About
West Side Team
Serving Madison and surrounding areas
Dr. Bunger (left) and Jessica (right)
Dr. Carrie Bunger
DVM, Owner
I have called Madison home for the last 18 years, having lived previously in Nebraska, Indiana, and Montana. I graduated from Concordia College (Moorhead, MN) in 2001, with a major in biology and minors in Chemistry and Psychology. Seeking a new adventure, I moved to Madison to work in a research lab, but, always wanting to be a veterinarian, returned to school and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-School of Veterinary Medicine in 2010.
Since graduating, I have mainly focused on preventative care in general practice with cats, dogs, and pockets pets. However the opportunities do not cease there. This career field has led to a wide variety of experiences from ER medicine to additional training in anesthesia/analgesia to cat-only practice to even mentoring pre-veterinary students on a study abroad program in South Africa. Veterinary medicine is always an adventure!
My interests include running (especially with my dog), swimming, quilting, fishing, Wisconsin sports (Go Bucky! Go Pack Go!) and traveling. I have visited South Africa, Argentina, Chile, Canada, France, and, most recently, Australia, where I went scuba diving along the Great Barrier Reef. My house is full of activity with one husband (Matt, an assistant professor at UW), one dog (Ubu), and three cats (Striker!, Vinnie, and Roxy, aka Tootsie).
Jessica Balling
Veterinary Technician
I am a devoted veterinary professional with over 31 years of experience in animal care, a journey that began on my grandparents’ farm and nurtured my lifelong passion for animals.
My career started early as a kennel attendant, and I went on to pursue an undergraduate degree in agricultural science and sociology, earning a Bachelor of Science from Western Illinois University in 2002. After graduating, I continued my animal science path, working at the University of Chicago. While I enjoyed the vibrant city life, I eventually sought a change and found my new home in Madison.
For the past 17 years, I have worked as a veterinary technician in various general practice clinics. Recently, I relocated to Jefferson, Wisconsin, where I enjoy outdoor activities with my husband and our two dogs, Lucy and Turks. I love camping, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends.
With a deep-seated passion for animals and a rich background in veterinary care, I am eager to continue making a positive impact in the lives of our furry companions.
East Side Team
Serving Sun Prairie, Marshall, DeForest and surrounding areas
Katie (left) and Dr. Hunley (right)
Dr. Christa Hunley
DVM
I am originally from Verona. After a few years of college, I joined the Navy, where I spent five years working on and troubleshooting airplanes, particularly the C-2 (feel free to ask me about it—I love to talk about it). Upon completing my service, I decided to switch from troubleshooting planes to animals. I graduated from UW-Madison Veterinary Medical School in 2004 and have been practicing in Marshall for the past 18 years. Recently, I fell in love with Paws & Claws’ mobile practice style and decided to make a change.
My husband, Trevor, a Delta Airlines pilot, and I have lived in Sun Prairie since 2000. We have two children: Jackson, our oldest, who is following in his dad’s footsteps and studying to be a pilot at Lewis University while playing baseball there, and Reagan, our daughter, who will be a senior at Sun Prairie West this year with aspirations of becoming a zoo veterinarian. We also have two dogs, Rascal and Iris, and two cats, Angus and Willy. Outside of work and attending our children’s baseball and softball games, I enjoy knitting, cooking, fly fishing, and traveling.
Katie Braithwaite
Certified Veterinary Technician
I grew up on a farm in Marshall, WI, and graduated from Marshall High School. Although I had always been passionate about animals, I hadn’t initially considered a career in veterinary medicine. In 2015, I experienced an “ah-ha” moment that led me to enroll in the Madison College Veterinary Technician Program, from which I graduated in May 2018. While I initially planned to pursue large animal medicine, the appeal of working with small animals proved irresistible. I’ve been working at a small animal clinic ever since and am thrilled about the opportunity to join Paws & Claws Mobile Veterinary Service.
Outside of work, I enjoy helping with projects on my parents’ farm, reading extensively, watching movies, gardening, and honing my Euchre skills. I reside in Waterloo, WI, with my two cats, Sassy (a tortoiseshell) and Dr. Heinz Doofenschmirtz (an orange tabby), both of whom fully embody their names!
Kind Words
Taking cats to the vet is a nightmare! All three of mine get car sick and extremely anxious in the carrier, even during a 5 minute car ride. Being able to have the vet come to them has been nothing short of a lifesaver!! Thanks Dr. Bunger! 😀
Dr. Carrie is very comforting. I was afraid after losing Dr. Lisa that I would not feel the same way about the new Dr. She is a great. She answers ?’s and seems to have your animals health at heart. She comes to you. My cats were nosey and she let hem roam around. lol She is great
My pup hates car rides and is fearful overall, so a neighborhood vet who drives to me is perfect. I really appreciate that Dr. Bunger is responsive when I have questions, appointments are easy to schedule, her advice and care are sound, she’s always able to handle and encourage my scaredy dog, and their online reminder system is great. And if you’re in Midvale Heights, ask about a neighborhood discount!
Love, love, love Paws n Claws. After over a year of trying to get our old vet to listen to our concerns of a possible nail infection in our cat Paws n Claws was able to help us make a diagnosis and start a treatment plan! Our pretty little lady is on her way to feeling better and finally is getting back to only kind of hating getting her nails trimmed.
Highly recommend them to anyone, especially with cats. 🤗