Veterinarians

TREATING YOUR PETS LIKE FAMILY

Kristen Zalud, DVM and the team at Companion Animal Hospital of North Florida are passionate about providing quality veterinary care to the animals in the Jacksonville community and the surrounding areas including Deerwood and Southside. Learn more about our caring staff below.

Kristen Zalud, DVM

Dr. Zalud is a Jacksonville native who grew up with a love for animals. She got her start working in the kennel right here at Companion years ago and knew from then on that this was home to her.

Dr. Zalud attended the University of North Florida where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. She was accepted into veterinary school at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine on the Caribbean island of St. Kitts. After enjoying 2.5 years of island life and veterinary studies, she returned to the US for her senior year and clinical rotations at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Zalud graduated veterinary school in 2009 and immediately returned to Jacksonville to begin practicing. She worked for the first 3 years practicing medicine, as well as doing relief work here at Companion. In December 2012, Dr. Zalud took over the business from Dr. Chambers. Dr. Zalud enjoys spending her free time with her family, friends and pets as well a playing soccer. She also enjoys working with K9s for Warriors, caring for rescue dogs that are training to be service dogs to veterans.

Ashley Andreoni, DVM

Dr. Andreoni grew up in Ponte Vedra and started working in kennels/veterinary practices during her undergraduate years at Florida State University where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology. She started working for Dr. Zalud as a veterinary technician in 2020 before leaving for veterinary school at Ross University on the beautiful island of St. Kitts in 2021. After completing her first 2.5 years of school on island, she finished her clinical year at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine.

After completing veterinary school in 2024, Dr. Andreoni returned home to begin working with her mentor, Dr. Zalud, here at Companion Animal Hospital.

In her free time, Dr. Andreoni likes to read, go to the beach, and spend time with her chihuahua, Teddy, who can often be found in reception. She has a special interest in shelter medicine and working with animals in need.