Our Veterinary Staff
Buffalo Companion Animal Clinic is proud to serve the Buffalo, MN area for everything pet related. Our veterinary clinic is run by licensed, experienced veterinarians.
Our team is committed to educating our clients in how to keep your pets healthy year round, with good nutrition and exercise. Buffalo Companion Animal Clinic stays on top of the latest advances in veterinarian technology and above all, remembers that all animals and pets need to be treated with loving care in every check-up, procedure, or surgery.
John Merz - DVM, Practice Co-Owner
Dr. John Merz graduated from Iowa State University in 1989 and joined BCAC in 1990 as a mixed animal practitioner. Since 2001, he has practiced companion animal medicine exclusively and dentistry is one of the most interesting areas of practice for him. When not working at the clinic, Dr. Merz enjoys fishing, biking and spending time with his family.
Ashley E. Mattson - DVM, Practice Co-Owner
Dr. Ashley Mattson grew up in Watertown, Minnesota. She was involved in FFA, 4-H and her family raised and showed sheep. Through raising lambs each spring, Dr. Mattson gained an interest in veterinary medicine. While attending the University of Minnesota's College of Veterinary Medicine, she worked at the Buffalo Companion Animal Clinic as a veterinary assistant. After graduating, Dr. Mattson found that BCAC was the perfect clinic to begin her veterinary career.
Dr. Mattson has a strong interest in internal medicine, especially for felines. She enjoys educating clients about disease processes in their companion animals. Dr. Mattson understands that client education and communication about a companion animal can strengthen the human-animal bond and ensure the best healing of a sick animal.
When not at the clinic, Dr. Mattson enjoys spending time in the outdoors hunting and fishing with her husband and their two young sons. In addition to her sons, she shares her home with two labradors, Rosie and Roger, and two cats, Maple and Fischer.
Dr. Mattson has a strong interest in internal medicine, especially for felines. She enjoys educating clients about disease processes in their companion animals. Dr. Mattson understands that client education and communication about a companion animal can strengthen the human-animal bond and ensure the best healing of a sick animal.
When not at the clinic, Dr. Mattson enjoys spending time in the outdoors hunting and fishing with her husband and their two young sons. In addition to her sons, she shares her home with two labradors, Rosie and Roger, and two cats, Maple and Fischer.
Alyssa Erlandson - DVM, Practice Co-Owner, Certified In Veterinary Acupuncture, Certified Cat Friendly Veterinarian
Dr. Alyssa Erlandson grew up in Monticello, Minnesota. She knew from a very young age she wanted to become a veterinarian. During high school, she worked as a kennel assistant at a local pet hospital. Dr. Erlandson received her BA in Animal Science from the University of Minnesota and continued her studies at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine graduating in 2002. She spent the first 11 years of her veterinary career practicing at a small animal clinic in St. Cloud before joining BCAC in 2013.
Dr. Erlandson is also certified in veterinary acupuncture. She received her training from the Chi Institute in Florida in 2005. Acupuncture is an exciting alternative therapy that can be used as a solo treatment or in conjunction with an established care plan. It is effective in the treatment of many diseases, including arthritis and other causes of chronic pain, back disease, urinary incontinence, seizures, and chronic GI disease.
Dr. Erlandson and her husband are kept busy with their son and twin daughters. They share their home with their two cats, Percy and Snitch, and horses, Tonks and Freya. Dr. Erlandson enjoys reading, horseback riding and cheering her kids on at their various activities.
Dr. Erlandson is also certified in veterinary acupuncture. She received her training from the Chi Institute in Florida in 2005. Acupuncture is an exciting alternative therapy that can be used as a solo treatment or in conjunction with an established care plan. It is effective in the treatment of many diseases, including arthritis and other causes of chronic pain, back disease, urinary incontinence, seizures, and chronic GI disease.
Dr. Erlandson and her husband are kept busy with their son and twin daughters. They share their home with their two cats, Percy and Snitch, and horses, Tonks and Freya. Dr. Erlandson enjoys reading, horseback riding and cheering her kids on at their various activities.
Amylyn Thovson - DVM
Dr. Amylyn Thovson grew up in Slayton, Minnesota. She always knew she wanted to be a veterinarian. Dr. Thovson received her BS in Animal Science from the University of Minnesota and continued on to the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine and graduated in 2023.
Dr. Thovson enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine with special interests in surgery, preventive care, and dentistry. She is passionate about providing high quality medical care and reducing patient fear during veterinary visits.
In her free time, she enjoys reading, walking her two dogs, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Dr. Thovson enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine with special interests in surgery, preventive care, and dentistry. She is passionate about providing high quality medical care and reducing patient fear during veterinary visits.
In her free time, she enjoys reading, walking her two dogs, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Josh Bartels DVM
Dr. Josh Bartels grew up in Glenwood, Minnesota, and always knew he wanted a career in healthcare. His love for animals made veterinary medicine the perfect fit. He earned his veterinary degree through the 2+2 Veterinary Program, completing his first two years at South Dakota State University and his final two years at the University of Minnesota.
Dr. Bartels enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine, with particular interests in surgery and dentistry. He is passionate about building relationships with pets and their families while providing high-quality, compassionate care.
When he's not in the clinic, Dr. Bartels enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, snowboarding and spending time with family and friends. At home, Dr. Bartels and his wife, Madison, enjoy life with their two dogs—a Border Collie/Australian Shepherd mix and a Cockapoo—and a tabby domestic shorthair cat.
Dr. Bartels enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine, with particular interests in surgery and dentistry. He is passionate about building relationships with pets and their families while providing high-quality, compassionate care.
When he's not in the clinic, Dr. Bartels enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, snowboarding and spending time with family and friends. At home, Dr. Bartels and his wife, Madison, enjoy life with their two dogs—a Border Collie/Australian Shepherd mix and a Cockapoo—and a tabby domestic shorthair cat.