Our Doctors


Our Doctors


Dr. Jessica Baron
DVM, DACVS-SA
Board-Certified Veterinary Surgeon
A Fairfield County native, Dr. Baron is a board-certified veterinary surgeon with advanced training from the Animal Medical Center, the University of Pennsylvania, and Tufts University. She brings extensive experience in both soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, with special interests in minimally invasive techniques and complex oncologic procedures. As Medical Director of HVS Connecticut, Dr. Baron is committed to delivering exceptional care through close collaboration with referring veterinarians and pet owners.
A proud Fairfield County native, Dr. Jessica Baron combines her advanced surgical expertise with deep community ties in her role as Medical Director of HVS Connecticut.
Dr. Baron began her educational journey at the University of Connecticut before achieving her veterinary degree magna cum laude from Iowa State University. After graduation, she enriched her training with a rotating internship at the Animal Medical Center in New York City, followed by a surgical internship at the University of Pennsylvania and a rigorous surgical residency at Tufts University.
With extensive experience throughout Westchester and Fairfield Counties, as well as New York City, Dr. Baron has served as a staff surgeon and played a key role in developing surgical departments at specialty hospitals in the region. Her expertise encompasses both soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, and she has a particular interest in minimally invasive techniques, including laparoscopy, thoracoscopy, and arthroscopy, as well as addressing brachycephalic airway issues and performing advanced oncologic and reconstructive surgeries.
Dr. Baron is dedicated to collaborative care, working closely with pet owners, primary veterinarians, and specialists to create personalized treatment plans that ensure the best outcomes for every patient. Her commitment to thoughtful, individualized care reflects her love for animals and passion for veterinary medicine.
Dr. Karah Burns DeMarle
DVM, DACVIM
board-certified internist
Dr. Burns DeMarle is a board-certified internist with specialized expertise in ultrasound, endoscopy, and complex internal diseases. She completed her veterinary degree at The Ohio State University, followed by an internship and residency in internal medicine at Tufts University. Dr. Burns has a strong clinical interest in hepatobiliary disease and has published research on hepatocutaneous syndrome. She is dedicated to delivering thoughtful, collaborative care to every patient.
Dr. Burns DeMarle grew up in Rochester, New York. She began her veterinary journey at SUNY Canton, where she earned her associate's degree in veterinary science technology before transferring to Cornell University to complete her bachelor’s degree in animal science. She went on to earn her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from The Ohio State University. After graduation, she returned to the East Coast to complete both a rotating internship and a small animal internal medicine residency at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University.
As a board-certified veterinary internist, Dr. Burns is highly experienced in managing complex medical cases and supporting critically ill or hospitalized patients throughout their stay. She collaborates closely with surgeons and specialists to coordinate diagnostics, manage perioperative care, and tailor treatment plans to each patient’s condition. Dr. Burns also has years of experience performing various endoscopic procedures, including those of the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract and urinary system. Her clinical interests include diseases affecting the liver and gallbladder, and she has published research on hepatocutaneous syndrome in dogs and amino acid levels in dogs with chronic hepatopathies. She also has a strong interest in diagnostic imaging, particularly ultrasound.
Outside the hospital, Dr. Burns enjoys traveling the world, crafting and sewing, and proudly considers herself an avid Swiftie. She lives in Norwalk, Connecticut, with her husband and daughter. She is expecting a baby boy this spring. She also has two dogs (Frenchie the Chihuahua and Sprinkles the Pomeranian), four cats (Mya, Pickles, and two Scottish Folds named Kiwi and Confetti), and a lively collection of fish.
Dr. Burns is known for her detail oriented approach to medicine and is excited to continue to provide compassionate and thorough care to the patients of HVS.
Dr. Dana Kaelin
DVM
Dr. Kaelin is the overnight veterinarian at HVS, providing attentive, skilled care to post-operative patients during critical recovery hours. She holds a veterinary degree from Iowa State University and completed both a rotating internship and a cardiology internship at the Veterinary Emergency and Referral Group in Brooklyn. Her clinical interests include trauma, sepsis, and cardiac emergencies. Dr. Kaelin is dedicated to delivering compassionate, informed care throughout each patient’s recovery.
Dr. Dana Kaelin is a dedicated emergency veterinarian with a strong background in critical care and a passion for supporting patients through their most vulnerable moments. A Connecticut native, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from the University of Connecticut and went on to receive her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University.
Dr. Kaelin completed both a rotating internship in medicine and surgery and a cardiology-focused internship at the Veterinary Emergency and Referral Group(VERG) in Brooklyn, New York. Her clinical interests include managing cardiac emergencies, treating sepsis, and providing trauma care.
As HVS Connecticut’s overnight veterinarian, she plays a key role in ensuring continuous, attentive care for hospitalized patients after hours. When not in the hospital, Dr. Kaelin enjoys traveling, reading, attending the theater, and cheering on her favorite baseball team.
