Cape Small Animal Clinic

NOSE-TO-TAIL PET CARE

Since 1971 when the late Dr. John Koch opened Cape Small Animal Clinic, our veterinarians have been proudly and humbly caring for pets and their families. Doctors Brian Heuring, Loni Patke, Alexandra Chaney, Katie Snider and Lindsey Allen-Word, along with a team of veterinary technicians and receptionists, are experts in pet care and compassion. We are always accepting new clients and typically see your sick dog or cat the same day you contact us. We work diligently to get your pet in quickly that same week for other routine care. From new puppy and kitten shots to comprehensive surgery, we do it all---and we communicate every step to you along the way. At Cape Small Animal Clinic, we care for pets AND the people who love them!

Brian K. Heuring, DVM

Dr. Brian has nearly 20 years experience as a veterinarian and loves working in the community where he was raised. He graduated from Thomas W. Kelly High School in Benton, MO, and received his doctorate of veterinary medicine from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He and his wife, Lauren Keith, stay busy attending and coaching several of their two daughters' school activities and sports, and their little King Charles Cavalier Spaniel is usually along for the ride, too. When Dr. Brian isn't caring for pets at the clinic, you can find him at his horse barn. He proudly raises and shows Belgian Draft Horses, carrying on a third-generation family tradition. Dr. Brian thoroughly enjoys helping pets, especially performing orthopedic surgeries. He loves working with the entire team at both Cape Small Animal Clinic and Bootheel Animal Clinic of Sikeston.

Loni M. Patke, DVM

Dr. Loni Patke loves meeting new people, connecting with clients, and working with the entire vet team. She always looks forward to seeing what the day will bring here at Cape Small Animal Clinic. Dr. Loni enjoys using ultrasound technology to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of pets. Outside of veterinary medicine, she and her husband, Michael, spend time chasing their toddler son, Walker. They love taking Walker wherever they go and introducing him to new things. They enjoy family dinners, being outdoors, fishing and spending time in Texas, where the couple met. The Patkes also love attending sporting events, especially watching their niece and nephew's activities and attending SEMO athletic events. Dr. Loni is a proud Jackson High School graduate, and she earned her veterinary degree from Texas A&M University.

Alexandra B. Chaney, DVM

Dr. Alexandra grew up in Kennett, MO, and later attended Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island, where she majored in Biology and also played on the Women's Tennis Team. From Rhode Island, she then earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2019 from Mississippi State University where she was a member of the Phi Zeta Honor Society.

Soon after Dr. Alexandra joined Cape Small Animal Clinic and Bootheel Animal Clinic, she married her college sweetheart, Brent. A year later, the couple welcomed their daughter, Charlotte. The Chaneys are now expecting a second daughter, Emme, in Fall of 2026. The family also loves their dogs, Dudley and DJ (Miniature Dachshunds) and Gumbo (a German Shorthaired Pointer.)

Dr. Alexandra has loved animals since childhood and enjoys having the ability to advocate for those without a voice of their own. Nothing makes her feel better than figuring out why a patient is sick and helping pets live happy and healthy lives. She appreciates having a career that brings something new daily, and she thoroughly enjoys performing soft tissue surgery and dentistry.

Outside of the clinic, Dr. Alexandra loves to swim and enjoys scuba diving. She loves traveling to new places with her family. At home, Dr. Alexandra sings in her church choir and stays quite busy chasing her toddler around outside and taking her to gymnastics. She and Brent can't wait to add their second daughter into the mix very soon!

John Koch, DVM

Dr. John Koch opened Cape Small Animal Clinic in 1971 and proudly served hundreds of pets in our region up until the day he died in 2018. We are very humbled to still treat his entire family's pets, and we enjoy when Mrs. Koch stops in to say hello. We are grateful for Dr. Koch's experience and kind manner he passed onto all of us. We work daily to make him proud.

Katie Snider, DVM

Dr. Katie grew up in Chaffee, MO. She received her undergraduate degree at Southeast Missouri State University and then attended the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine in Columbia, where she became a licensed veterinarian.

Dr. Katie has always loved animals, and she truly knew she wanted to become a veterinarian after shadowing a few local doctors and witnessing several complex cases. She loves helping pets and their owners, and building relationships with the families in her care.

Dr. Katie will marry her college sweetheart in October 2026 (her maiden name is Glueck, in case you were wondering!). She and her future husband, Dawson, have an 11-year old Cavapoo named Marley. She also really loves the Whippet and Poodle breeds. Plus, she truly enjoys treating cats.

In her freetime, Dr. Katie enjoys taking walks, reading and hanging out with her friends and family. She also likes to crochet and to do any type of crafts.The next time you are in one of our exam rooms with Dr. Katie, be sure to let her know about any projects you are working on, too!

Lindsey Allen-Word, DVM

Dr. Lindsey grew up in Jackson, MO, and later pursued undergraduate studies at Southeast Missouri State University. Four years after that, she became a licensed veterinarian after graduating from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Lindsey enjoys caring for pets in need. Her goal is to help them become as healthy as possible throughout all stages of life. Having grown up with livestock and pets, Dr. Lindsey is thrilled to work with animals every day in a clinic setting.

Dr. Lindsey and her husband, Zach, spend lots of time corralling their own herd, literally. They raise registered Shorthorn and Simmental cattle and show them at many fairs. They also love spending time with their dogs: Ava, a German Shepherd, and two red heelers named Chili and Pepper. The couple also has a cat who they call, 'Peaches.' Outside of caring for her own animals and working at the clinic, Dr. Lindsey enjoys reading a good fantasy series. Feel free to share any of your own book recommendations with her!