McAfee Animal Hospital continues to grow its team so that it can better serve all the amazing pets in our community. That’s exactly why McAfee Animal Hospital is proud to present the newest addition to its team: Dr. Bill Pals.
Pals grew up in Spring Lake and Muskegon Michigan and graduated from Western Michigan Christian High School. Science was definitely in Pals’ blood: his dad was a veterinarian and he had many doctors and nurses in his family.
Naturally, his family’s love of science rubbed off on Pals, so when it came to choosing a career path after high school, he knew exactly where his future was headed. Pals attended Michigan State University to earn his bachelor’s in veterinary sciences and his doctorate in veterinary medicine.
Pals has now been a veterinarian for 25 years. In that time he has led an extremely successful career. Not only did he co-own two animal hospitals in Michigan, but he also owned two of his animal hospitals in Tennessee, one of which he founded himself.
After many successful years in Tennessee, Pals eventually decided it was time to move back closer to where he grew up. He and his family moved to Valparaiso and Pals quickly discovered that one of his neighbors was none other than Dr. Brooke McAfee. She loved his passion and asked him to consider working at McAfee Animal Hospital.
For a while, Pals continued to commute to his animal hospital in Tennessee, but the traveling began to wear on him. In spring of 2023, Pals sold his practice and took McAfee up on her offer to join the McAfee Animal Hospital team as a part-time veterinarian.
Pals now does general practice for dogs and cats and focuses heavily on skin, allergies, ears, and dermatology. He loves the variety in his work and couldn’t be happier that life brought him to his new home at McAfee Animal Hospital.
“I love the team here—everyone here works well together and the families coming in have been great. This is an impressive animal hospital with a great history that reminds me of where I started years ago. They have treated me so well,” said Pals.
If Pals could give a future veterinarian any piece of advice, he would tell them to keep working hard towards their goals even when things seem tough and to not let small things prevent them from achieving their dreams.
“It is worth the hard work, but don't sweat the small stuff. Keep looking at the big picture!” said Pals.
Pals acknowledges that he wouldn’t have been able to get through the small obstacles in his life without the guidance of his parents and God.
“My parents have been some of my biggest role models and set a great example for me. I grew up in a home that encouraged me to have a strong work ethic, that is for sure. I give all the credit and glory to God for my opportunities too. It's been great,” said Pals.
Pals is also thankful to his wife and family for being patient with all of his business adventures. He couldn’t have made it where he is today without their love and unwavering support.
When he’s not busy saving animals’ lives, Pals likes to get out of the house and see the world, whether that’s on a walk, hike, or even a nice drive. He definitely doesn’t miss the long drives to Tennessee, though.
McAfee Animal Hospital has ultimately gained a wonderful new addition that is sure to make its team even stronger. Pals encourages everyone to come out to McAfee Animal Hospital to get their furry friends a well-deserved check-up.
“It’s an honor to help families by taking care of their pets. Don't wait too long to bring your pet in if you think something is off—they can hide the facts from us,” said Pals.
To learn more about McAfee Animal Hospital and its devoted team, visit mcafeeah.com.