We are extremely fortunate to have three very talented veterinarians staffing our clinic and overseeing the care of the animals in the APA shelter. As the many pet-owners who are long-time clients here will tell you, they are also incredibly thoughtful and caring with the human as well as four-legged visitors they see each day.
Denise Dietsch DVM
Director of Veterinary Services
I'm a grad of the University of Missouri Veterinary College (Class of ’76) and a native St. Louisan who’s proud to have grown up on the South Side.
My first experience out of vet school was working in a private practice owned by one of the St. Louis Zoo veterinarians. Though I didn't work at the zoo, his expertise with “exotics” attracted an unusual variety of animal clients. While I treated mostly cats and dogs, my daily routine during those seven years often included mountain lions, monkeys, birds and reptiles.
From there, I was on staff at another local private veterinary hospital. About 8 years ago I joined the staff of the APA. Here I am in charge of our outpatient clinic that is open to the public. I also oversee the healthcare of the dogs and cats that are housed in our shelter.
Outside the APA, I'm the mother of one lovely daughter, Alexandra, and 3 dogs and 2 cats. My free time is spent on remodeling and decorating my house or crafting miniatures. (Ask me about the guitars I’ve built!)
Jessica Koss DVM
I am a recent graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine – Class of 2004. My first job after vet school was at a clinic working with large animals, but I couldn’t resist the draw of all the puppies and kittens needing good, quality care.
I am the proud parent of two mixed breed littermates. Bo and Luke were patients of mine and were even the first dogs I neutered after vet school! In my spare time, I like to read, work in my garden, and spend time outdoors biking, hiking and boating.
William Bogash DVM
I grew up in South St. Louis, but after vet school (University of Missouri) I moved
to Franklin county and began my own veterinary practice. Later, I sold that clinic so I could specialize in surgery. I have always enjoyed working with shelter and rescue animals.
I have been doing spay/neuter surgeries at the APA for 10 years, and I now help in the
clinic on Saturdays. My hobbies are fishing, swimming, canoeing, hiking and gardening - I love being outdoors! I share my home with two German Shepards and two cats.