Willowbrook Animal Clinic

At Willowbrook Animal Clinic, we understand that your pets are an important part of your life. Our highly trained staff will treat you and your pets with professionalism and courtesy while providing you with the very best veterinary care available. Our full-service practice offers a variety of services intended to promote your pet’s overall health and longevity. It is our privilege to care for you and your pets, so call today to learn about our services or schedule an appointment.
  • 21 Two Bridges Road
  • Fairfield,NJ 07004
  • Phone: (973) 575-0911
  • Fax: (973) 575-7405
  • Email: mywillowvet@gmail.com
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  • Mon-Fri:8:00AM-6:00PM
  • Sat: 8:00 AM- 1:30 PM
  • Sun: Closed
  • After Hours Emergency?
  • Call: 973-226-3282

  • John Palescandolo, Practice Owner


    Dr. John Palescandolo, DVM, graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1992. His younger days were spent as a commerical crab fisherman in Alaska, a rock climbing and mountain biking guide, and as a worker on a cattle and horse ranch in Colorado. He has been on the staff of Animal Emergency & Referral Associates in Fairfield for 20 years. Since he purchased Willowbrook Animal Clinic in 2000, he has shared his time between emergency medicine and day practice.

    Dr. John is a very compassionate veterinarian and skilled surgeon. He truly enjoys what he does. Outside of work, Dr. John enjoys spending time with his wife, four sons, one dog (Rocco), and three cats (Zucca, Gattapanda, and Nina). He is very passionate about sports and enjoys bicycling, rock climbing, and swimming. He is an avid reader of history books.
    Years in Practice:
    Jun 01, 1992
    Education:
    University of Colorado and Ross School of Veterinary Medicine
    Interests:
    Special interest in Emergency Medicine

  • Caitlin Bell, DVM

    Caitlin M. Bell, DVM, received her Bachelor of Science degree in biology from East Carolina University in 2011. She went on to earn a degree of Veterinary Medicine at the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2016 after completing her clinical year at Cornell University School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Bell then completed a small animal rotating internship at a specialty and emergency hospital on Long Island. Dr. Bell is from North  Jersey and worked at AERA as an assistant/technician prior to obtaining her veterinary degree. Her professional interests include ultrasound, pain management, and toxicology.  

  • Maddalena Carnaghi Palescandolo, Office Manager

    Maddalena is originally from Busto Arsizio, Italy. She emigrated to the United States in 1999. After marrying Dr. John, Maddalena went on hiatus from the veterinary profession to raise their four beautiful boys. Now, she has re-emerged into the veterinary field as our Office Manager. She loves spending time with her family, reading, and baking. She has three pets:  Rocco, a beautiful Golden Retriever, and two cats, Zucca and Nina.

    Education:
    University of Milan, School of Veterinary Medicine

  • Jackie Cali

    Jackie has always loved animals. She began her work with animals at a Doggie Daycare in 2008 and has been in the animal care field ever since. Jackie is also a Certified Dog Groomer and has experience as a Veterinary Assistant. She rescued her baby, Ella, a mini poodle mix, in 2010. Jackie plans on continuing to pursue her passion for animals forever.                 
    Years in Practice:
    Apr 29, 2015
    Education:
    Penn Foster Dog Grooming Certification. Penn Foster Veterinary Technician Certification in progress.

  • Samantha Williams

    Sam has been involved in the veterinary technician field since she was sixteen years old, and her passion for veterinary medicine has only continued to grow.  Whether at the office or at home with her own dog and horses, Sam spends most of her time with animals.  She especially enjoys working with retired racehorses and preparing them for careers after the track.  Sam is currently studying to become a certified veterinary technician.  Her future aspiration is to enlist in the Armed Forces as a veterinarian.
    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 2012
    Education:
    Currently enrolled in Bergen County Community College's Veterinary Technician Program
    Interests:
    Horseback riding, Running, Working out

  • Melinda Nagy

    Melinda grew up with cats, dogs, and horses, and her love for animals has remained a consistent theme throughout her life.  Whether riding on the local show jumping circuit or spending quality time with her retired agility dog, Melinda is happiest when she is enriching the lives of her animal companions.  She hails from an education background, formerly teaching English and American History for almost a decade.  Working with students of various ages has enhanced her ability to be encouraging, patient, and organized.  Melinda also has worked professionally as a photographer at various equestrian and canine events.  The opportunity to work at Willowbrook Animal Clinic was a natural extension of the skills she has developed both professionally and personally.
    Melinda's best friend is her Shiba Inu, Shelby (named for the '67 Shelby GT500).  In her spare time, Melinda rides, trains, and shows horses, runs, and rock climbs with her husband.               
    Years in Practice:
    Apr 29, 2015
    Education:
    M.Ed., BA, Pennsylvania State University; Currently enrolled in Penn Foster Veterinary Technician Program
    Interests:
    Show Jumping, Running, Rock Climbing
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    Jalyn Gonzalez


    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 2016
    Education:
    Currently enrolled in Montclair University's Family & Child Studies Program with a concentration in Family Services

  • Loryn Gannon

  • Nadia Raposo