How It All Started
At Caprine & Ewe we have an integrated and proactive approach to herd health intended to optimize your herd’s production and performance potentials. Dr. Holahan works to provide a multi-level, evidence-based herd management plan that constructed based on a pyramid of herd health.
Dr. Holahan’s uses veterinary expertise helps clients build on strong genetic bases and sound farm management practices by working with producers to implement effective preventative veterinary care. By working with Dr. Melissa to address the three base levels of the pyramid, clients develop an excellent veterinary-client-patient relationship that not only keeps the herd more consistently healthy and productive, but makes it easier to treat clinical disease if and when it arises. When the time comes, Dr. Melissa is ready to work with clients to ensure that sick animals receive compassionate, evidence-based therapeutic care.
About Dr. Melissa Holahan
Melissa Holahan, DVM, DACVECC & her farm mascot, Mikey
Dr. Melissa Holahan founded Caprine & Ewe (& Bees Too) Veterinary Consulting in 2022 after recognizing a significant gap in veterinary services for small ruminants and honey bees in Southeast Michigan. As a small ruminant farmer and beekeeper herself, Dr. Holahan understands firsthand the unique medical and management needs of these species. Her fully mobile veterinary practice provides care for sheep, goats, alpacas, pigs, honey bees and cats/dogs/small mammals throughout Michigan, with telemedicine and Zoom-based consulting offered when appropriate.
Dr. Holahan studied Animal Science at Michigan State University and earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from MSU in 2006. Following graduation, she completed a one-year internship at the University of Pennsylvania and a three-year critical care residency at Michigan State University, providing her with extensive advanced clinical training.
With over 20 years of small animal experience, Dr. Holahan has expanded her mobile practice to include in-home small animal (cat and dog) veterinary services. This expansion reflects a growing need for accessible, low-stress veterinary care for patients and families who benefit from treatment in their home environment. Mobile care is particularly valuable for livestock guardian dogs, barn cats, senior pets with limited mobility, elderly or mobility-limited owners, anxious dogs, fearful cats, and multi-pet households where transportation can be challenging. Providing care in the home allows for thorough, compassionate evaluations while minimizing stress for both animals and their families.
Dr. Holahan is an active member of the American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners (AASRP), AVMA, MMVA, SEMBA and remains engaged in multiple agricultural and veterinary organizations. She is deeply committed to lifelong learning and offers education and mentorship, teaching small ruminant medicine through summer internships and externships, and providing honey bee education through seasonal training programs.
Since 2016, in addition to her veterinary work, Dr. Holahan has owned and managed Chubb E. Acres Farm, LLC, a small livestock farm and honey bee apiary located in Northville, Michigan, with a primary focus on ADGA-registered Nigerian Dwarf & Alpine goats. She regularly shares her experiences as a veterinarian, farmer, and beekeeper through local and national speaking engagements.
Dr. Holahan is passionate about evidence-based medicine, supporting local producers & pet owners, & sharing veterinary education to promote healthy, well-cared-for animals across all species.
Telemedicine Consults
For non-emergency consultation, we offer zoom meetings to discuss topics regarding herd health issues, general nutrition and feeding programs, vaccination, reproductive concerns, parasite control, milk sanitation protocols, bio-security screening for new herd additions/herd sires, etc.