Meet Our Team

Dr. Shawn Messonnier opened Paws & Claws Animal Hospital and Holistic Pet Center in 1991. His special interests include holistic and functional medicine, exotic pets, dermatology, cancer, and internal medicine. Dr. Shawn is a well-known speaker and author. In addition to serving clients, he has written for numerous veterinary and pet publications including Animal Wellness, Body + Soul, Veterinary Forum, Dog Fancy, Cat Fancy, Dog World, Fido Friendly, Whole Dog Journal, Whole Cat Journal, Whole Living, Total Health and Wellness. He is the former radio host of the award-winning Dr. Shawn The Natural Vet for Martha Stewart Living Radio.

Dr. Shawn is also the author of several books, including the award-winning The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats, The Allergy Solution for Dogs, The Natural Vets’ Guide to Preventing and Treating Arthritis in Dogs and Cats, The Natural Vet’s Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs, 8 Weeks to a Healthy Dog and Unexpected Miracles: Hope and Holistic Healing for Pets.

Dr. Shawn has also developed a number of unique holistic treatments, not available elsewhere, for a variety of diseases. Using a holistic and functional medicine approach, Dr. Shawn is able to help many patients who have not been properly diagnosed and treated by conventional medicine and whom have received a guarded prognosis. This unique approach allows him to offer hope even for those cases which are deemed hopeless by other doctors.

Dr. Andreya Bryson (Dr. Drey) is a proud recent graduate of Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine class of 2024.  Dr. Drey has aspired to learn holistic medicine for many years with her ultimate goal being to naturally extend the lifetime pets spend with their families, combining veterinary care with a holistic and homeopathic approach to enhance both animal health and well-being. Following her recent graduation, she plans on continuing her preparation for the NAVLE, learning acupuncture and chiropractic, and strengthening her additional passion for dermatology. Dr. Drey has been a fan of Dr. Messionier’s work in holistic veterinary medicine since she received one of her first veterinary herbal medicine books written by Dr. Messionier as a gift and was solidified during her externship at Paws and Claws in 2023. Dr. Drey cannot wait to serve the public and meet you and your furry, scaly, or feathery friends when you come in!

Kelsey is a proud Dallas native, having spent 21 years growing up in Oak Cliff. She has a deep love for animals and recently earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science from Texas Tech University. Kelsey is passionate about her career goals and is planning to apply to vet school this summer, with the ultimate dream of becoming a veterinarian. Outside of her studies and future career ambitions, she is a dog mom to two Airedale Terriers, Terry and Brooks, who are two years apart and keep her entertained with their crazy personalities.