Meet Our Team
At Willapa Veterinary Service, our team combines decades of experience with genuine small-town care. We love what we do, and we’re proud to serve pets and families throughout Raymond, Grayland, and the surrounding coastal areas.
Eric Sutten, DVM
Owner/Veterinarian
Dr. Eric grew up in Elma, Washington, surrounded by animals of all kinds: cattle, swine, poultry, dogs, and cats. It’s no surprise that by the age of eight, he already knew he wanted to become a veterinarian.
He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Central Washington University in 2006, followed by a Master of Science at Washington State University, where he focused on immunology and infectious disease. In 2013, Dr. Eric completed his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
Before settling into small-animal practice, Dr. Eric spent three years as a mixed-animal practitioner in Moses Lake, followed by five years working with companion animals in Kingston, WA. His professional interests include infectious disease, immunology, endocrinopathies, and soft tissue surgery, and he continues to build his experience in orthopedic surgery.
Outside of the hospital, Dr. Eric enjoys fishing, hiking, camping, and cheering on WSU football. He values the balance between science and nature and finds meaning in furthering his understanding of the biological world.
Kathleen Sutten, DVM
Dr. Kathleen grew up on Bainbridge Island, where her love of animals and science began at an early age. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Occidental College in Los Angeles in 2006. While originally interested in botany, her passion for animal care soon led her to pursue veterinary medicine.
She worked as a veterinary assistant for several years while attending the University of Washington for her veterinary prerequisites, later graduating from Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2013.
Over the years, Dr. Kathleen has practiced in both emergency and general medicine. Her professional interests include emergency and critical care, ophthalmology, and soft tissue surgery.
When she’s not at the clinic, Dr. Kathleen enjoys backpacking, swimming, and indulging her sweet tooth with gummy bears. She and Dr. Eric share a daughter and son, two dogs, six chickens, and a goldfish, making their home as lively as the clinic they run together.
Sara
Sarah has been part of Willapa Veterinary Service since 2014 and serves as the clinic’s Practice Manager. Her calm leadership, deep understanding of clinic operations, and commitment to patient care help keep every day running smoothly. Sarah is dedicated to supporting both the team and the clients who trust Willapa with their pets’ care.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their pets, exploring the outdoors, and visiting family.
Olivia
Olivia began her career at Willapa Veterinary Service, working in the kennels before earning her certification as a Veterinary Assistant. Her dedication, strong work ethic, and calm approach with patients make her a trusted part of the medical team. She enjoys assisting in procedures, supporting preventive care, and helping clients feel confident about their pets’ health.
Outside of work, Olivia enjoys spending time with her husband, Andy, her favorite person, exploring new sushi restaurants as a sushi fanatic, and caring for Elsie, the chiweenie she co-owns. She is also a second-degree black belt in taekwondo.
Emily
Loves strawberries, horses, and her chihuahuas Harvey, Jammy, Oliver, & Stanley.
Has a cat named Cheese 🐱, enjoys Red Dead Redemption (250+ hrs), and even self-published a book at age 11 called Chihuahuas in Trouble (It is on Apple Books with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐).
Zella
As a Licensed Veterinary Technician, Zella combines technical expertise with a calm, reassuring presence that helps patients feel at ease. She values the balance of precision and compassion in her work and takes pride in supporting high-quality medical care each day. Her organization and professionalism make her a key part of the Willapa team.
When she’s not at the clinic, Zella enjoys spending time with her pets, visiting friends, and exploring Washington’s coastal trails and small towns.
Erica
Erica brings warmth and strong organizational skills to the front desk at Willapa Veterinary Service. She helps keep the clinic running smoothly while creating a welcoming experience for every client.
Outside of work, Erica enjoys spending time with her kids, caring for her pets, and keeping her home beautifully organized. She has a lifelong love of giraffes, pizza, and a good reason to tidy something.
Kiley
Kiley is one of the welcoming faces at the front desk, keeping things organized while making clients feel at ease since 2017. She loves flowers and always appreciates a fresh bouquet. A devoted Dr. Pepper fan, she’s often fueled by her favorite soda.
Lisa
Receptionist
Grooming & veterinary assistant background. Loves penguins despite her fear of birds. Enjoys nature, being outdoors & camping.
Trista
Veterinary Assistant
Trista is a proud pet parent to Kya, her dog, and three cats, Parker, Stuart, and Charlie. In her free time, she enjoys playing Fortnite, crafting, caring for her plants, and listening to audiobooks.
Coleson
Veterinary Assistant
Coleson is a gamer who’s currently playing Borderlands 4 and enjoys all things tech, vehicles, and fishing. He’s also colorblind, so reading urine dipsticks might not be his specialty!
Aziza
Aziza is a high school senior with a passion for animals. She cares for a variety of pets, including two hamsters, two guinea pigs, freshwater fish, a mouse, and five cats. She also breeds trapdoor snails! Outside of caring for her many pets, Aziza enjoys boxing.
Jenny
Jenny has a love for birds and isn’t afraid to take on even the spiciest of cats! She brings plenty of personality to the clinic, where her occasional funny noises and uniquely entertaining hiccups are sure to keep everyone on their toes.
