Our Veterinarians

Gretchen Zarle DVM
Dr. Zarle grew up outside of Boston, Massachusetts and received her undergraduate degree in Dairy Science from The Ohio State University in 1986. She attended veterinary school at the University of Tennessee where she graduated in 1989. Dr. Zarle began practice outside of Indianapolis where she remained for almost three years. She joined the Bartels Pet Hospital team in 1992, and took over ownership from Dr. Harry Bartels in 1996. Dr. Zarle is married and has two sons, a daughter in college, two dogs, a cat, and a rabbit.. She enjoys biking and hiking, traveling, working out, scrap booking and spending time with her children.

Laura Pixton DVM
Dr. Pixton grew up in Pennsylvania and attended Pennsylvania State University for her undergraduate work. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Cornell University in 1984 and joined Bartels Pet Hospital in 1996. She is devoted to her seven sons and is very active in her church.  She has participated twice in the Susan G. Koman Walk for the Cure. The Pixton family has three dogs and two cats. Dr. Pixton is a CERTIFIED VETERINARY ACUPUNCTURIST.

 Barb Akl DVM
Dr. Akl grew up in the Toledo area and attended Miami University after graduating from high school. She attended The Ohio Sate University College of Veterinary Medicine and graduated in 1984. Following many years of practice in Canton, Ohio, Dr. Akl came to Bartels Pet Hospital in 1997. Married with two very active daughters, Dr. Akl enjoys running with her German Short haired Pointer. Dr. Akl is also an avid reader and very involved parent.