Meet Our Team
Meet the veterinarians and team of Helping Hands Veterinary Surgery & Dentistry of Virginia! We’re pleased to provide exceptional surgery and dental care for your pets!
Meet Our Skilled Veterinarians
Dr. Kristen Talbott
DVM
Dr. Heather Lowe
DVM
Elaina
Practice Manager
Our Amazing Front Desk Staff!
DR. KRISTEN TALBOTT
DVM
Kristen graduated from Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. Along with working at Helping Hands, she practices equine emergency medicine locally. While in Virginia Dr. Talbott has practiced at a high-volume spay/neuter clinic and general practice hospital for the Richmond (low-income) community. She is an avid photographer and artist. Her current project is renovating their city home built in 1903! Dr. Talbott is active in international veterinary volunteer groups and has traveled many times to Mexico and the Dominican Republic. Dr. Kristen has a soft spot for giant breed dogs and is a long-time Great Dane rescuer/owner.
Dr. Heather Lowe
DVM
Heather is from Pennsylvania and received her Bachelor of Science degree from Delaware Valley College in 2014. She then earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2019 from Purdue University. Her passion for surgery, along with her desire to help provide affordable pet care to the community is what brought her to Helping Hands. Prior to joining Helping Hands, Dr. Lowe completed a small animal rotating internship in New York and surgery-focused internships in New York and Ohio. Outside of the hospital, Dr. Lowe enjoys hiking with her dogs Marley and Addie, traveling, and spending time with family.
Elaina
Practice Manager
Elaina came to work at Helping Hands at first as a volunteer. Her own dog needed veterinary care, and in exchange for care, she offered to volunteer to answer the phones when Helping Hands first opened. It wasn’t long before she was a full-time member of the team (and our first official employee!). Elaina fit right in with the enthusiasm, spirit, and ethics of what Helping Hands is all about. She has grown with us through the years, starting as our very first receptionist and now holding the title of Practice Manager. Her unyielding devotion and passion for our mission have helped us become who we are today. You will feel her kindness and warmth not only when you meet her, but even through the phone when you call. Elaina was born and raised on the South side of Richmond. She is mom to Bo and Petunia.