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
Elaina
Practice Manager
dr. Kevin sanada
Veterinarian
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.
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.
Dr. Kevin Sanada
Veterinarian
Dr. Sanada is originally from Reno, NV and graduated Veterinary School at Colorado State University in 2011. A military veteran of the U.S. Army and Airforce. He has a great deal of experience with working dogs, shelters and private practice. His career has taken him many places throughout the world to include Africa, Southwest Asia, India, Fiji, and New Zealand. Surgery and dentistry have always been an important part of his practice that he enjoys. His unique experiences have helped him to offer practical solutions when resources are limited. Dr. Sanada loves the beauty of Virginia and the many experiences Richmond has to offer. He enjoys many different activities, but ice hockey is his favorite thing to do.