Dr. Jeff Wallis blends family lessons with veterinary excellence at Vale Park Animal Hospital

Dr. Jeff Wallis, associate veterinarian at Vale Park Animal Hospital in Valparaiso, leads each day with a passion for providing compassionate care for families and their pets. Inspired by his late son’s patience and kindness, Wallis strives to ensure that every visit strikes a balance between medical expertise and heartfelt support.

“Being a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) means a lot,” Dr. Wallis said. “You make pets better, but it is also about helping families through difficult times. You’re responsible for the whole package — the kennels, the assistants, the vet techs, and the animals — and then you have to circle back to the medicine once you’re done managing everything else.”

Paving the way to his current role, Dr. Wallis recounts that his interest in animals began in childhood. Growing up in Detroit with his mother, Wallis first found his passion in caring for a pet hamster named Jimmy, a persistent cage-escape artist. The experience led Wallis to earn an undergraduate degree at Michigan State University and complete veterinary school at Ross University. After finishing his clinical year at the University of Illinois, Wallis began practicing in Chicago before moving to Northwest Indiana.

“I got a first-rate education as a veterinarian, but also as a person,” Wallis said. “Going to a third-world country and seeing poverty while studying with people from all over the world really taught me to respect other cultures and be humble, kind, and thankful for what I have.”

After completing his clinical year, Wallis worked at Glenwood Village Pet Hospital in Chesterton, then in Plymouth and at an emergency clinic before joining Vale Park. The hospital is known for its clinical expertise and “fear-free” approach for reducing stress for pets during visits. The practice stands out with its strong support of its staff in shared outings and celebrations. For Wallis, the workplace is rewarding and uniquely collaborative.

“I’ve been in places where it was mostly me by myself,” Wallis said. “You had people you could talk to, but it is nice to have other doctors to consult with daily. You can talk through cases. You can make your wheelhouse bigger and make your toolbox better.”

At Vale Park, a typical week balances scheduled appointments with surgeries and occasional emergencies. While most visits are planned, life-threatening cases can arrive at any time, with quick triages and collaboration required by the team. The variety keeps each day unpredictable and allows the veterinarians to manage everything from routine care to critical situations, all while supporting pets and their owners.

“It is not me versus them,” Wallis said. “It is me being kind and honest, and we are all helping each other to do what’s best for their family and for their pet.”

Wallis’ approach to veterinary care extends beyond clinical skills. His philosophy of patience, honesty, and empathy is deeply influenced by his family, particularly his late son, Charlie, whose life continues to shape the way he connects and approaches every case at the clinic.

“I have been a doctor for 20 years,” Wallis said. “My son passed away this past May, but for 18 years, I was the father of a special needs child. He taught kindness, honesty, and how to be a better person because he struggled so much but was so full of love. Truthfully, this is how I like to live out his memory — to be as nice and kind as possible.”

Outside office hours, Wallis and his wife, Mindy, hope to continue the tradition of exploring the country. Before his passing, Charlie inspired his parents to travel widely with a handicapped-accessible camper built from a renovated bus. From coast to coast, the family’s trips created memories and celebrated Charlie’s love of adventure. Wallis notes his favorite stop is amidst the natural scenery and abundant wildlife (including Charlie’s favorite – the bison) within Custer State Park in South Dakota. 

“Though it has only been four months without him and we’re still figuring out life without him, our plan is to continue to travel in his honor and go places that he could not have gone to,” Wallis said.

Wallis credits much of his personal and professional growth to Mindy. Her unwavering support as a partner and mother allowed him to pursue his career while caring for Charlie. Beyond supporting him at home, Mindy’s involvement in shared travels has strengthened their bond and deepened his approach to compassionate care.

Off the clock, Wallis enjoys spending time outdoors, camping, and exploring nature with his family. He frequently travels to visit relatives in Michigan and Wisconsin. These experiences allow him to unwind from the demands of veterinary medicine and reflect on life’s priorities. With the loss of his son, Wallis is seeking meaningful ways to continue personal growth and family adventures. 

“Everything I do, whether at the clinic or with family, is about kindness, honesty, and helping others—those are the lessons my son taught me,” Wallis said. “At the end of the day, being a veterinarian isn’t just about medicine, but rather connecting with people, supporting families, and showing compassion in everything you do.”

To learn more about the Wallis’ mission and the Vale Park Animal Hospital team, visit valeparkah.com.