Sangaree Animal Hospital

Meet Our Team

Led by our expert veterinarians and supported by dedicated and passionate staff, our team at Sangaree Animal Hospital brings the highest level of medical care and love for animals to every client visit, exam, procedure, and communication. Find out why Sangaree Animal Hospital has the best veterinary team in the business!

Ashley Balzano

DVM

Dr. Ashley Balzano joined the medical team at Sangaree Animal Hospital as an associate veterinarian in September 2018.

Dr. Balzano decided she wanted to be a veterinarian at five years old. Her natural, lifelong connection with animals drives her to provide the outstanding clinical care they need to be happy and healthy, as well as support the people who love them.

Born on the beautiful island of Maui, Dr. Balzano moved to Summerville, SC when she was eleven years old. Dr. Balzano obtained a bachelor's degree in biology with a minor in chemistry from the College of Charleston in 2011. Motivated to bring her dream career as a veterinarian to life, Dr. Balzano gained valuable hands-on experience during her undergraduate studies by working as a veterinary assistant for five years.

In 2016, Dr. Balzano graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. While working towards her degree, Dr. Balzano was a student technician in the ICU at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center. She also participated in VeTouch and SIRVS, two separate student organizations aimed at providing free basic health care to pets owned by low-income residents in underserved areas of the twin cities.

After graduation, Dr. Balzano started her career as a veterinarian in Minnesota where she practiced for one year before returning to Summerville. Most of all, Dr. Balzano finds fulfillment in developing lasting relationships with clients and their special pets and diagnosing and treating challenging cases. She has professional interests in internal medicine and surgery.

Her first pet was a grey domestic short hair cat named Mr. Blue. Currently, she has three rescued felines: Starbuck, Jinx, and Scarlet. All of whom are great at begging for food! Outside of her work in the veterinary field, Dr. Balzano likes to spend time on the water, exercise, horseback ride, and travel.

Kaitlyn Pontuti

DVM

Growing up in Manchester, Maryland, Dr. Kaitlyn Pontuti always had a close connection with animals. Her family had various pets when she was younger, and she enjoyed caring for the animals she owned through livestock projects in 4-H. Dr. Pontuti has been working in the veterinary field since 2009 and is currently an associate veterinarian at Sangaree Animal Hospital.

Dr. Pontuti earned her undergraduate degree at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, as well as her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2017. Her area of professional interest in veterinary medicine is ultrasonography. Dr. Pontuti says the best part of working in the veterinary field is knowing she is able to make a difference in both an animal's life and the lives of their owners.

Dr. Pontuti moved to Charleston, South Carolina in May 2019 and is excited to practice exceptional veterinary medicine at Sangaree Animal Hospital. She currently shares a home with her husband, Beagle, cat, and French Bulldog. She also owns a horse named Jasper back in her Maryland hometown. When she is not practicing veterinary medicine, you can find her fishing, hiking, and exploring the outdoors.

Michael Esposito

DVM

Dr. Esposito received his Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science at the University of Connecticut and received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Esposito completed his clinical training at the University of Missouri. His professional interests include soft tissue surgeries, preventative care, client communication, and cardiology.

Dr. Esposito has been in veterinary medicine since 2012 when he started working as a veterinary technician. He has always had a love and passion for all animals since he was a little boy, no matter the species. He is looking forward to taking care of your pet and keeping them happy and healthy throughout all stages of their life.

Dr. Esposito moved to Charleston, South Carolina in July of 2023 from northern New Jersey. He currently lives at home with his pug, Bagel. When not practicing, you can find him hiking, going to concerts, relaxing at the beach, or watching a sporting event.

D'ara Klein

DVM

Dr. D'ara Klein grew up in Michigan near the Lake Saint Clair shoreline, spending her summers swimming, sailing, and frolicking with her family's many pets. She always knew that she wanted to be a veterinarian, and was often found "doctoring" stuffed animals, as well as her patient and furry family members. She went on to study Biology at the University of Michigan for undergraduate studies and then continued to Michigan State University's School of Veterinary Medicine. As fate would have it, she started practicing at Sangaree Animal Hospital right out of veterinary school. However, she ended up moving to Florida for several years, but always missed the Charleston area, which has led her to return to her first place of practice.

Her professional interests include caring for senior pets, wellness for patients of all ages, dermatology, preventative healthcare, and hospice care. She feels the best part about working as a veterinarian is getting to know her four-legged patients along with their people.

In her free time, Dr. Klein enjoys spending time with her husband and three human children, along with her dogs, cats, rats, and chinchilla.

Join the Sangaree Animal Hospital Family Today!

Located off of I-26 on N Main St between Sangaree Pkwy and Beauregard Rd.

Phone: 843-871-0543

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