Meet the Veterinarians of Northern Valley
Animal Clinic

Bradley Treder, DVM: Veterinarian/Medical Director

Brad TrederDr. Treder earned his BS in biochemistry from the University of Minnesota College of Biological Sciences and went on to graduate with a degree in veterinary medicine from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. He is a native of Rochester and has spent most of his years in practice as a veterinarian at Northern Valley Animal Clinic. Dr. Treder has been prolific in orthopedic surgery and recognizes the tremendous advancements in patient comfort that laser technology now provides. Dr. Treder concentrates on developing long-term relationships with his clients and their pets. He became a partner at Northern Valley Animal Clinic in 2008.

Brad TrederIn his spare time, he especially enjoys spending time with his wife and their son and daughter, vacationing together, skiing, and camping. He is also involved in helping with various school and youth sporting activities. Their family also included his two cats: Shadow, and the new trouble maker, Milo.

Dr Rachel Amato, DVM: Veterinarian

Rachel Amato A southern native, Dr. Rachel Amato is a 2021 graduate from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. During her time in Georgia, she served as president for the student chapter of the Wildlife Disease Association, did research at the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study (SCWDS) and became a student representative for the PetSmart Charities Ambassador Program. She has worked extensively with several different species, including sea turtles, cynomolgus monkeys, and even humans. Her veterinary interests include toxicology, neurology, and cardiology. She recently completed a Partners for Wildlife internship where she worked primarily with Minnesotan wildlife in the field of rehabilitation. She has a keen interest in all animals large and small, and is an advocate of the Fear Free Program. Outside of veterinary medicine, Rachel enjoys the linocut art form, baking various breads, hiking, reading, and spending time with her husband, their cat Jackie, and their snake Dr. Noodles.

Norbert Nigon, DVM: Veterinarian

Norbert Nigon Dr. Norbert Nigon earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science from the University of Minnesota. He graduated from the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine in 1986. Dr Nigon was an owner of the Zumbrota Veterinary Clinic, a mixed animal practice, before solely focusing on small animals since 2014.

Dr. Nigon joined the Northern Valley Animal Clinic in May of 2021. He is a native of Rochester and has enjoyed working with animals his whole life. His main focus has been on preventative care and general medicine. Professional interests include surgery, nutrition, dentistry, and environmental enhancement for animals. Dr. Nigon enjoys learning the latest techniques that can be applied to animals to enhance the human animal bond.

He and his partner, Virginia, live in Rochester and enjoy traveling, hiking, kayaking, cross country skiing and biking. He has shared his home with hunting dogs and volunteered with Seasons Hospice's pet therapy program.

Dr. Mary McKie, DVM: Veterinarian

Mary McKie Dr. Mary McKie is a 2008 graduate of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. As a student, she shadowed Dr. Treder and Dr. Herman, and has been learning from them (and occasionally teaching them a thing or two) since. Dr. McKie enjoys small animal medicine and surgery, and in particular client education and public health. In her free time, she is usually spending time with her family: husband Paul, three boys, and Labrador Wynn. She likes to play tennis, enjoys any time spent outdoors, reading fiction, and cheering for the Twins, some years more than others.

Michael Herman, DVM: Veterinarian

Michael HermanAfter 35 years following graduation at the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr Mike Herman has retired from full-time veterinary practice. Dr Herman spent 2 years in California before returning to Minnesota and helped grow Northern Valley Animal Clinic from the ground up into the companion animal veterinary clinic that it is today. Dr Herman is still an owner-partner of the practice and will continue to help in our business office. Dr Herman enjoys the outdoors and will find more time for other activities like fly fishing, cooking, biking, and traveling, with friends and family.

Dr. Natalie Lucca, DVM: Veterinarian

Natalie Lucca Dr. Natalie Lucca grew up in Rochester, Minnesota and has been involved in animal care, husbandry and animal medicine for over 20 years. She obtained her undergraduate degree in Wildlife Management at the University of Minnesota and went on to become a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) before attending veterinary school at St. George University. Dr. Lucca received her DVM degree in 2016 and has been working in small animal medicine since graduation.

Dr Lucca joined our staff in October 2021 and enjoys developing long-term relationships with clients and doing small animal surgery. Camping and spending time with her son’s sports, scouting and 4-H activities occupies much of her free time. Dr Lucca’s pets currently include backyard chickens and fish.

