About Us
Central Bucks Veterinary Hospital was founded on a mutual dream of Dr. Danielle Esplin and Dr. Jack Perkins to create a family-owned small animal general practice to serve their community with high-quality veterinary medicine and form long-lasting relationships. At Central Bucks Veterinary Hospital, we know that pets are family members and deserve individualized recommendations and treatment plans.
This understanding is why we strive to provide the best recommendations to maintain optimal health and treat illnesses, while streamlining our services through efficient communication and appointment options to best serve our patients and clients. Our team is highly trained and match core values of respect, compassion, open-mindedness, and forward-thinking.
Our Doctors
Dr. Danielle Esplin, VMD
Owner, Medical Director
Dr. Danielle Esplin is a local native to the Doylestown community, growing up just off of Cold Spring Creamery Road in Doylestown before her family moved to New Hope, Pennsylvania. Her love for animals, science, and veterinary medicine started young. As the classic stories go, when asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, she answered “a veterinarian” – and has been chasing that passion since. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences from the Pennsylvania State University Schreyer Honors College and was accepted into the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine a year early, from which she received her veterinary degree in 2019 as the youngest graduate in her class.
Dr. Esplin returned to practice in Bucks County and has held positions as an associate, medical director, and relief veterinarian to give her a deep understanding of multiple facets of veterinary medicine. Her professional interests include ophthalmology, preventative medicine, surgery, and periodontal care. In her free time, she loves being active and spending time outdoors with her husband and business partner Dr. Jack Perkins, her family, and her pets – Penny (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel), Panini (Calico Tabby), and Kiwi (American Quarter Horse).
Dr. Jack Perkins, VMD
Dr. Jack Perkins was born and raised in Norristown, Pennsylvania. He has always had a love for animals, science, and problem solving. His curiosity of how these passions intersect led him to attend Pennsylvania State University, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences with highest honors in 2016. He graduated at the top of his class and was accepted into veterinary school a year early, receiving his veterinary degree in 2019 from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Perkins returned to practice in the surrounding communities as an associate and relief veterinarian. Outside of the clinic walls, he also spent time providing lectures to and mentoring students attending veterinary school in the United States and the Caribbean. His professional interests include preventative medicine, cardiology, and surgery. Dr. Perkins lives with his wife and business partner, Dr. Danielle Esplin, and their three beloved pets – Penny (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel), Panini (Calico Tabby), and Kiwi (American Quarter Horse). In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, skiing, and playing and watching sports, with a special affinity for all of the Philadelphia teams and his alma maters.
Our Care Team
Melissa
Melissa earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences from Pennsylvania State University in 2012. Upon graduation and to current, she has been immersed in the field of veterinary medicine.
Melissa has a particular interest in surgery, anesthesia, and behavioral medicine. She enjoys continued learning and also helping bridging the gap between patients and their owners. Outside of veterinary medicine, her interests include homesteading, hiking, paddle boarding, and all arts and crafting.
Danielle
Danielle earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Small Animal Science from Delaware Valley University in 2004. Since then, she has dedicated her career to providing compassionate, high-quality care for pets and supporting the families who love them.
She has a strong interest in surgery, anesthesia, radiology, and preventative medicine, and finds fulfillment in educating clients about their pets’ health. Danielle is passionate about helping owners keep their pets healthy and happy, and she values the meaningful bonds that form through shared trust and care.
Outside of veterinary medicine, Danielle enjoys all things Disney, spending time with her family, and relaxing with a good book. She shares her life with her husband, Frank, their two daughters, Clara and Madelyn, and their beloved cat, Stitch, a domestic shorthair who always keeps the family smiling.
Michelle S
Michelle is currently enrolled in the Penn Foster Veterinary Technician program and holds an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts Studies. She is committed to continuing her education and developing the skills needed to provide the highest-quality, compassionate care to every patient she serves.
Michelle’s interests within veterinary medicine include anesthesia, urgent care, and preventative medicine. What drives her passion for the field is her deep love for animals of all kinds — not only cats and dogs, but large animals as well — and her desire to help pets who cannot speak for themselves. She finds great fulfillment in educating clients and partnering with them to support their pets’ health and well-being.
Outside of the clinic, Michelle enjoys spending time with horses, bowling, tackling word searches, and making memories with her family. She shares her home with three dogs: two Boxers, Hannah Banana and King, and a Pit Bull named Janey.
Emily M
Emily began her journey in animal care by attending Centenary University and later Bucks County Community College, where she nurtured her passion for veterinary medicine. With a background rooted in animal rescue, she brings a deep dedication to improving the lives of animals and supporting the bond between pets and their owners.
