Meet the Team

Michelle Guan, DVM

A woman with straight dark hair, wearing a light gray sweater and a gray puffy jacket with a fur-trimmed hood, smiles outdoors near a body of water on a cloudy day.

Your Local Seattle Veterinarian

Meet Dr. Guan (She/Her)

For Dr. Guan, the most meaningful part of veterinary medicine is the relationship she builds with her patients and their people. She values getting to know each pet over time, learning what works for them and how their needs change. Her approach combines established medical protocols with personal clinical experience, allowing her to adapt care thoughtfully while staying grounded in what works.

Education & Background

Dr. Guan earned her undergraduate degree in biology with a pre-veterinary focus from New York University in 2009, followed by her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of California Davis in 2014. She completed additional internship training and has spent over 11 years in small animal general practice. Her clinical experience allows her to approach each case with a balanced perspective, shaped by both training and time in practice.

A woman with long dark hair and green earrings smiles while standing on a sandy beach, wearing a light green dress. The background features blurred trees and a bright, clear sky.

A woman wearing sunglasses and hiking gear stands on a grassy field with a small dog in a blue vest sitting on a rock in front of her. There are trees and snow-capped mountains in the background under a clear blue sky.

Her Philosophy

“Do no harm.”

At the core of Dr. Guan’s work is her commitment to do no harm. This is seen in how she approaches each case, taking time to weigh decisions carefully, and choosing care that supports the patient without adding unnecessary stress physically or emotionally.

A fluffy, light brown dog is lying comfortably on green plants with small purple flowers, basking in the sunlight, with a wooden fence and dry grass in the background.

Outside the Office

Outside of the clinic, Dr. Guan enjoys spending time with her husband, two daughters, a senior cat, and two chickens. Some of her favorite pastimes include cooking, reading, and home improvement projects. She is a long-time CrossFitter and is always looking for more opportunities to be outdoors.

Certified Feline Friendly and Fear Free Veterinarian

As a Certified Feline Friendly and Fear Free Veterinarian, Dr. Guan has pursued additional training in minimizing stress to ensure a positive experience. Whether it’s for a routine exam or more complex care, rest assured your pet is in good hands.

Veterinary Assistant

Elliot (She/Her)

Elliot is a lifelong animal lover with 6 years of veterinary assistance experience. She is passionate about medicine, patient care, and client care, and is eager to learn more within the veterinary field.

Mari (She/Her)

Mari has worked within veterinary medicine since 2021, beginning her veterinary career as a Kennel Attendant. Through dedication and hard work, she advanced to the role of Veterinary Technician. After spending the past two years in emergency medicine, she is excited to return to primary care. Outside of work, Mari enjoys spending time with her three cats—Alta, Blanco, and Frankie, as well as snowboarding, paddle boarding, and reading. She is excited to begin this new chapter with Dr. Guan and her fellow teammates and looks forward to providing compassionate care to her patients and clients.

Megan (She/Her)

Megan has always loved working with animas and is excited to start this new chapter with Thistle Veterinary Clinic. Outside of work, she takes her free time to solo travel, read, bake, and spend time with her family. She loves meeting new people and learning from new experiences.