Our doctors

Board-Certified Cardiology Expertise

Founding medical director

Justin Carlson

VMD, DACVIM (Cardiology)

Dr.Justin Carlson, VMD, Diplomate ACVIM (Cardiology), is the founding medical director of The Animal Cardiology Center. He received his VMD from the University of Pennsylvania before completing a rotating internship and cardiology internship in New York City. Dr. Carlson then completed his cardiology residency at Texas A&M University, where he later served as a locum adjunct cardiologist in 2013 and 2014.

For over a decade, Dr. Carlson has practiced as a board-certified veterinary cardiologist in New York City, providing advanced cardiac care for patients with both common and complex heart disease. His clinical interests include chronic and end-stage congestive heart failure, with a particular focus onimproving quality of life, advancing long-term management strategies, and helping patients with advanced disease live more comfortably and fully.

In addition to clinical practice, Dr. Carlson has volunteered for more than ten years on the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine cardiology specialty examination committees, helping uphold the rigor, integrity, and standards of board certification in veterinary cardiology. He is also an investigator in multipleongoing clinical trials and has been invited to lecture nationally on advances in heart failure management.

Outside of work, Dr. Carlson enjoys strength training, high-intensity fitness, rock climbing, hiking, and running. He lives in New York City with his partner and his golden retriever mix, Beau.

medical director

Kelly Flynn

PhD, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology)

Dr. Kelly Flynn is a board-certified veterinary cardiologist with a strong foundation in both clinical practice and biomedical research. Before earning her veterinary degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, she spent several years as an invasive cardiovascular technician and completed a PhD in biomedical research at Yale University. Following veterinary school, she pursued a rotating internship at an emergency-specialty center, then returned to UW–Madison to complete a cardiology residency.

Dr. Flynn is deeply dedicated to delivering thoughtful, individualized care to pets with heart disease. She works closely with families and referring veterinarians to develop practical monitoring and treatment plans tailored to each patient's specific needs. Known for her clarity, compassion, and precision, Dr. Flynn is valued for her collaborative approach and sharp clinical insight.

Her professional interests span the full spectrum of cardiology, with particular enthusiasm for congenital heart defects, interventional cardiology, management of congestive heart failure, and both feline and canine cardiomyopathies and valvular diseases.

Emily Herrold

DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology)

Dr. Herrold received her DVM from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine followed by a small animal rotating internship at the Animal Medical Center in New York City, and then a specialty internship in emergency and critical care at North Carolina State University. She went on to complete her cardiology residency at The Ohio State University.

Dr. Herrold’s clinical interests include feline cardiomyopathies and congenital heart disease. She is passionate about bringing an overall focus on optimizing the quality of life for her patients and their families.

Outside of work, Dr. Herrold enjoys dance and theatre, gardening, and spending time outdoors with her dogs, Linus and Penny, and her adventure cat, Rosemary.

Sarifa Lakhdhir

DVM, MSc, DACVIM (Cardiology)

Dr. Lakhdhir received her DVM from the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. She completed a small animal rotating internship at Iowa State University followed by a cardiology specialty internship at VERG in Brooklyn, NY under the mentorship of Dr. Carlson. She then went on to complete her cardiology residency and master’s degree at the Atlantic Veterinary College in PEI, Canada.

Dr. Lakhdhir’s clinical interests include performing minimally invasive procedures, evaluating congenital heart disease, and managing chronic heart conditions. She believes it’s important to remember that there is more than one heart to consider when managing our patients.

Outside of work, Dr. Lakhdhir enjoys traveling, hiking, sewing, and photography. She hopes to one day be reunited with her precious cat, MeMe, who still resides in Calgary with her family.