Medical Staff

Donald R. Dyal, DVM

Dr. Dyal grew up in Stephenville, Tx, and received his B.S. and DVM degrees from Texas A&M University. Following graduation, he entered a mixed practice, bought out an existing practice, and spent six years practicing in Dallas before opening Guardian Pet Hospital in 1989. Dr. Dyal has been around animals all his life. His first pet was Cocoa, a brown cocker spaniel that he received when he was six years old. Over the years he and his family have had dogs, cats, birds, fish, rabbits, guinea pigs, horses, reptiles….even a baby bluejay that fell out of the nest and had a craving for french fries, a family of baby opossums because one scratched his son, and a baby cottontail rabbit that a client had taken out of her Mastiff’s mouth. He was named Nacho because the dog had taken a “notch” out of his ear. Dr. Dyal and his wife live in Denton and have a married son and daughter, both living in Carrollton. They kept hoping for a grandchild to join their two "grandcats," Sari and Velcro, and finally on January 12, 2005, their grandson, Dakota Ray Dyal was born. Dr. Dyal has 30+ years of experience in veterinary medicine and attends numerous seminars each year to keep up to date on the latest technology. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Texas Veterinary Medical Association, Dallas County Veterinary Medical Association, American Animal Hospital Association, and is a past president of the Denton County Veterinary Medical Association and the Denton Jaycees. In addition to veterinary medicine, Dr. Dyal enjoys golf and woodworking.

Robert T. Howell, DVM, DC, FACO

Dr. Howell provides chiropractic care to our patients on an appointment only basis. As a licensed veterinarian, Dr. Howell has a strong educational background in zoology and veterinary medicine. He also graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine in 1981 from the Life College of Chiropractic in Marietta, GA.

Lauren - Veterinary Technician

Lauren comes to us with extensive experience in the veterinary field. She began working as a kennel technician in a Houston veterinary hospital while still in high school, and has continually advanced her skills. She provides medical and surgical assistance, takes medical histories, performs wellness exams, lab diagnostic tests and dental cleaning, administers medications, fills prescriptions, provides client education and follow-up, among many other tasks. An animal lover all her life, Lauren enjoys helping injured, sick and healthy pets and their owners. Lauren is a graduate of UNT with a BA in Biology and just completed her Masters in Secondary Education. When not working, Lauren enjoys volunteering for Great Dane Rescue of North Texas and Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Texas, and spending time with her family - her two cats, Toby and Gambit, and her Great Dane, Guinness. Lauren's care and concern for pets, her medical expertise, and good communication skills make her a valuable member of our hospital family.

Amy - Veterinary Assistant

Amy is a graduate of Northwest High School in Justin and comes to us from Rhome. She brings with her much knowledge from her professional internship and previous position at two other veterinary hospitals in the DFW area. Amy also received her veterinary assistant certification through the Texas Veterinary Medical Association. She attends UNT, majoring in Biology in preparation for attending veterinary school in the future. When she isn't studying hard, she can be found horse back riding, shopping or spending time with her personal animals, five dogs (Maggie, Scooter, Piddy, Mister, and Blue) and two horses (Marvin and Sheba). Phew!

Meghan - Veterinary Assistant

You will appreciate Meghan's smiling face and dedication to your pet's health and well-being.. She began working with animals when she was in the sixth grade and has experience raising and showing livestock. She started out her professional career as a kennel technician in 2006 and has progressed in her knowledge and skills ever since. Meghan has one cat named Bob and is currently attending TWU as a nursing major in preparation for a future in medicine.

Tiffany - Veterinary Assistant/Receptionist

Tiffany is the newest member of your team. She comes to us from Austin, where she worked on a ranch for the last three years. She brings to our team an effervescent personality and her passion for animals. Tiffany grew up always having a house full of animals and she is known for picking up all sorts of strays, rehabilitating them, and finding them good homes. Tiffany is currently attending the University of North Texas where she is majoring in Biology in preparation for her future in veterinary medicine. She has two dogs, Koda and Sunny.