DVM, Co-Owner
Hi! I'm Dr. J. Curtis Zella, veterinarian and co-owner of Veterinary Village in Lomira.
I received my Bachelor of Science in 1996 from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. Following this, I earned my Master of Physiology in 2000 and my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) in 2005 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Since joining Veterinary Village in July 2005, I have developed specialized skills in advanced dental procedures, including dental restorations, radiographs, and interventional orthodontics.
During my veterinary training, I was awarded the peer-nominated Dr. J.E. Salisbury Foundation Scholarship Award for academics and the John G. Evans Memorial Award for clinical proficiency. I am also a member of the Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the American Veterinary Dental Society.
In addition to my clinical work, I’ve contributed to research in the field of auditory systems and perceptual neurophysiology. My research has been published in prominent journals such as Nature: Neuroscience and the Society for Neuroscience. I also had the opportunity to teach biology as a teaching assistant during my time at Purdue and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Why I Chose This Profession
My path to veterinary medicine was a natural progression from my graduate research in neurophysiology. After years of studying complex biological systems, I found a passion for applying this knowledge in a hands-on clinical setting. Veterinary medicine allows me to integrate my love for science, problem-solving, and animal care.
Favorite Part of My Job
I don’t identify any one specific area of veterinary medicine as my favorite; rather, I find fulfillment in the variety of cases I encounter. Every day is different, and I enjoy the opportunity to continuously learn and refine my skills across a broad range of medical disciplines. That said, I do have a special interest in veterinary dentistry, and helping animals maintain optimal dental health is one of the most rewarding aspects of my practice.
Personal Hobbies & Interests
My wife, Dr. Julia Zella, and I have been married since 1996, and we share our home with Vito, our Siamese cat, and Alfie, our Bernese Mountain Dog. Outside of work, I enjoy staying active with travel, running, hiking, and kayaking. These activities provide me with a balance between professional life and personal wellness, allowing me to recharge while exploring new places.
Getting To Know You
What has been your most rewarding moment as a veterinarian?
Probably the moment I decided to return to school to become one. That moment continues to reward.
If you weren’t a vet, what would you do?
I might like to travel with my wife and write stories about the experience.
What animal scares you more than any other?
Any animal that is afraid should scare everyone.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?
I would like to say my relationship with my wife, but does one require struggle to be great? Our life has been wonderful, fortunately, easy together, and much too fast already.
What do you do in your spare time?
I spend much time remodeling an old house. I enjoy listening to and reading fiction. I do travel whenever possible, the older the place the better. I try as many new foods I can find, even the spicy ones. I’d like to learn more about photography, and someday I’ll learn to play at least one song on the acoustic guitar I received as a gift.
What do you see as the greatest danger toward household pets?
I fear that far too many pets are their own worst danger. Proper training, attention, and love can contribute much to facilitating a pet’s healthy lifestyle.
What is the most exotic animal you have ever treated?
Though I’m not convinced one might consider the experience treatment, I’ve had the privilege to examine many exotics when I was a student working in a pathology laboratory. I’ve met an orangutan, a camel, a lion, and a hippopotamus to name a few.
What is your favorite comfort food?
Today, tacos. Tomorrow, who knows?
What is your biggest pet peeve?
In a word? Kipple. According to the urban dictionary? “It (Kipple) refers to the sinister type of rubbish which simply builds up without any human intervention. Eventually, one day, the entire world will have moved to a state of kipplization.” From Phil Dick’s “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep??
Name 5 things people might be surprised about if they knew it about you?
1. I’m a Packer football fan, even though I grew up behind the Steel Curtain.
2. Though an avid movie fan, I’ve come to discover how much I enjoy musicals and theater.
3. I’m a collector. I’ve collected first print books, original movie posters, antique coins, stamps, and beanie babies (for my wife) to name a few obsessions.
4. I enjoy craft beer and am currently trying to brew with the welcome help of a biochemist that I know. (aka Dr. Julia Zella, my bride.)
5. I’m a cancer survivor. It was childhood style. I had great help, from great people. Two of which I think of often, and see far too less.