AZPetVet Animal Hospital at Anthem & Grooming

Dr. Samantha Bacong

I was born and raised in San Diego, California. I attended the University of California, Davis, and received my B.S. in Animal Science along with a minor in Japanese in 2016. After graduation, I took time off before applying to veterinary school, gaining my Veterinary Assistant Certificate through PIMA Medical Institute. I worked in a small animal practice for two years before starting veterinary school at Midwestern University in Glendale, AZ in 2019.

I received my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in the Spring of 2023. I am interested in dentistry and preventative medicine. My favorite part about general practice is creating relationships with my clients where I can help them along their journey with their furry family members.

My husband, Austin, and I enjoy exploring the valley either through hiking or a night out. We have a hound mix named Leo. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, reading, music, playing games, and puzzles.

Dr. Brian Waller

I was born and raised near Topeka, Kansas. I received my undergraduate and Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree from Kansas State University in 1994. After 4 years of mixed animal practice with my brother in Kansas, I moved to Phoenix in the Spring of 1998.

Since living in Phoenix, I have enjoyed practicing small animal medicine. I am married and have three daughters, Gentry, who was born in 1997, Sadie, who was born in 1998, and Kinsey, who was born in 2007.

Dr. Cynthia Jones

Growing up in a military family, I’ve lived all around the United States but was born in Virginia. Most of my family is currently in the Midwest. I moved to Arizona after graduating from veterinary school at Ross University in 2015 and completed my clinical year at Kansas State University. My interests include surgery, exotics, wildlife rehabilitation, and behavior.

Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, canoeing, beading, and basket weaving. My family includes a dog named Puddin and two black cats named Sargent and Nimbus.

Dr. Chelsea Linehan

Coming from a military family, I was born in Germany and, shortly thereafter, moved to northern Phoenix where I was raised. I graduated from the University of Arizona with a bachelor’s degree in 2013 and went on to earn my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2018 from Washington State University. Following graduation, I completed a year-long equine internship, and am now focusing on small animal practice. I have a strong interest in internal medicine and supporting patients with complicated disease processes.

Life in the desert includes my 2-year-old Border Collie/Lab mix named Olive, and Kyrie, my 5-month old domestic shorthair kitten. Outside of the hospital, you can find me spending time with family, horseback riding, and creative writing.

Dr. Lauren McEllen

Originally from Hope, New Jersey, I attended Richard Stockton College of New Jersey for undergrad and Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine for veterinary school. Before joining AZPetVet, I was a radiology technician while at Cornell and a general practice veterinarian for 3 and a half years at

Animal Health Services. Specific areas of interest for me include reproduction medicine and surgery. I enjoy working to foster good breeding practices to produce healthy, well-bred dogs and happy breeder clients. I also find using medicine and surgery to improve the quality of life for patients extremely rewarding, especially during follow up appointments or calls to owners where the improvements are seen!

I moved to Arizona after vet school and other family soon followed for the wonderful weather and opportunities Arizona has to offer! I have a papillon named Paxton, a beagle mix named Sienna, a crested gecko named Marcus and some assorted fish. In my free time, I enjoy crocheting, hiking, photography, reading, gardening, and a variety of crafts. I also give talks at breeder clubs around the valley to teach about reproductive medicine.