I'm Dr. Lisa Coder, and I graduated from the University of Missouri in 2013. Since then, I have worked in many different types of clinics, from equine, to mixed animal, to ER. I even served a few years with the USDA as a public health veterinarian. I love all animals and strive to provide a safe, comfortable, and compassionate place for the people and pets who make up our community family. 

In 2021,I began Home Vet, an alternative and holistic veterinary practice that provided acupuncture, therapeutic laser, and herbal medicine to pets in Sioux Falls. In March of 2023, Home Vet expanded to become Vital Animal Veterinary Clinic - a surprise purchase to continue a 30+ year legacy of a colleague. I believe in compassion, understanding, and above all, love. I believe it is within every animal to find balance and health.  At Vital Animal Veterinary Clinic, we care, we heal, and your family thrives. 

I have two children, four cats, a husband, and a gecko - who is undoubtedly the love of my life. I enjoy reading, good coffee, doing karate with my boys, learning new things, mediocre coffee, teaching, writing (both fiction and veterinary-related), tattoos, crazy hairstyles, and even cold, 2-day old coffee is worth my time. I believe in love, I believe in belief, and I love the idea that we are creating a huge, happy, healthy family with our clients, staff, and all the pets.

Our Technicians

Meet Abby! She is one of our registered veterinary technicians here at Vital Animal Veterinary Clinic. She graduated with an Associate in Veterinary Technology in 2013 at Globe University. Started her career in Iowa working with large and small animals, then started at All Animal Pet Hospital in 2015 and discovered a passion for treating exotic patients. Abby currently has 3 cats (Mouse, Flash, Dora) and one dog (Aja). Abby loves to read, go fishing, and doing crafts.

Meet Amanda! She is one of our registered veterinary technicians here at Vital Animal Veterinary Clinic. Amanda has been in veterinary medicine for almost 10 years. She began her veterinary technician career in 2014 in Hartford. She also has experience in ER/ICU when she worked in emergency medicine. She graduated from Globe University in 2013. Amanda passed the VTNE in 2013 and continues to further her knowledge by keeping up with the continuing education that is required to maintain her registration.

When asked what her favorite part of working for Vital Animal Veterinary Clinic is, Amanda said, “Getting to work with all the exotic animals that come here. Everyday is something different. Also all the staff here, we make a great team. Every person has a special strength that they bring. We all learn from each other and that benefits our patients. 

Amanda has two children, ages 8 and 6. She also has two dogs, Bella a nine year old Newfoundland/Great Pyrenees mix and Echo a 4yr old Cane Corso. Amanda breeds ICCF registered Cane Corso puppies.

Meet Lee! She is one of our technicians here at Vital Animal Veterinary Clinic. She graduated with an Associate in Business Administration in 2017 at Broadview University. Although she has a business degree does not stop her from pursuing her dream of working with animals. She started her passion at All Animal Pet Hospital in 2019 and has loved every minute of it. Lee currently has 3 dogs (Stella, Cameron, Reginald).

Meet Kisha! She graduated from Beauty School in 2004 and worked as a cosmetologist for 14 years. Kisha went on to work as a Correctional Officer for 7 years, and then ended up at Vital Animal Veterinary Clinic with Dr. Lisa. Kisha has always had a passion for animals and is currently taking classes to become a Vet Tech. Kisha has 5 dachshunds, (Goose, Monkey, Wiggles, Coco, and Pepper)

Meet Jennifer! She grew up south of Sioux Falls, and from a young age she has been working with dogs. She has helped with the 4 H county fair dog projects in the past. After moving closer to Sioux Falls she has recently started competitive dog sports with her Belgian Malinois, Roman. When she is not working, Jennifer enjoys traveling, reading, and DIY projects.

Meet Brian! He is originally from California and where he met his wife in 1999 while driving a bus. Due to her job they ended traveling all over before settling close to Sioux Falls with his family. He enjoys making spreadsheets and telling dad jokes. Although he mainly works behind the scenes, he makes for an excellent helping hand around the clinic when needed. Almost forgot to mention that he is also Dr. Lisa’s husband.