Behind Every Great Veterinary Clinic Is a Rockstar Management Team
When you walk into Minnesota Veterinary Hospital, you are greeted with friendly smiles, calm pets, and a smooth experience. Appointments run on time, the waiting room feels welcoming, and your pet’s medication is ready when you need it. What most pet owners do not see is the leadership team quietly keeping it all running in the background.
At Minnesota Veterinary Hospital, that leadership team is made up of two key people:
Practice Manager, Paula Funk, and Hospital Administrator, Jeff Jensen.
Together, Paula and Jeff form the Minnesota Veterinary Hospital management team. Their leadership, organization, and compassion support every team member, every pet, and every family that walks through the door.
More Than a Job Title: What This Management Team Really Does
The titles “practice manager” and “hospital administrator” might sound straightforward, but the work behind them is wide reaching. Paula and Jeff oversee the daily operations of the clinic and keep everything coordinated from the front desk to the exam room and beyond.
A few of their many responsibilities include:
- Scheduling staff and managing time off so the clinic stays properly staffed
- Supporting the team with training, onboarding, and performance feedback
- Helping the clinic stay stocked with supplies, from vaccines to dental care tools
- Managing budgets and vendor relationships
- Overseeing customer service so every pet owner feels heard and supported
- Maintaining standards that meet or exceed Fear Free and AAHA guidelines
It is a role that blends leadership, logistics, and a deep understanding of both people and pets. A strong management team knows how to keep things running smoothly without losing the personal touch that makes pet care feel like family care.
Why It Matters to You and Your Pet
So how does all of this affect your experience as a pet owner?
A well managed clinic creates a calmer, more predictable visit for both pets and their humans. That can mean:
- Shorter wait times for appointments
- Clear communication with doctors, technicians, and client service staff
- A team that feels supported and ready to help
- Services that run in an orderly and safe way
- Consistent care whether you are visiting for a wellness exam, dental cleaning, or something more urgent
A calm, organized clinic environment also helps lower stress for pets. This is especially important in a Fear Free veterinary care setting like Minnesota Veterinary Hospital, where keeping pets comfortable is a top priority.
Carrying Forward a Legacy: Jeff Jensen, Hospital Administrator
Jeff Jensen grew up in Shoreview and has been connected to Minnesota Veterinary Hospital for most of his life. His father, Dr. Douglas Jensen, founded the hospital, and Jeff began learning about veterinary management at a young age just by being around the practice.
With a strong interest in business, Jeff was thrilled to officially join the team in 1998 as the office manager. Over time, through dedication and consistent involvement, he grew into the role of hospital administrator, where he now continues his father’s legacy through the management of the entire hospital.
Jeff earned an undergraduate degree in Communications with a business concentration from Augsburg College in 1998 and a certificate in Veterinary Practice Administration from the Veterinary Management Institute at Purdue University in 2000.
Jeff is proud and honored to have been part of his father’s practice for more than two decades. He is committed to offering clients excellent customer service and a trustworthy relationship with the hospital. Hearing stories from loyal clients about their experiences with the Minnesota Veterinary Hospital team is one of the things that makes his work especially rewarding.
Leading With Heart Every Day: Practice Manager, Paula Funk
While Jeff focuses on high level hospital administration and long term direction, Practice Manager Paula Funk is closely involved with the daily rhythm of the clinic.
Paula:
- Supports the client service and clinical teams through scheduling, staffing, and communication
- Keeps an eye on the flow of appointments so the day stays on track
- Coordinates training so team members can grow their skills and stay current on best practices
- Helps maintain a friendly, welcoming environment for both pets and people
- Steps in wherever she is needed, whether that means helping with a nervous pet owner at the front desk or supporting the back-of-house team on a busy day
Her work helps create the smooth, attentive experience clients feel when they walk through the doors at Minnesota Veterinary Hospital.
Keeping Care Moving and Your Pet’s Medications in Stock
From managing vendor relationships to confirming that orders are placed on time, the management team helps ensure your pet’s medications and supplies are ready when needed. Whether it is heartworm prevention, allergy relief, or supplements, this behind the scenes coordination helps keep your pet healthy and your visits less stressful.
Supporting a Fear Free, Pet First Experience
Minnesota Veterinary Hospital is proud to promote a culture of care. Jeff and Paula help lead initiatives that prioritize gentle handling, low stress appointments, and an environment where pets feel as safe as possible.
This includes:
- Coordinating team training on Fear Free techniques
- Adjusting scheduling and workflows to reduce stress for anxious animals
- Supporting staff so they have the time and tools needed to focus on comfort as well as medical care
With thoughtful leadership and attention to detail, the management team helps turn the hospital’s values into everyday practices that benefit your pet.
Behind the Scenes and Always at the Heart of It All
Pet owners may not always see them, but practice managers and hospital administrators are the backbone of every strong veterinary clinic. At Minnesota Veterinary Hospital in Shoreview, MN, the management team of Paula Funk and Jeff Jensen helps keep the entire team focused, supported, and ready to care for the pets who matter so much to you.
So the next time you bring your pet in for a checkup or stock up on medications from our pharmacy, know that there is a dedicated management team working behind the scenes so every part of your experience feels smooth, professional, and filled with care.
At Minnesota Veterinary Hospital, we are proud of our entire team, and especially the leaders who keep it all running. If you would like to schedule an appointment or speak with our staff, give us a call at (651) 484-3331. We are here to help.