family and a growing menagerie of pets: Archer, Wren, Kirby, and many fish.
Fun facts: In high school, she worked as a lifeguard at the infamous Action Park waterpark, after it was renamed and the most dangerous rides were removed. She hates coffee and drinks chai instead.
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. John F. Smith is joining the Fauna team in 2026 as our first Associate Veterinarian! He hails from Summerside, Prince Edward Island, Canada, and has taken an unconventional path to veterinary medicine. Although he started with a background in fine art and photography, his passion for animal care blossomed during a transformative summer as a farmhand on a small family farm in New Hampshire. This experience ignited his desire to pursue veterinary medicine, leading him to the University of Georgia, where he earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree in 2023. After serving the Evanston community for several years, Dr. John has joined Fauna to continue providing exceptional care to the wonderful dogs and cats in Uptown and the surrounding areas.
When he’s not at the clinic, Dr. John enjoys exploring his new neighborhood in Andersonville with his partner, as well as their cherished dog, Owen. He also has a deep appreciation for nature, spending his free time hiking, camping, and indulging his passion for photography.
Partner & Practice Manager
Keith is Fauna’s Practice Manager and a co-owner alongside Dr. Erin, opening Fauna Veterinary Care in 2024. Keith’s educational background includes a bachelor’s and master’s in American history and certificates in women, gender, and sexuality, and non-profit management and museum studies. Keith is also a Registered Veterinary Technician (Colorado), a Certified Cat-Friendly Veterinary Professional, and a Certified Veterinary Business Leader. A lifelong learner, he is also working toward a veterinary practice management certificate.
Keith has been a practicing veterinary technician for nearly 25 years in both primary care and specialty animal hospitals. He began his career in the veterinary field before he started high school when his mom (who is still a technician and practice manager in Colorado) got him his first job as a kennel attendant. Keith’s special interests in veterinary medicine include surgery and anesthesia, dentistry and oral surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, and empathy-driven leadership.
When he’s not at the clinic, you can find him cycling around the city to different breweries, kayaking down the Chicago River, camping, hiking, or snowboarding (depending on the season) with his two Australian Shepherds Ellery and Renly and one husband.
Credentialed Veterinary Technician
Brooce is Fauna’s very own Credentialed Veterinary Technician. In her 15 years in the field, Brooce has worked everywhere from Animal Control and shelter medicine to specialty anesthesia before making a home at Fauna. She has a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Northland College and an Associate of Applied Sciences in Veterinary Technology, and recently passed her VTNE to become a Certified Veterinary Technician! Brooce has worked with Dr. Erin and Keith for nearly ten years, and they are so excited that she embarked on this journey with them! Her special interests in veterinary medicine include anesthesia, dentistry, and nursing care.
Brooce has a special fondness for cats and shares her home with one cat and three mice. Outside the clinic, Brooce enjoys tending to her orchid collection, thrifting, and restoring vintage jewelry.
Client Care Coordinator
Elizabeth is Fauna’s Client Care Coordinator. Our resident communication extraordinaire, Elizabeth ensures we can get your pet in for that appointment and ensures all of our patients are cared for from the moment you contact us! Elizabeth holds an associate degree in administrative assistant and medical coding and billing but has been in the veterinary industry as a Client Care Coordinator for nearly 6 years. She’s worked in various animal-related jobs, from pet stores to shelter medicine, ER and specialty veterinary medicine, and now general practice! Elizabeth has also worked as a counselor with the Boys and Girls Club of America. Elizabeth and Keith have worked together for just about three years and we’re so excited she’s joining us as our first Client Care Coordinator!
When she’s not at the clinic, Elizabeth absolutely loves nature, the water, and painting. She has a propensity to rescue too many animals for her own good, and one day, she hopes to have a reptile house.
Veterinary Assistant
Nicole is a dedicated Veterinary Assistant at Fauna, having joined the team in the fall of 2025. A lifelong Chicagoan, she brings nearly eight years of diverse experience to her role, having worked as a receptionist, reception manager, and ultimately as a veterinary assistant. Currently, Nicole is pursuing an Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology with the goal of becoming a Credentialed Veterinary Technician. She has a keen interest in various areas of veterinary medicine, particularly in preventative health care, compassionate hospice and palliative care, as well as anesthesia and surgery. Once she earns her CVT, Nicole plans to further her education to achieve Veterinary Technician Specialist credentials in Anesthesia and Analgesia.
Nicole has a special affinity for “crusty” animals and shares her home with a charming Lhasa Apso/Shih Tzu mix named Humphrey. When she’s not at the clinic caring for the pets of Uptown, you can find her exploring the city’s vibrant festivals and concerts or embarking on road trips to discover scenic hiking spots throughout the Midwest.
Veterinary Assistant
Marjorie is the newest member of the Fauna team, having joined us in late 2025 as a veterinary assistant. Originally from Indiana, she has recently made Chicago her home. With nearly 11 years of diverse experience in the veterinary field—including customer service, veterinary assistance, and management—Marjorie brings a wealth of knowledge to our clinic. She is currently pursuing an Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology, with the goal of becoming a Credentialed Veterinary Technician. Her specific interests in veterinary medicine focus on preventative health care, compassionate client education, and dedicated nursing care.
A passionate advocate for animal rescues, Marjorie is also a proud caretaker of several failed foster cats and one dog. When she’s not at the clinic, she loves to explore her new neighborhood, indulge in the local food scene, and discover all the exciting offerings that Chicago has in store.
