The Paw Patch Team

Dr. Jennifer Finnegan

Veterinarian

Dr. Jennifer Finnegan Joined the practice in 2016. . She graduated from Kansas State University in 2003. Shortly after that, she moved to Indiana and did relief work working in various settings such as high-volume spay and neuter clinics, emergency, rural and urban clinics. She has a great rapport with clients, patients, and staff. She shares our core values and we are so excited to have her on board!

Outside of the clinic, Dr. Finnegan is an outdoors enthusiast and dedicated adventurer. She has completed several half and full marathons and is currently taking on the challenge of Everesting. She’s also a passionate Indiana Fever supporter—and is proudly Caitlin Clark’s biggest fan.

Dr. Abra Foster

DVM

Dr. Abra Foster, a Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine 2016 graduate, started her veterinary career in shelter medicine with Indy Humane and has most recently been working at the FACE Low-Cost Animal Clinic for the past 2 years. She spent several years in a small animal general practice following her time with Indy Humane and has missed building connections with pets and their owners and is looking forward to being back in general practice once again.

Dr. Foster has a background in Wildlife Management and Education, with a bachelor’s degree in wildlife from Purdue University. She worked with the Indianapolis Zoo’s Education Department after earning her undergraduate degree before deciding to return to school to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. In her quest to become a veterinarian she completed her master’s in biology at IUPUI.

Dr. Foster is an Indianapolis native and the mother to two amazing young kids that keep her on her toes daily. Dr. Foster lives with her husband and children in Midtown, where they share their home with 4 amazing cats and 4 amazing dogs, and one very old rabbit.

Outside of the veterinary field, Dr. Foster enjoys gardening (flowers not food), spending time with her family, traveling and loves to spend a few hours on her day off hitting local thrift stores!

Dr. Foster is particularly excited to be embarking upon a new chapter in her career with the Paw Patch because Dr. Tysklind was her very first mentor. Her very first job as a veterinary assistant, when the dream of becoming a veterinarian was just beginning, was right here with us here at the Paw Patch!

Dr. Jess Gilliatt

DVM

Dr. Gilliatt (they/them) is a graduate of Western University of Health Sciences class of 2016. Dr. Gilliatt hit the ground running right out of school in Bloomington, IN and spent their first three years working in general practice and obtaining their Masters in Public Health. During that time they realized their passion for accessibility and spectrum of care and decided to move to the non-profit sector to provide low-cost care.

After 7 years in Bloomington, they made the move home to Indianapolis to live with their partner and be closer to family. Missing the connection with owners and opportunity to educate about pet ownership, Dr. Gilliatt chose to get back into general practice.

Dr. Gilliatt especially enjoys soft tissue surgery, dental care, ophthalmology cases, and infectious disease cases. Willing to take on any case, Dr. Gilliatt strives to create a safe and affirming environment to ensure owners feel heard and respected. They feel that this intentional time with owners fosters a teamwork approach to provide the care that each family is seeking for their furry loved ones.

Dr. Gilliat is a member of the Pride Veterinary Medical Community and obtained a CARE REDI (Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity; Racial Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) certificate. Their personal goal is to practice proactive, compassionate medicine that prioritizes human and animal well-being by addressing bias, promoting accountability, and amplifying marginalized voices.

In their free time, Dr. Gilliatt enjoys relaxing with their partner, playing video games, hiking, gardening, and spending time with family. They have two delightfully crusty chihuahuas and a moderately spicy tortishell cat.