Meet our Wonderful Staff!
At Otter Lake Animal Care Center, we pride ourselves on our knowledgeable, dedicated, compassionate, and hard working employees that are always willing to help in any way possible.
Dr. Wayne Scanlan, DVM
My name is Wayne Scanlan and my hometown is Williston, North Dakota. I graduated from the University of Minnesota DVM in 1975 and have been actively practicing since. I have three dogs whos names are Ursa (Boxer), Zora (Boxer) and our newest addition Zeus (French Bulldog). In addition to my dogs, I have Thoroughbred Race Horses that run both locally and nationally.
I decided to become a Veterinarian as a young boy after watching Veterinarians working on our farm animals on our ranch in North Dakota. I came to Minnesota to go to the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. While in college, I realized I much preferred working with people and their pets. That led me to stay in the Twin Cities upon graduating in 1975. I have worked as a small animal Veterinarian in the White Bear Lake/Hugo area since getting my degree.
My interests include Orthopedic Surgery and working with breed rescue groups. I reside in Hugo with my wife and our dogs. My son, Tyler, is attending St. Cloud State working towards a degree in Psychology and Film Making.
I look forward to working with you closely to obtain your pets healthy life!
Dr. Benjamin Sweers, DVM
Originally from Britt, Iowa, Dr. Ben attended Waldorf College in Forest City, Iowa, and earned his Associate of Arts degree. He went on to complete his Bachelor of Arts degree from Dana College in Blair, Nebraska. He then earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Iowa State University in 2000. Since then, Dr. Ben has gained extensive experience in areas of emergency medicine, soft tissue surgery, and internal medicine. Dr. Ben previously owned Scott Lake Veterinary Center in Prior Lake, MN from 2004-2016 and served as medical director until June of 2019. During these years, he grew to appreciate his unique ability to connect with families and their pets.
Dr. Ben started at OLACC in 2019 and also owns and practices at Montgomery Animal Hospital in Montgomery, MN.
When not working and away from the office, Dr. Ben enjoys watching the Minnesota Twins and the Vikings, spending quiet time at the river cabin, and traveling with his family. Dr. Ben has two children, named Jadyn and Tyler.
Cambria, Veterinary Assistant
Biography coming soon
Emily, Veterinary Assistant
Emily joined OLACC in May of 2019.
Ashley, Veterinary Assistant
Ashley joined OLACC in 2017. During that time, she has been pursuing her degree in medical coding and graduated from Century College in 2021. Having had an affinity for animals her whole life, Ashley loves helping people and their beloved pets, and brings that passion with her everywhere she goes.
Living in Coon Rapids, Ashley enjoys spending her free time with her family and has four pets of her own: a German Shepherd named Axis, cats named Trinity and Mercy, and a lineolated parakeet named Chewi. When she finds the time, Ashley likes to get crafty and even has a small online business where she sells her artistic creations.
Natalie, Veterinary Assistant/Technician
Natalie has been a part of the OLACC team since October 2019. She started working behind the scenes as a kennel attendant and has now started assisting the doctor as a veterinary assistant/technician.
Outside of working at the clinic, Natalie enjoys spending her free time camping and spending time with her horse Dallas, her dog Rhett, and cat Otter.
Ava, Veterinary Assistant
Ava joined the OLACC team in August of 2018. Her love for animals began at a very young age. Ava enjoys spending her free time with her horses, Blaze and Sunny at
Dr. Scanlan's boarding facility in Hugo. She also enjoys traveling with her horse Sunny to barrel races. Working at OLACC has given Ava a new passion for small animals.
Gracie, Veterinary Assistant
Biography coming soon
Amanda, Veterinary Assistant/Technician
Amanda started at OLACC in December of 2021. She grew up with animals and has always had passion for them. She has previous experience working at a vet as a Kennel Assistant! She has one dog, pictured to the left, a yellow lab named Buck. She also has four cats; Honey, Peaches, Poppy and Brie!
Amanda is from Balsam Lake, Wisconsin! In her free time she enjoys spending time with her husband, family, and friends. She also has an interest in TV, books, and movies. During the summer, you'll find her out with her husband riding their motorcycles.
Daylynn, Veterinary Assistant
Daylynn started at OLACC in June of 2022.
Daylynn spends time at home with her two dogs, Rosie and Hazey, as well as her three cats, Blue, Oaffy, and Opal.
Denise, Veterinary Assistant/Technician
Biography coming soon
Marie, Groomer
Biography coming soon