“I love when my dog Cash and I walk in the door and everyone greets us by name. It means a lot (to both of us! :)), and shows that you all really do care for your patients and guests. You guys are great! Thanks so much for everything!” -C. Johnson

“I chose Northern Valley when I got my first pet due to the extended hours during the week and on Saturdays. That is very helpful considering I work full time. The vets and techs are fantastic. They know my pets by name and are familiar with their medical history even without their charts in hand. All staff are very sweet to my animals.” -M. Moeller

“The vet was so nice and worked so well with Izzy, who is totally paranoid and afraid of other people. I appreciate his time to answer my questions and tell me how to keep Izzy healthy.” -R. Martin

“Thank you to all the wonderful staff of NVAC! You provide wonderful care to us and our owners. This year, we are particularly grateful for your care of Roger—he retrieved over 100 pheasants this season and is at his physical best—despite Addison s and ACL/broken leg—amazing!!!’ -Roger, Noel, Bella & Kiddy” J.&B. Oviatt

“Loved the tech who cut our dogs' nails. She did an excellent job!!! We have been coming to NVAC since 1992. It is so nice that everyone knows us and our pets. We appreciate all you have done for us over the years---esp. those Westie years!!” -C. Parker-Neiss

“The technician was very attentive and made sure to ask about my dog's weight history (we think there must have been an error on the previous visit). Both the vet and tech were accommodating to my dog's quirks (were very gentle with the ears and did not take the rectal temp as she freaks out and was not sick at the time of the visit). They were very kind to her and offered treats with the vaccinations. Even the receptionist made sure to pet her and offer a treat. My dog was not at all traumatized and was as happy as always when leaving. I felt all my questions were answered and I came away with good knowledge of my dog's health (fortunately it was great). I also bought some Heartguard and Frontline as flea and tick season will be upon us soon.” -L. Estes

“Northern Valley is fantastic. The attention and care that my pets and myself have received has been extraordinary, especially when dealing with a deathly ill animal. I really appreciated that the staff paid attention to my concerns and valued my thoughts and observations as we problem solved and determined treatment. I can't help but wonder if we would have had a negative outcome had I been at another vet. Thanks to the great staff for helping treat my kitty!” -M. Moeller

“Always a wonderful experience. Very professional and kind and friendly staff. Thank you! Vladimir had his hair cut by Shannon and she is amazing! She is kind and gentle with our robust pet. She is a brilliant groomer! We LOVE Shannon. Especially Vladimir.” -S. Palmer-Ziolkowski

“I am soooo very happy with Northern Valley Animal Clinic, and I am very grateful for all the care you all have taken care of all the pets we have had. Boozer, Sammy, Dolly, and now Izzy. I feel very confident in her care with you all. Thanks for being there.” -R. Martin

“The whole staff is awesome!!! Been there for/with me & my furkids in good times & in bad. Also, they are wonderful supporters of rescue groups.” -E. Meinecke

“They have treated me with such kindness. I had to put my little man to sleep, my 11-year-old ferret named Sid. Not only were they gentle and caring about the process, they sent me home with a little paw print keepsake. Thank you so much.” -D. Nicole

“Shannon is the best groomer!!” -M. Smith

“The staff were ALL very kind and seemed to truly like and appreciate the animals they were dealing with, they had good empathy with me and also my dear dog, who was their patient. I feel relieved to know that I have found a good "medical home" for my little animal family, at Northern Valley Animal clinic.” -N. Honeychuck

“We really appreciated being able to call at about 11:30 am on a Saturday and being able to be seen at 12:30 pm the same day. Meant a lot to us!” -J. Hill

“There is nothing more important than making sure that your pet is in good hands when it has a medical problem or needs preventative care. The team at Northern Valley Animal Clinic is wonderful and always treats you and your pets with respect. They have the knowledge and dedication to make sure that your furry family member is well taken care of. Every time we take our shelter animals into the clinic, they are always treated with the best of care and compassion. Thank you Northern Valley for all you do for the homeless animals and Paws and Claws!” -T. Johnson

“Dr. McKie really went above and beyond my expectations. I needed to bring my 2 young inquisitive children with me on the night of our cats' visit, and she let my children hear our pets' heartbeats and answered all of their questions even about animals that weren't even present! Thank you to her for giving us such a fun and exciting experience. My kids are still talking about it! Thanks again to all of the staff who made our night with their friendly service and willingness to answer questions!” -T . Tollefson

“Thank you, Thank you for the awesome grooming on my dear Ginger. My wife and I trust no one with our girl. Shannon was kind and warm to her which in turn made us very comfortable leaving Ginger in her care. Gin looked great when we picked her up and she did not seem to mind her ordeal at all. You guys are wonderful and we will be back. Thank you.” -J. Kapinos

“Woof Woof” -from Ginger

“You guys are great!!! I have a dog with lots of issues, and you guys always take good care of us! Thank you!!” -A. Reed

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