Meet Our Team
Meet Dr. Koss
About Our Doctor:
Dr. Joella Koss grew up on a small grain farm outside of Pesotum. Since she was a child, she has been passionate about school, athletics, and animals. She graduated from Unity High School in 2000 where she played basketball, softball, and volleyball, was President of the National Honor Society, and Vice President of the Student Council.
Dr. Koss continued her education at Lake Land College where she pitched two winning seasons on a softball scholarship. She graduated with honors from the University of Illinois in 2004 with her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science. She then received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Illinois in 2008.
She worked in Decatur at Northgate Pet Clinic for two years and then joined Animal Health Care Center in Arcola to be closer to her family. She is now pursuing another aspect of veterinary medicine by becoming an owner. She has a special interest in orthopedic surgery, dentistry, and dermatology.
She and her husband Lucas have four kids, two of the human-kind, Lane and Paisley, and two furry canines, Tuck and Chevy. She and Lucas both had a dog named Chevy before they got married. Dr. Koss lost her first love, Chevy, an 11-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, in 2013. While she misses Chevy dearly, she finds comfort knowing that she is now peaceful, happy, and a puppy once again across the Rainbow Bridge. Chevy can be seen in all her beauty in the painting pictured above.
In her free time, Dr. Koss enjoys spending time with her family and dogs, 4-wheeling with her husband, and watching drag racing. She is dedicated to continuing education and promoting the human-animal bond. She can’t wait to meet you and help you keep your furry loved one happy and healthy.
A Note From Dr. Koss:
As a pet owner and pet lover myself, I’m highly empathetic to your concerns and needs. I work to support and nurture the health of your special animal friends by offering them the most caring, convenient, and high-quality veterinary support possible.
Meet Dr. Rutherford
Dr. Kate Rutherford brings All About Animals Pet Clinic an entire lifetime of veterinary experience. Born and raised in a veterinary family in Shelbyville, Illinois, Dr. Rutherford practically grew up in her family’s veterinary clinic – her father was a large and small animal Veterinarian and her mother was the Practice Manager. As a child, 4-H was a big part of her life with projects ranging from dog shows to baking. She graduated from the University of Illinois with her Bachelor’s in Animal Science and then attended the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine where she graduated as the co-salutatorian of her class in 2007. She returned to her family’s clinic and developed her love of internal medicine and geriatric care.
In addition to working in private practice, Dr. Rutherford expanded her career in other aspects of the veterinary industry. She spent time with the Veterinary Information Network, an online educational resource for Veterinarians. She then jumped at the opportunity to teach future veterinary professionals as an instructor with the Parkland College Veterinary Technology program. She currently leads courses in anatomy and veterinary practice management software for future Certified Veterinary Technicians. Her diverse experience in private practice and education bring an exciting level of care and knowledge to our patients.
If she isn’t seeing patients or teaching, Dr. Rutherford is likely biking with her husband, Joe, or at the barn with her horse, Lucky. Her family also includes rescue dogs Yoshi (pictured) and Llewey.
Meet Dr. Carbajal
We are proud to welcome another Illini to our team of caring Veterinarians. Introducing Dr. Raquel Carbajal, a recent graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Carbajal hails from Harvard, IL, but now has roots in Champaign. She is passionate about animal rescue and fostering pets that are looking for their forever families, especially senior dogs. Her years of advocating for homeless pets easily led her down the path of veterinary medicine. She brings to us a passion for surgery, internal medicine, and geriatric care – which make Dr. Koss and Dr. Rutherford the perfect mentors to help launch our bright young doctor. It’s no secret our team of dedicated and highly trained team members offer the highest quality care possible, and Dr. Carbajal is thrilled to be a part of such a compassionate team.
When she’s not at the clinic, Dr. Carbajal enjoys being outdoors, gardening, and spending time with her husband, Alex. Their family also includes two Beagles, Tennessee and Panchita; and two cats, Oliver and Bandit.
