Communicating on behalf of the animals:

Dr. Danel Grimmett has been a member of the Sunset Veterinary Family since 2009. Her experience covers a wide span of clinical settings. It includes emergency medicine, small, exotic and mixed-animal practices, both in the United States and overseas. Originally from the small western Oklahoma town of Reydon (Go Tigers!), Dr. Grimmett obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in biology/chemistry from Abilene Christian University in 1997. She earned her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Oklahoma State University in 2003; during her senior year, she was in New Zealand studying cattle and equine reproduction – and met her future husband, Sam.

Cool and focused under pressure

After veterinary school, Dr. Grimmett worked at small animal clinics in Edmond and Oklahoma City before becoming an associate veterinarian in a small animal emergency hospital in Columbia, South Carolina. Two years in the “ER” with many trauma cases honed Dr. Grimmett’s surgical skills. They also enhanced her ability to think clearly under pressure and take care of both pets and people in very emotional circumstances. And, it gave her a broader perspective for evaluating potential illnesses or health issues, which benefits her clients at Sunset Veterinary Clinic. During her years in Columbia, she also served as a staff veterinarian the Humane Society of Columbia, South Carolina. At the Humane Society, she performed many spay and neuter procedures. She took part in raids on properties where animal were being mistreated and cared for individuals suspected of being victims of animal cruelty including dog fighting. In 2007, Dr. Grimmett returned to New Zealand with her husband and young daughter, working at a general practice in the small community of Richmond. During the next two years, she cared for a wide variety of companion animals expanding from dogs and cats into a world of chickens, lambs, hedge hogs, crias, and other interesting creatures. In 2009, the family moved back to Oklahoma and Dr. Grimmett joined Dr. Kennemer at Sunset.

Promoting the human/animal bond through communication

Dr. Grimmett views humans as the protectors of their animals, and sees part of her role as speaking for those who can’t speak for themselves. Relying on nonverbal communication to discern what’s going on, she also enjoys the challenge of “translating” to help pets communicate with their owners.

When not taking care of her clients’ “fur babies,” Dr. Grimmett and her husband Sam enjoy living in Edmond and raising their two little girls, Willow Anne and Coral Leigh. They have five dogs, Harry, Hank, Pasta, Tricky Wu and Raisin.

Around the web

Dr. Grimmett has worked with numerous writers and reporters on projects for various websites. Her insights as a veterinarian, pet owner, and mother have been highly sought after by a number of publications. Dr. Grimmett’s quotes have been published on:

The Associated Press

MainStreet

Care.com

Grandparents.com

Just Good News

Expert Beacon

Petcentric

Pet 360

DogIDs

ThatMutt

CafeYak

Home Creations

Country Leisure Manufacturing

Where were you born?

I was born in Liberal, Kansas, but I was raised in Reydon, OK.

What was your childhood home like?

I was raised on our family farm. It is now designated as a Centennial Farm (100+ years in our family) and my mother still lives there. The population of my hometown is approximately 250 people. I graduate with 7 others in 1993.

Are you married and do you have any children?

I met my husband Sam in Matamata, New Zealand while I was studying veterinary medicine with his father, Dr. Jeff Grimmett. We have two daughters. Willow is 18 and currently on the rowing team at the University of Kansas. She is majoring in Business. Coral is 13 and in the 8th grade. She loves basketball, reading and running cross country.

What made you interested in animals and becoming a veterinarian?

Growing up in a farming community caring for animals was always a part of life. Growing up we had cattle, horses, pigs, chickens, dogs and cats. I loved caring for them all and veterinary medicine was always an interest of mine.

What school did you attend to become a veterinarian and when did you graduate?

I graduated from Oklahoma State University in 2003.

What other interests/hobbies do you have?

Sam and I love watching our daughters play sports. It’s our favorite thing. We also spend quite a bit of time on our boat at the lake fishing and skiing/tubing.

What is one of your favorite quotes?

“I plan to live forever, so far so good.”

What is one of your favorite movies?

Little Miss Sunshine.

What one thing would you tell your younger you?

Relax, keep working. It’s going to all work out.

If you could have dinner with anyone from history, who would it be?

Charlie Chaplin

If you were the dictator of your own home what would be your first command?

“By proclamation, the sink shall remain clean!”

If someone made a movie of your life would it be a drama, a comedy, a romantic-comedy, action film, or science fiction?

It would be a romantic comedy, anyone who has met my husband would know why. lol

What is one of your biggest pet peeves?

Knuckle popping.

What is one item on your bucket list?

I want to visit Alaska.

What is your favorite southern saying or phrase?

“Bless their heart.”

If you could bring back any fashion trend, what would it be?

Hammer pants lol.

If you had your own late-night talk show, who do you invite as your first guest?

Johnny Carson.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Just calm down.

What was your favorite cartoon character growing up?

Grover.

Education & Training

2003 | Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Oklahoma State University

1997 | Bachelor of Science in biology/chemistry from the Abilene Christian University