Mt. Pleasant Hospital for Animals & Pleasant Paws Pet Center

We are proud to be an AAHA Certified Hospital Did you know we have a sister facility also in Newtown, Pleasant Paws Pet Center? Founded in 1977, Newtown’s preeminent Mt. Pleasant Hospital for Animals melds old world values with the latest and most sophisticated high-tech medical equipment and standards. At Mt. Pleasant, we inspire hope and contribute to veterinary health and well-being by delivering the finest care to every patient by means of our integrated clinical practice and education. We concentrate on your whole pet, adhering to the highest standards of professionalism, ethics and personal responsibility worthy of your trust. Find comfort within our warm and welcoming environment and in a space that makes your pet feel relaxed. Check out all that we have to offer !

Dr. Rakesh Vali, DVM Veterinarian

Dr. Vali… a/k/a Dr. Rock…was born in India and raised in Connecticut. He received his DVM from Ross University and did his clinical work at the University of Illinois. His journey began at Mt. Pleasant Hospital for Animals in 2003 working alongside Dr. Brian Silverlieb as an associate. He took ownership of the hospital in 2010. Since his leadership, Mt. Pleasant has grown to a new height of compassionate care for our patients. Now open his dream facility, Pleasant Paws Pet Center has all your pet needs under one roof! From dog daycare, luxury overnight boarding, grooming services, veterinary care as well as holistic medicine and canine sports rehabilitation.

While he is particularly known for his canine reproduction and surgical expertise, Dr. Vali performs a broad spectrum of diagnostic testing and soft tissue surgery for his general practice. His extraordinary skills and intuitive powers regarding veterinary medicine and surgery have won him intense loyalty throughout the community. His practice thrives because of the unquestionable confidence and passion with which he treats each and every animal.

Dr. Vali is consistently sought out for his expert advice for various canine reproduction related issues. He has received advanced training in artificial reproduction and is certified in Trans cervical Insemination by Minitube America. He has been involved with breeding and showing Great Danes and Labradors and has many champions to his credit. His passion and talents for high quality veterinary care has awarded him the highest recognition within his profession. He has a number of published articles, as well.

Dr. Barbara Mangold, DVM Veterinarian

Barbara graduated from the University of Maryland in 1985 with a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science. She attended the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine where she was awarded her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1990. Barbara continued her clinical training during a 13-month internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston. After working in private practice in Connecticut for two years, she followed her passion for zoo and aquarium medicine and completed a 3-year residency in zoo medicine at the Wildlife Conservation Society/Bronx Zoo. After her residency, she worked for Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom for four years then returned to the Bronx Zoo for another three years. In 2003 Barbara returned to Conecticut and is currently the consulting veterinarian for the Maritime Aquairum in Norwalk. She also works as a part time clinical vet at South Wilton Veterinary Group and Brewster Veterinary Hospital in Brewster, NY.