Our Veterinarians in Quakertown, PA
Meet the veterinarians of Mill Pond Veterinary Clinic & Kennel, a privately owned, three-doctor small animal practice in Quakertown, PA. Our team has cared for dogs and cats across Upper Bucks County since 1996, combining years of hands-on experience with the warmth of a practice where familiar faces know your pet by name.
Experience You Can Trust
A Three-Doctor Team Devoted to Your Pet
Our Doctors
The Veterinarians of Mill Pond
Our veterinarians bring decades of combined experience to companion animal medicine, paired with a genuine commitment to the bond between you and your pet. Each doctor is dedicated to clear communication, gentle handling, and treatment plans tailored to your dog or cat’s individual needs.
Dr. Joanne Cote Thayer, VMD, CCRP
Owner & Veterinarian
Dr. Joanne Cote Thayer is the founder and proprietor of Mill Pond Veterinary Clinic & Kennel and a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. She has devoted more than twenty years to companion animal care, driven by a lifelong passion for the health and well-being of dogs and cats. As a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP), she brings added depth to the practice’s rehabilitation program, helping pets recover mobility and comfort after injury, surgery, or age-related decline. Throughout her career, Dr. Thayer has never stopped expanding her veterinary knowledge, continually pursuing the best possible care for every patient she treats here in Upper Bucks County.
Dr. Marc Schnolis, DVM
Dr. Marc Schnolis, DVM, has been dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality veterinary care for more than 26 years. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Dr. Marc’s passion for animals led him to pursue veterinary medicine, even though he had little exposure to large animals while growing up in the city.
He earned his undergraduate degree from Knox College in Illinois before attending the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, where he graduated with the Class of 2000. Following veterinary school, he completed an internship at VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital in Florida, further developing his clinical skills.
Since 2002, Dr. Marc has been caring for pets and their families throughout Eastern Pennsylvania. He joined the Mill Pond Veterinary Clinic family in 2019 and has become known for his thoughtful and thorough approach to medicine, strong client relationships, and dedication to educating pet owners. His professional interests include small animal surgery, client education, and clear, compassionate communication to help families make informed decisions about their pets’ care.
Outside of the clinic, Dr. Marc enjoys spending time with his wife and their three beloved cats—Romie, Failte, and Puck. In his free time, you’ll often find him playing video games, building intricate LEGO® sets, or relaxing with a good book.
Dr. Marc is proud to be part of the Mill Pond Veterinary Clinic team and looks forward to partnering with you to keep your pets healthy and happy for years to come.
Dr. Jim Higgins, VMD
Dr. Jim Higgins has dedicated nearly five decades to providing compassionate, high-quality veterinary care to pets and the families who love them. With 49 years of experience in general practice, he brings a wealth of knowledge, skill, and a lifelong passion for animal health to the Mill Pond Veterinary Clinic team.
Dr. Higgins began his educational journey at Villanova University, where he earned a degree in Business Administration in 1969. Following graduation, he proudly served as a Naval Officer in the United States Navy and received an honorable discharge. Using the GI Bill, he continued his education at Muhlenberg College, completing his pre-medical studies before pursuing his lifelong goal of becoming a veterinarian.
In 1973, Dr. Higgins entered the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, earning his VMD in 1977. Since then, he has spent his career caring for companion animals, building lasting relationships with clients while providing exceptional medical care rooted in experience, compassion, and trust.
Outside of the clinic, Dr. Higgins enjoys reflecting on his longtime passion for cycling and his enduring passion for racing pigeons. Above all, he is most proud of his family, including his wife, children, and grandchildren. At home, he enjoys life on an acre of land surrounded by preserved open space, where he cares for his ponies, chickens, barn cats, and dogs—a setting that perfectly reflects his lifelong love of animals.
Dr. Higgins is honored to continue serving the community and looks forward to helping pets live long, healthy, and happy lives.