Ellie Handberg, DVM
Veterinarian - ER
Ellie Handberg, DVM
Dr. Ellie Handberg, is an associate veterinarian at Pieper Veterinary and part of our rotating small animal medicine and surgery intern class of 2025-2026. Originally from Central Florida, Dr. Handberg earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology with a minor in Spanish from the University of Florida in 2021. She continued her veterinary education at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 2025. Her clinical interests include zoological medicine as well as anesthesia and analgesia, with a focus on providing focused, individualized care across a variety of species. She is a member of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV), the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), and the Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV).
Dr. Handberg discovered her love for exotic and zoo species during an impactful internship as a zookeeper, which showed that zoological medicine could offer the same rewarding, long-term bonds with animals and caregivers as general practice, while also allowing her to contribute to the evolving understanding of lesser-studied species. What she loves most about being a veterinarian is working closely with pet owners to support their animals’ health and fostering meaningful relationships over time.
Special Interests:
- Zoo animal medicine
- Anesthesia and analgesia