Dr. Michael Forret
Owner, Veterinarian
Dr. Forret grew up in rural Adel, Iowa. As a teenager, he began tagging along with the local veterinarian in Minburn, IA. He attended Iowa State University and graduated in 1982 with a degree in Microbiology. After working and doing graduate work at the National Animal Disease Center and National Animal Diagnostic Laboratory, he attended Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine and graduated in 1987. He worked in private practice in Chicago, IL before relocating to Des Moines and working at the city’s 24-hour animal emergency hospital. In 1994 he purchased Highland Park Animal Hospital. Dr. Forret resides in Ankeny with his wife and four cats.
Tess
Practice Manager
Tess grew up in Des Moines and inherited a passion for animals from her parents. She spent much of her childhood at Highland Park Animal Hospital, tailing her dad (Dr. Forret), helping with odd jobs, and absorbing as much knowledge as she could from the staff. She graduated from Dowling High School in 2006 and attended Iowa State University before returning to manage the hospital full time in 2009. She enjoys working one on one with clients and ensuring that their pets are receiving a level of care & service that she would expect for her own. Tess lives in Des Moines with her husband, two dogs- Avery & Dori, and four cats. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, gardening, listening to mystery and true crime podcasts, craft beer, and spending time with family and friends.
Sherry
Registered Veterinary Technician
Sherry grew up in Maquoketa, Iowa, and attended Iowa State University and DMACC. She has always had an interest in the medical field and a love for animals and found a career as a veterinary technician the perfect combination. She graduated from the DMACC Veterinary Technician Program and became a registered veterinary technician in 2006. Sherry has been with Highland Park Animal Hospital since 2007 and is skilled in caring for our more difficult feline patients. She currently resides in Ames, IA with her husband, four sons, and 6 cats. In her spare time, she enjoys crafting, spending time with her boys, and loves vacationing at the beach with her family.
Chelsea
Veterinary Assistant
Chelsea grew up in Michigan and was raised in a household with a great love for animals. She grew up surrounded by pets of all types and wanted to work in veterinary medicine for as long as she can remember. Chelsea attended the Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology in Denver, CO, and joined our animal care team in 2017. She provides gentle and attentive care to her patients and is always ready and willing to lend a helping hand. Chelsea resides in Des Moines with her mom, boyfriend, and a household of numerous cats and dogs. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, and her hobbies include drawing, painting, reading, biking, knitting & crocheting, and horticulture.