Meet Our Team

Victoria M. Hollifield, DVM
Hospital Owner

I am the owner and veterinarian of Best Friends' Veterinary Hospital.

I opened my practice in 1992.  Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted to be a veterinarian. I graduated from UMUC, with honors, in 1984 and from Tuskegee University in 1988, as a member of the Phi Zeta Veterinary Honor Society. I did an externship program at Zoo Atlanta between my 2nd and 3rd year of vet school. I worked at NIH from 1987 to 1997, starting as a rodent and rabbit colony veterinarian at the Veterinary Resources Branch of the National Center for Research and Resources. I eventually became the Animal Program Director at the National Center for Human Genome Research. While commissioned officer at NIH, I worked part-time in several private practices. 

I am an avid lover of all animal life and work with animal rescue operations for Montgomery County as well with wildlife at Second Chance Wildlife Sanctuary.

My husband, Bill Ponton, and I, have a wonderful son, Grant. 

Sabrina
Hospital Manager

              Dynaia
Assistant Manager

Hi! I’m Dynaia, and I am the Assistant Manager at Best Friends’. I have always had a love for animals and learning about them ever since I was young. I am currently working on my veterinary technician degree at Penn Foster.

I am a mom to a silly and adorable dog named Raven. She is the sweetest, most loving and the biggest ball of energy!

I can’t wait to meet you and your animals! (:

Anna
Lead Veterinary Technician

I joined Best Friends' Veterinary Hospital as a Veterinary Assistant in March 2021. I've moved all over the place throughout my studies, but settled down permanently here in Maryland after receiving my Bachelor's degree from McDaniel College.

Working with animals has been a lifelong passion of mine, and I plan on continuing my education to pursue a doctorate in veterinary medicine. I have a special fondness for reptiles and avians, and have studied falconry for several years. When I'm not working, I'm either spoiling my Husky mix (Peanut), driving, or geeking out over theatre.

Sean
Veterinary Technician

Hi, my name is Sean! I am an undergrad Animal Science major at The University of Maryland, College Park. Ever since I can remember I have always loved having a lot of pets. Right now, I have ferrets, mice, a scorpion, lots of fish, a dog, and a cat. I enjoy fishing, hiking, and spending time outdoors. I have been at Best Friends since 2022 and am learning as much as I can before going to Vet School.

Liz
Veterinary Technician

Erin
Veterinary Student

Hi, my name is Erin! I have always had an incredible love for animals, though I do not own any of my own right now. I began working at Best Friends’ as a veterinary assistant in January 2016. I am now in vet school at Tuskegee University, and come back to Best Friends’ whenever I am home on break.

                     Janece

         Veterinary Assistant

                   Sophie 

        Veterinary Assistant 

                        Aja

         Veterinary Assistant 

                        Tate
          Veterinary Assistant

Hi, I'm Tate. I'm a veterinary assistant at Best Friends' Veterinary Hospital and I love to work with a variety of different animals and learn something new every day. I love cats and dogs, but I have a special fondness for penguins.

Currently, I am an Animal Science major at the University of Maryland College Park and will graduate in 2024. I plan on minoring in philosophy as well. In the future, I am aiming to go to veterinary school and become a veterinarian who specializes in surgeries. When I am not in school or working, I love to run and play soccer with friends.

Jeferson
Veterinary Assistant

Hi, my name is Jeferson. I have two dogs of my own. Their names are Leo and Princess. These two were one of the reasons to why I wanted to work here at Best Friends’ Veterinary Hospital. During my free time I help at Best Friends’ so I can learn how to take care of different kinds of animals and how to treat them. The amazing people and facility made it a perfect place for me to grow and find new ways to help take care of my two dogs, and to help them live longer and happier lives.

I have also taken care of several dogs, cats, and fishes during my lifetime. I look forward to meeting you and your pets!

                        Jimmy
             Veterinary Assistant

Hi! My name is Jimmy and I started as a veterinary assistant at Best Friends' Veterinary Hospital in 2022. Although I do not have pets of my own, I have always loved animals, especially exotics, and want to learn more about how to take care of them. I am a student at the University of Maryland College Park majoring in Animal Science in hopes of becoming a veterinarian in the future! I'm still debating if I want to work with domesticated or wildlife animals but we will see what the future has in store for me. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, playing games, and watching TV shows.

              Elder

Hospital Bird

Elder is a Salmon Crested Moluccan Cockatoo

She entertains our birdie boarders!

              Little Guy

Little Guy joined the Best Friends’ family in July 2021. He is a 13 year old male red footed land tortoise.

He is very social and super handsome! Little Guy enjoys a daily, restful warm bath and a variety of fruits and vegetables.

Little Guy’s native habitat is Central and South America ranging from dry grasslands to wet forests.