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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  • Get Directions
  • 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

  • Andrea Antonelli, DVM

    Dr. Andrea Antonelli is a native of Parsippany, New Jersey and has always had a profound love for animals, leading to a career in veterinary medicine.  She received her undergraduate degree from Loyola College in Maryland in 1998 and continued her schooling by earning her Master's degree with a concentration in nutrition from Ohio State University in 2003.  She attended Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and completed her doctorate in 2007.  She currently lives in Boonton with her six large parrots and her four dogs (three German Shepherds and a Pitbull).
    Years in Practice:
    Nov 10, 2016

  • 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.

  • 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
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    Ashley Cil

    Ashley has worked as a veterinary technician for 10 years.  She especially enjoys working with young animals, and she is ready to help clients learn the necessary skills and training to ensure these pets thrive into adulthood.  When she's not in the office, she is spending time with her Peke-a-poo, Penny, or studying canine massage therapy.
    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 2016
    Education:
    Associate's Degree in English, Bergen County Community College
    Interests:
    Movies, Cosplay, Playing with her dog

  • 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:
    Aug 11, 2017
    Education:
    Currently enrolled in Bergen County Community College's Veterinary Technician Program
    Interests:
    Horseback riding, Running, Working out
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    Leigh Keaveney

    Leigh, who is fairly new to the field, came from a background of Human Resources. She has been an animal lover all her life. She acquired her Labradoodle, "Dexter," from a friend at work who was a breeder. "Dexter" acquired two younger siblings when Leigh brought beautiful twin baby girls into the world. Leigh was originally from Connecticut, but she has resided in New Jersey for the past 17 years for a sunnier and greener state. She is very kind and compassionate, and she has a big heart.                                 
    Years in Practice:
    Jan 22, 2016
    Interests:
    Loves the beach and chocolate