Dr. Penny Dowden

 Dr. Penny Dowden knew she wanted to be a veterinarian long before she could spell “veterinarian”. She realized her dream when she graduated from Purdue's school of Veterinary Medicine in 1988. After working at various Small Animal Hospitals in New York and Chicago, Dr. Dowden joined the Paw Patch team in 1993 as an associate veterinarian. After serving many successful years on staff, Dr. Dowden was offered the opportunity to purchase the Paw Patch. Doing just that, she purchased the clinic in February of 2009 and soon after renamed the clinic The Paw Patch Place.

Dr. Dowden prides herself on being an open, caring veterinarian with a broad spectrum of knowledge. Already practicing conventional medicine along with surgery, she decided to introduce clients and patients to a special interest of hers, alternative holistic medicine. With Dr. Dowden the “do no harm” oath is always at the forefront of choosing the best treatment option, along with nutritional counseling and pet wellness. Her core belief is to provide quality care consistent with clients and patients needs.

Dr. Dowden lives with her two teenage daughters, Courtney (who is also the awesome website manager) and Kaitlyn. They reside in Zionsville, Indiana along with their two dogs, Jessie and Holi and their two cats, Angel and King. When not spending quality time with her girls she likes to go hiking with her dogs, play tennis or just read a good book.

 Dr. Shelly Zacharias

Dr. Shelly Zacharias moved to Indianapolis after graduation from Oklahoma State College of Veterinary Medicine in 2004. She holds multiple degrees; including a BS in Biochemistry, completed Masters program in Secondary Science Education and graduate level work in Endocrinology. Since graduating from veterinary school Dr. Zacharias has gained her clinical experience by working in general practice, an internal medicine hospital and as an emergency veterinarian in a multi-specialty hospital.

Dr. Zacharias has also taught high school chemistry, started a non-profit second chance home for stray animals in her home town and was the recipient of the Gentle Doctor Award at OSU. Her special interests include internal medicine, emergency/critical care, endocrinology, geriatric medicine and Rabbit medicine.

Dr. Zacharias shares her home with 9 dogs, 9 cats and 3 rabbits and a guinea pig. Emily, her Border Collie mix, is a therapy dog who accompanies Dr. Zacharias to elementary schools where they educate children about basic animal welfare. 

Dr. Zacharias believes everyday should be taken as an opportunity to learn something new to better care for the animals we love. Compassionate, quality pet care is her goal.