Our Team
Meet our veterinarians and the healthcare team of East Side Animal Hospital. We’re pleased to provide exceptional vet care for your pets!
Get to know our team!
We are solely dedicated to your pet’s care! We look forward to getting to know you and hope you’ll take the time to scroll down and get to know us.
Our Veterinarians
Patrick J. Marsch, DVM
Dr. Patrick J. Marsch is the Owner and Veterinarian at East Side Animal Hospital, where he has been a dedicated member of the team since 2013. Originally from Owensboro, Kentucky, he developed a deep passion for animals while working alongside his family at the hospital. Dr. Marsch earned his Bachelor of Animal Science from the University of Kentucky and went on to receive his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2011.
Following his education, he gained valuable experience as an Associate Veterinarian in Lexington, Kentucky. He returned to his hometown to join East Side Animal Hospital, alongside his wife Susan, who works as a speech-language pathologist at Methodist Hospital in Henderson, Kentucky. Together, they are proud parents of two children, Reid and Quinn.
Professionally, Dr. Marsch is committed to delivering the best possible care to pets, focusing particularly on radiology and small animal dentistry. In his personal life, he enjoys a range of hobbies, including playing the guitar, listening to Bluegrass music, tinkering with computers, and cheering for his beloved Kentucky Wildcats.
Laura Sims, DVM
Dr. Laura Sims was raised in Owensboro, KY, where she attended Daviess County High School and later Kentucky Wesleyan College. She was accepted into Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in Alabama and graduated in 2019. After graduation, she practiced small animal medicine in Kentucky for four years before moving to Massachusetts, where she continued practicing for two more years.
Dr. Sims has always had a deep love for animals, making veterinary medicine her lifelong goal and aspiration. Her fur family includes two cats (Caspian and Lucy), two dogs (Zelda and Fish), a bearded dragon (Alex), and a goldfish (T-Swizz).
Her human family includes her husband, Ian, and their baby girl, Brianna.
In her free time, Dr. Sims enjoys gaming, watching movies, crafting, and exploring local trails. She especially values spending quality time with her family—both human and animal.
Practice Manager
Tracy Dant
Tracy Dant serves as Practice Manager at East Side Animal Hospital, where she enjoys supporting an exceptional team and ensuring outstanding care for every patient and client. She values the relationships built with the families who trust East Side Animal Hospital with their beloved pets and takes pride in fostering a compassionate, welcoming environment.
Outside of work, Tracy enjoys spending time with her family and friends, including her standard poodle, Little Joe. She also loves kayaking, scuba diving, traveling, live music, and making memories with family and friends.
Customer Service
Ashley Lucas
CSR
Ashley grew up in State College, Pennsylvania, where she received her Associate Degree as an Administrative Assistant. She moved to Owensboro in 2015 with her Pit Bull, Rocco, and added (foster-failed) Zora to the family in 2019. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, drawing, and cuddling on the couch with her dogs.
Licensed Veterinary Technicians
Veterinary Assistant
Morgan Stewart
Morgan joined the East Side Animal Hospital team in 2024. With hands-on experience in veterinary assisting, she is dedicated to ensuring each pet receives exceptional care and attention. Morgan’s goal is to make every visit as comfortable and stress-free as possible for pets and their families.
When she’s not at work, Morgan enjoys spending time on her farm, caring for her own animals, and exploring the outdoors. She also loves homemaking and spending time with her family. Morgan is proud to be part of the East Side Animal Hospital team and looks forward to building lasting relationships with clients and their furry companions.
Veterinary Assistant
Charity Short
Charity joined the East Side Animal Hospital team in May 2024 and graduated from the Owensboro Community and Technical College Veterinary Technology Program in 2025. She is passionate about providing compassionate, high-quality care and is dedicated to helping every patient have a positive experience during their visit.
Originally from outside the Owensboro area, Charity recently made Owensboro her home. She especially enjoys helping patients feel safe, comfortable, and cared for, believing that a gentle, compassionate approach helps reduce stress for both pets and their families.
Outside of the hospital, Charity loves spending time with her three sweet fur babies—Sadie, Darcy, and Rowdy. She also enjoys attending concerts and making memories with her family and friends.












