From Thrive to Peak: How One Visionary Surgeon is Transforming Veterinary Care in Alaska
Dr. Vanessa Serratore is a residency-trained veterinary surgeon with expertise in advanced soft tissue, orthopedic, and neurologic procedures. Determined to bring high-level mobile surgery directly to Alaska’s pets, she faced the common challenges of early-stage entrepreneurship: building a business plan, securing capital, and navigating the complexities of launching a specialized veterinary service in a rural, underserved market.
In 2021, Dr. Serratore began working with the Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Mat-Su to prepare for the launch of Thrive Veterinary Surgical Services, LLC, which began operations in May 2022. Thrive quickly earned trust from pet owners and veterinary clinics across Alaska, meeting a critical need for advanced care in a state with few in-state specialists.
While Thrive was successful, its mobile model had limitations. Dr. Serratore saw an opportunity to create a permanent, collaborative facility that could expand capacity, offer continuity of care, and bring together veterinary specialists from across Alaska. She returned to the Alaska SBDC for guidance on scaling operations, financial planning, and marketing strategy. Mat-Su Center Director Misty O’Connor provided strategic advice and mentorship to support this next step.
To fund the purchase, renovation, and equipment for a new facility, Dr. Serratore partnered with the KeyBank lending team, Carrie Callaway-Cardy and Garet Plantz. Together, they secured a funding package including an SBA 504a loan and a KeyBank commercial loan.
In July 2025, she purchased a commercial building in Palmer and established Peak Veterinary Specialty Center, LLC, currently Alaska’s only locally-owned facility of this kind. The facility serves as a permanent home for Thrive, expanding capacity and deepening continuity of care for patients and clients. It also provides a platform for future collaboration with other veterinary specialists in order to create a multi-specialty hub in Alaska.
At Peak Veterinary Specialty Center, Dr. Serratore continues to perform a wide range of specialized surgeries, including:
- Orthopedic procedures such as fracture repair, CCL surgery, and hip dysplasia treatment
- Neurologic surgeries for intervertebral disc disease
- A variety of soft tissue and oncologic surgeries for both simple and complex cases
Her clinical interests include intervertebral disc disease, TPLOs, and oncologic surgery. She has spoken at national conferences, participated in clinical studies, and published research in veterinary medicine.
About her experience with the Alaska SBDC, she shared, “Misty O’Connor and the Alaska SBDC have been an essential part of both the growth of Thrive and the development of Peak Vet. They helped with securing financial assistance, strategizing a marketing plan, networking with other small business owners, and provided a shoulder to lean on when necessary. I highly recommend all small business owners connect with their local SBDC, regardless of what stage of business they are in.”
From the launch of Thrive in 2022 to the opening of Peak Veterinary Specialty Center in 2025, Dr. Serratore’s story demonstrates how vision, persistence, and the right partnerships can transform an industry. With ongoing support from the Alaska SBDC and financial partners like KeyBank, she is advancing her practice and shaping the future of veterinary care across Alaska. Peak Veterinary Specialty Center is located at 16691 E Outer Springer Loop in Palmer, AK.
