Jill M. Patt, DVM - Medical Director 

Founder & Veterinarian - Little Critters Veterinary Hospital

Experienced, Loving Care for Dogs, Cats & Exotic Pets

Dr. Jill Patt is the founder of Little Critters Veterinary Hospital and a trusted veterinarian serving the Mesa and Gilbert, Arizona communities. With over two decades of clinical experience, she provides experienced, loving care for dogs, cats, and a wide variety of exotic pets—including birds, reptiles, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, amphibians, rodents, and other unique species.

A Lifelong Commitment to Animals

Dr. Patt’s lifelong commitment to animals began in early childhood and has shaped every part of her personal and professional life. Her home has always been filled with “little critters,” and she has personally raised, shown, and cared for dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, rabbits, and many other exotic species.

Her first love was birds, and she developed years of hands-on experience in avian care, enrichment, nutrition, and behavior. But during veterinary school, she realized her passion couldn’t be confined to avian medicine alone. She was equally drawn to the complex needs of reptiles, small mammals, and traditional companion animals like dogs and cats. Among exotics, rabbits and birds remain especially close to her heart, but her expertise and dedication span the full range of exotic species—feathered, scaled, and furred.

Education & Credentials

Dr. Patt began her academic journey at the Arizona State University Barrett Honors College, where she pursued pre-veterinary studies. She then earned both her Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Science and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from Washington State University, graduating Magna Cum Laude. She was also inducted into the Phi Zeta Veterinary Honor Society, a distinction awarded to top veterinary graduates.

Veterinary Career & Community Contributions

Since earning her DVM in 2000, Dr. Patt has built a career rooted in clinical excellence, client education, and compassionate service. Her accomplishments include:

• Founding Little Critters Veterinary Hospital in Gilbert, AZ (2015)
  
  
• Volunteering at the Humane Society’s Medical Shelter
  
  
• Teaching as adjunct faculty in the Mesa Community College Veterinary Technician Program
  
  
• Co-founding Animal Doctors to the RESCUE, a nonprofit supporting rescue animals and underserved communities

Clinical Interests

Dr. Patt’s primary clinical focus is the medicine and surgery of exotic pets, including birds, reptiles, rabbits, rodents, amphibians, and small mammals. She uses species-specific diagnostics, advanced surgical techniques, and gentle handling to deliver thoughtful, high-level care to these often misunderstood patients.

Her additional clinical interests include:

• Preventative care and wellness for dogs, cats, and exotics
  
  
• Veterinary dentistry
  
  
• Pomeranian and toy breed medicine
  
  
• Client education and early disease detection

Personal Passion

At home, Dr. Patt and her husband, Robert, are surrounded by their beloved Pomeranians, affectionately known as their MyPomPals. Together, they manage Little Critters Veterinary Hospital and share a mission to provide every patient with the same thoughtful, attentive care they would want for their own pets.