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 State 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 hometown to begin practicing.
“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 part of our larger group of friends. We strive to provide friendly and personalized care to all 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 a special interest in laser therapy. She lives in the Hills with her very spoiled Labrador Retriever, Scarlet. She enjoys the outdoors, reading, and spending time relaxing with friends.
Lyvia Yoder, RVT
Lyvia is one of our Registered Veterinary Technicians. She began working for Best Friends Veterinary Care in 2022, following her graduation from the Veterinary Technician Program at Kirkwood Community College. She became registered after completing her boards that summer.
Lyvia lives in Tipton with her husband, Cale; their golden retriever, Daisy; two cats, Remi and Jax; and their rabbit, Dee. Outside of work, Lyvia is also a dance instructor, teaching in Tipton and West Liberty. She enjoys spending time with her family, going on walks with Cale and Daisy, reading, and doing crafts.
Gwen M., RVT
Gwen is one of our Registered Veterinary Technicians. She has been with Best Friends Veterinary Care since completing her internship at the clinic in the summer of 2022. She graduated from Kirkwood’s Veterinary Technician Program in 2023 and passed her boards later that summer.
In her free time, Gwen enjoys English and Western horseback riding, gaming on her computer, and spending time with her pets. She occasionally fosters dogs and cats as well. Gwen lives with her two dogs, Ivy and Jude; two cats, Donut and Pixel; and her rabbit, Pebbles. She hopes to buy some land and have a few horses in the future.
“I believe all pets deserve the chance to be understood, and I aim to make every visit with us as comfortable as possible for them.”
Kristin Keith, Receptionist
Kristin is our receptionist. She started working at Best Friends Veterinary Care in May 2024, after spending over 30 years as a hairstylist in Iowa City.
“I enjoy welcoming all of the pets that come in to visit us!”
In her free time, Kristin enjoys attending Iowa football games and concerts. She stays active as a Lions Club member in West Branch and loves spending time with her grandchildren.
