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

Hey! I'm Sabrina and I am the office manager. I started with Best Friends' in 2011 as a technician. I have always had a love for animals ever since I was little. My husband Grant and I have a daughter Paige, french bulldog Mia Lynn, and cat Ryker. 

Anna
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.

                        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.

                        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!