MEET OUR STAFF

Serving Iowa City, IA
319-341-7111
  Serving Iowa City, IA
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      Meet Our Dedicated Staff


Kim Vercande, DVM

Dr. Kim opened Best Friends Veterinary Care in November 2012 after practicing in the Iowa City area since 2002. She has had an interest in medicine from a very young age, growing up with a mother who practiced nursing, and a lifelong love of animals.

She grew up in the Iowa City area and graduated from Regina High School. Her interest in medicine drew her to a career in nursing. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from the University of Iowa in 1989, and practiced in OB/GYN nursing at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics until she moved to Ames, IA to attend veterinary school. After witnessing the quality and compassionate care given to her beloved dog Abby by a local veterinarian and the staff and students at the Iowa Stet College of Veterinary Medicine during Abby’s fight with cancer, Dr. Kim made the decision to combine the best of both worlds and pursue a career in veterinary medicine. She attended the Iowa State College of Veterinary Medicine and received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2002. After graduation, she returned to her home area to begin practice.

“I believe our companion animals are truly a part of our family, and deserve quality and compassionate care throughout their lives. It is my goal to be your pet’s family doctor. I consider my patients and their human family to be a part of our larger group of friends. We strive to provide friendly and personalized care to all of our friends…both furry and not-so-furry.”

Dr. Kim is a member of the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association. She has an interest in all general medicine and surgery, with a special interest in laser therapy. She lives in Hills with her very spoiled Labrador Retriever Scarlet. She enjoys camping, kayaking, reading and spending time relaxing with friends.



 Tina Schnipkoweit, RVT 

Tina is our Registered Veterinary Technician at Best Friends. She grew up on a farm outside of Lost Nation, Iowa. After several years in the field of law enforcement, she decided to go back to school for a career that focused on her love of animals.

She graduated from the Kirkwood Vet Tech program in 2003 and become a registered technician after completing her boards that year. She has worked with Dr. Vercande at different clinics basically ever since graduating, and was thrilled when Dr. Kim opened her own practice and invited her on board.

 “I consider it a privilege to be trusted with the care of someone’s pet. Pets are family and that’s not something any of us take lightly.”

Tina lives in Tipton with her rescued mix Tucker and at the service of her rescued cats, Liam and Ellie.

Kyrsten Sneed, CVA

Kyrsten is our receptionist/veterinary assistant here at Best Friends. She is a lover of all types of animals but especially loves English Bulldogs! She graduated from Kirkwood’s Veterinary Assistant program in 2020. Most of her free time is spent spoiling her dog and hiking!

“I’ve loved working with animals ever since I was a little girl, and I am so beyond happy to be able to work here, where I get to help take care of your pets all day!”
Kyrsten lives in Cedar Rapids with her English Bulldog, Miss Milli Mae.
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