Meet Our Staff

At Val Verde Animal Hospital, we believe pets are family — and they deserve compassionate, personalized care at every stage of life. 

For over two decades, our team has been dedicated to providing high-quality veterinary medicine while building lasting relationships with the families who trust us with their beloved companions. From routine wellness exams and preventative care to advanced diagnostics, surgery, behavioral support, and urgent medical needs, our focus is always centered on what matters most: the health, comfort, and well-being of your pet. 

We understand that every animal is unique, which is why we take the time to listen, educate, and partner with pet owners in making the best decisions for their furry family members. Whether you’re visiting us for your puppy or kitten’s first checkup, helping a senior pet age comfortably, or navigating a more complex medical concern, our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way. 

At Val Verde Animal Hospital, our mission goes beyond veterinary care — we are committed to creating a welcoming environment built on trust, compassion, and a genuine love for animals. 

Because to us, they’re never “just pets.” They’re family. 

We look forward to caring for yours. 

 
  • Mon-Friday: 8am - 5pm
  • Saturday: 8am - 12pm
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Emergencies:
  • Urgent Pet Care 8455 South 73rd Plaza Papillion 402-509-2606

  • Dr. Mike Hord

    Practice Owner / Veterinarian
    Dr. Hord is an Omaha native, graduating from Westside High School in 1979. He received his Bachelor of Science in Pre-Medicine & Biology from Evangel University in 1983 and completed his Pre-Veterinary requirements at the University of Nebraska-Omaha in 1984. Dr. Hord went on to attend Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine where he graduated with his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1989. Dr. Hord has practiced in the Omaha area since June of 1989 and opened Val Verde Animal Hospital on February 11th, 2002.

    Dr. Hord married his wonderful wife Carol Krumland Hord in 1984. Carol, a graduate of Bryan High School is also from the Omaha area. They have 2 adult children. Their son Trent graduated from Ralston High School  in 2011 and their daughter Amy also graduated from Ralston High School in 2013. They have one cat, N.D. (nose dive). Sadly, in November and December of 2019, Isabelle, their18 year old Ragdoll and Emma, their 13 yr old Bichon, passed away due to a stroke and advanced cardiac disease. Since ND is 15 now they are holding off on getting any new pets  so as not to stress him out with new additions. They have also gained 4 grandkids in the past 3 years which occupies much of their time but especially Carol's. Three of the grand kids ( Trent and Jessica's kids) are triplets, Graham, Ava, and Brooks. Dr. Hord likens the addition of these three now at 3 yrs of age to putting 3 -6 month old Border Collies in a small space together, always new and active. Hudson, Amy and Matt's child) now at 5 months of age, is growing like a weed and will likely be crawling soon.

    Dr. Hord loves practicing veterinary medicine because every day is different. "It is gratifying to be able to help people and their pets in so many different ways. I can go from being a cardiologist or dermatologist to a psychologist (usually just for the pets) just by stepping from one exam room to the next. I love tying and piecing information together to solve a problem, that is my investigative nature.  When the solving of that problem enables someone's pet (four legged family member) to gain a higher quality of life I feel like I have contributed to something much larger than myself..
    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 1989
    Education:
    Iowa State College of Veterinary Medicine, Evangel University, University of Nebraska-Omaha, Westside High School - Omaha
    Email:

  • Dr. Lauren West

    We’re excited to welcome Dr. Lauren West as the newest associate veterinarian to our practice!

    Dr. West grew up in West Omaha and graduated from Iowa State University in 2020. She earned her veterinary degree from Ross University, where she completed her pre-clinical training on the beautiful island of St. Kitts and Nevis before finishing her clinical year back at Iowa State.


    She brings a genuine passion for veterinary medicine, with a focus on building strong relationships with clients and their pets. She’s especially driven by the challenge of problem-solving and finding the best ways to help animals live healthier, happier lives.

    Outside of the clinic, Dr. West enjoys reading, listening to music, and snuggling with her black lab, Maverick.

    We’re thrilled to have her on board—please join us in giving Dr. West a warm welcome!
    Years in Practice:
    May 13, 2025
    Education:
    Iowa State University

  • Jerry the clinic cat

    Cat Greeter
    We were lucky to have Jerry join us in 2016. His interests include greeting cats, teasing dogs and providing lots of love and affection to his "co-workers."

    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 2016
    Interests:
    Cats, food

  • Jenny Valdes, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Jenny was born and raised in La Vista, NE where she graduated from Papillion-La Vista High School.  She interned with the La Vista Chamber of Commerce before attending Vatterott College and receiving her Associates degree in Applied Science in 2006. 
    Jennifer enjoys spending time with family, outdoor time with dogs, and going on adventures with daughter and husband. Her passion is behavior and helping families better understand their pets. 
    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 2003
    Education:
    Vatterott College, Papillion-La Vista High School, Karen Pryor Academy
    Interests:
    Behavior, Dog rescue, dog sports and training
    Email:

  • Cari Smith

    Receptionist / Assistant
    Cari is from Omaha, NE. She enjoys camping, riding horses, working with rescue dogs, and spending time with her husband and three boys. Cari has 5 dogs, Luke (Akita), Mike (Pitbull Terrier), Kaneeka (Pekingese), Sugar (Pitbull Terrier) and Roxy (Pitbull Terrier).
    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 2004
    Education:
    Daniel J. Gross High School

  • Trent Hord

    Mobility & Rehabilitation Specialist
    Trent was born and raised in Ralston, NE and graduated from Ralston High School in 2011. Currently, Trent has his certification for cold laser therapy through K-Laser. 
    Trent enjoys working on his Mustang, playing soccer and photography. He also enjoys spending time with family, friends. Trent and his wife have a Golden Retriever named Boyd, and a Ragdoll named Ash.
    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 2009
    Education:
    Ralston High School, University of Nebraska-Omaha

  • Renee Allison

    Veterinary Receptionist
    Renee was born in Knoxville, TN. She comes to us with extensive history in nursing, managing, customer service and also has worked with area animal rescues and comes with tons of animal knowledge.
    She enjoys Hiking, being outdoors and hanging out with her dogs in her spare time.
    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 2021
    Interests:
    Dog Rescue

  • Katie Tamisea LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Katie graduated from Vatterott College with an associates in applied science in 2006. She enjoys spending time with her husband and three daughters. Enjoys outdoors with her dogs Earl and Makenzie.
    Years in Practice:
    Aug 29, 2023
    Education:
    Vatterott College -Associate in Applied Science
    Email:

  • Jessica Norman

    Receptionist/ Veterinary Assistant
    Jessica was raised in Bellevue NE, and attended Papillion/ La Vista High School. She has extensive training in dog behavior and enjoys teaching nutrition and dog training tips.
    Jessica has worked with area dog rescues and enjoys time outdoor with her dog Murdock.
    Years in Practice:
    Feb 14, 2022
    Interests:
    Dog training, nutrition

  • Christine Vance

    Veterinary Receptionist 
    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 2014

  • Megan Riesberg

    Veterinary Assistant  /Receptionist
    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 2021

  • Katherine (Kat) Casey

    Kat recently graduated from University of Nebraska Kearney. She is currently applying for Vet school. Her cats names are Lily and Ivy. 
    Years in Practice:
    Oct 02, 2024
    Education:
    Iniversity Of Nebraska Kearney

  • Abby Fairchild

    Abby jumped into her role as a veterinary receptionist with confidence, grace, and a natural talent for caring for both our patients and their people.

    She’s incredibly bright and quick to learn, and even while balancing college and working toward her dream of becoming a veterinarian, she continues to give 100% every time she steps into the clinic.

    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 2024