Her professional interests include behavioral medicine, nutrition, and dermatology. Emily finds fulfillment in helping pets live healthier, more comfortable lives and enjoys being a trusted resource for pet owners. Her transition from rescue work to veterinary care has allowed her to continue making a meaningful impact, now with a focus on lifelong wellness and medical care.
Outside of the clinic, Emily enjoys going to concerts, playing board games, and spending time in the kitchen cooking. She shares her home with three long-haired cats (Salazar, Soybean, and Edamame), a Miniature Australian Shepherd named Artoo (short for R2D2), and a Friesian-Hanoverian horse named Loxley.
Julia
Julia attended Millersville University in 2013, inspired by her desire to strengthen her skills in public speaking and connection. Her passion for animals and education has guided her career path, allowing her to blend compassionate care with meaningful communication.
Before entering the veterinary field, Julia dedicated her time to animal welfare through volunteer work. At SAFE (Save a Forgotten Equine) in Washington State, she cared for rescued horses as they recovered and rediscovered trust. She also volunteered at Nature’s Nanny Wildlife Rehabilitation in Virginia, where she helped care for owls, hawks, and falcons – her favorite being the tiny yet fierce Screech Owl. Julia found the most joy in releasing rehabilitated birds back into the wild, knowing she had a part in their second chance at freedom. Her passion for animals continued to grow through her roles at the San Diego Zoo and the Monterey Bay Aquarium, where she educated visitors about wildlife conservation. Those experiences deepened her appreciation for the bond between people and animals and inspired her to take a more hands-on approach in veterinary medicine. Julia loves that working in a veterinary hospital allows her to care for animals directly while connecting with their owners over a shared love and respect for pets.
Outside of veterinary medicine, Julia enjoys hiking with her family and their two dogs – Braxton, a spirited Beagle, and Aurora, a long-haired dapple Dachshund. When she’s not exploring the outdoors, she can be found curled up at home watching a good scary movie with her two cats, Rider and Raya.
Emily P
Emily earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2013. Since graduation, she has remained dedicated to the field of veterinary medicine and is an Elite Fear Free Certified professional.
She has a particular interest in the Fear Free approach, focusing on individualized care that supports each pet’s unique emotional and physical needs. Emily is especially passionate about helping both pets and their owners navigate stressful experiences with compassion and understanding.
Outside of veterinary medicine, Emily has a deep love for psychology and a unique hobby of collecting and sharing four-leaf clovers as small tokens of joy. She shares her life with her husband, Benny, and their two dogs: Arlo, a Catahoula Leopard Dog, and Greta, a Pitbull mix.
Sharon
Sharon earned her Riding Master 4 degree from Meredith Manor International Equestrian College, where she studied classical dressage training under the late German riding master, Bodo Hangen. She is a certified equine massage therapist and has served as a sworn Humane Society Police Officer in both Bucks and Montgomery counties.
In addition, she proudly represents Bucks County as a district leader for the Humane Society of the United States, now known as the Humane World for Animals. With a strong interest in both large and small animal health and wellness, Sharon brings a lifelong passion for the humane treatment of animals and a commitment to improving their lives through advocacy, care, and education.
Outside of her work in animal welfare, Sharon is a musician and vocalist with a deep appreciation for Celtic and Italian culture. She enjoys traveling, stays dedicated to the principles of Classical Dressage, and is actively involved in lobbying for stronger animal protection laws in Pennsylvania. Sharon lives in Bucks County with her husband of over 30 years, Graham, and they share their home with four loving cats and two cherished senior horses.
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Dr. Perkins is by far the most professional and personable veterinarian we have had the opportunity to work with. No matter how big or small the situation, we always leave the clinic feeling that our pet’s health and well-being is in good hands. His ability to communicate necessary information in a way that is easily understandable while also graciously empathetic is second to none. We cannot thank him enough and recommend him with the highest regards!!!
Adam and Kate S.
Dr. Perkins is by far the most professional and personable veterinarian we have had the opportunity to work with. No matter how big or small the situation, we always leave the clinic feeling that our pet’s health and well-being is in good hands. His ability to communicate necessary information in a way that is easily understandable while also graciously empathetic is second to none. We cannot thank him enough and recommend him with the highest regards!!!
Janette Gordon
Dr. Perkins is by far the most professional and personable veterinarian we have had the opportunity to work with. No matter how big or small the situation, we always leave the clinic feeling that our pet’s health and well-being is in good hands. His ability to communicate necessary information in a way that is easily understandable while also graciously empathetic is second to none. We cannot thank him enough and recommend him with the highest regards!!!