About Our Vets in Wilmington, DE | First State Urgent Vet

Dr. Amanda Lawrie

Chief Medical Officer

Dr. Lawrie grew up in Wilmington Delaware. She received her undergraduate degree in Animal Science from the University of Delaware in 2003. Dr. Lawrie then traveled down south to attend veterinary school at the University of Georgia. Upon graduation in 2007 Dr. Lawrie completed a rotating small animal internship at The Animal Medical Center in New York City.

Dr. Lawrie resides in North Wilmington with her family which includes her husband and their three children, Jackson, Finlay, and Isla. They have 2 very spoiled dogs at home, Penguin, a mixed breed, and Goose, a Golden Retriever.

In her spare time, Dr. Lawrie enjoys distance running, spending time with her family at the Delaware beaches, and watching Georgia football (Go Dawgs!).

Dr. Danielle Downs

Medical Director

Dr. Danielle Downs has over a decade of experience in general medicine and surgery, working with dogs and cats in the Delaware area. Dr. Downs received her undergraduate degree from the University of Delaware and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from the University of Georgia. Dr. Downs worked in molecular biology research for UD and volunteered a year of service with AmeriCorp. Special interests include working dog medicine, wilderness triage, and palliative care.

Active on multiple boards, Dr. Downs has served as the President and Vice President on the Delaware Board of Veterinary Medicine and as the Veterinary Chair on the Delaware Controlled Substances Advisory Council. Dr. Downs shares her passion of veterinary medicine by writing, lecturing, and teaching. She is published in Wilderness Medicine Magazine and is an Adjunct Assistant Professor (remote) for the University of Arizona Veterinary School. Dr. Downs is certified as a Fear Free Professional Veterinarian and has been trained by American Humane in Emergency Disaster Pet Sheltering.

Dr. Downs resides in Delaware with her husband, daughter, and multiple rescue dogs, cats, and backyard chickens. Her family also co-owns and manages a small farm in Middletown, Delaware.

Dr. Kristina Athey

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Athey graduated veterinary school from Lincoln Memorial University - College of Veterinary Medicine in Harrogate, TN. She lives in Wilmington with her two spoiled, three-legged cats, Floof and Dru. While in high school and college Dr. Athey was an avid horseback rider and competed in the IEA and IHSA. Dr. Athey now enjoys exploring hiking trails with friends and going to the beach during the summer; though her favorite place to vacation is Disney World. When the weather discourages outside activities she can be found reading a good book while drinking an excessive amount of coffee. She is a big Harry Potter fan and also enjoys listening to her favorite dungeons and dragons themed podcast. She looks forward to treating all of your four legged friends.