Airport Animal Hospital was founded and opened by Dr. Tom Hohl in 1979.  Dr. Hohl worked long and hard to build a quality veterinary practice and was effective in earning the trust of a loyal client base.  Dr. Paul Fitzgerald joined Dr. Hohl as an associate in July, 2000.  In July, 2003, an ownership transition was made and Dr. Fitzgerald took over operations of the practice.  After several years of rapid growth Dr. Leslie Clapper-Rentz joined August, 2005.  After Dr. Hohl’s retirement Dr. Mary Wictor joined the practice in the fall of 2013.  Continued growth and success inspired a complete remodel and expansion of the hospital completed late July of 2018.  In early 2019 Dr. Melissa Frank and Dr. Kristi Costley joined the practice.  Together this group of compassionate and talented veterinarians, along with our wonderful support staff, have helped Airport Animal Hospital grow into the busy and reputable veterinary practice that it is today.    

Our Veterinarians

Dr. Paul Fitzgerald

Dr. Paul Fitzgerald grew up in Rochester, Minnesota.  He attended St. Cloud State University for his undergraduate work and University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine for his veterinary training.  Upon completion of veterinary school in 2000, Paul accepted a position as an associate at Airport Animal Hospital and moved to Duluth.  In July, 2003, Dr. Fitzgerald became owner of Airport Animal Hospital. 

Dr. Fitzgerald and his wife stay very busy raising their family of six children.  He enjoys many outdoor activities including fishing, hunting, camping, and golfing.  He is very involved in the community and currently serves on the Stella Maris Academy Board of Directors, St. John’s Catholic Church Finance Council, and the Animal Allies Humane Society Program & Operations Committee.  He has also served time with the Animal Allies Humane Society Board of Directors, Dravet.org Board of Directors, Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota Northern Regional Advisory Committee, the St. John's School Commission, and the St. John’s School Finance Committee. 

Degrees

1996-B.A. Biomedical Science, St. Cloud State University
2000-Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota CVM

Areas of Interest

Dr. Fitzgerald has strong interest in the areas of canine & feline internal medicine, dentistry, oncology, analgesia & pain management, and soft tissue surgery.  He believes in the importance of client education and strives for each pet owner to understand the rationale and value of the veterinary care being recommended for their pet, whether discussing illness or wellness care issues.  Common wellness topics of emphasis include effective body condition and weight management, dental health & home care, and arthritis & pain management.  

Dr. Kristi Costley

Dr. Kristi Costley was born and raised in Duluth, MN, and attended the College of Saint Scholastica for her undergraduate degree.  She has always had a passion for animals and science, and while working as a veterinary assistant at Airport Animal Hospital in undergrad she realized that veterinary medicine was indeed the right career choice for her.  Upon completing her undergraduate degree she attended veterinary school at Iowa State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation, Dr. Costley accepted a position as an associate veterinarian at Valley Veterinary Hospital in Helena, MT and worked there until moving back to Minnesota.  She decided to move to Duluth to be closer to family and friends and she was happy to accept a position as an associate at Airport Animal Hospital. 

Dr. Costley enjoys spending time with her dogs, family, and friends. She also loves to enjoy the outdoors while gardening, hiking, hunting/fishing, and camping. 

Degrees

2011 - BA (Biology), College of Saint Scholastica
2015 - DVM, Iowa State University 

Areas of interest

Dr. Costley enjoys all aspects of small animal private practice and her special interests include preventive medicine, internal medicine, and dentistry.  Dr. Costley enjoys the wide variety of cases seen in private practice on a daily basis and strives to form long lasting relationships with her clients and their beloved pets. 

Pets

The Costley family has 2 furry children, which includes 2 retired racing Greyhounds, and hopes to expand to include a Great Dane in the near future. 

Dr. Melissa Frank

Dr. Melissa Frank was born and raised in Champaign, Illinois.  She attended the University of Illinois, where she completed her undergraduate and graduate studies.  After graduating from the U of I College of Veterinary Medicine in 2007, she moved to Olympia, Washington where she practiced at a small animal clinic for 8 years.  She then moved to Utah for two years, before moving to Duluth in 2017.  She currently works part time at Airport Animal Hospital, as well as part time at the Blue Pearl Emergency Clinic in west Duluth. 

Dr. Frank enjoys spending time with her three daughters – they love spending time outdoors and exploring everything the Northwoods has to offer.

Degrees

2003 – BS Animal Science, University of Illinois

2007 – DVM, University of Illinois

Areas of interest

Dr. Frank loves being able to help educate owners about their pets and ensure that they can live long and healthy lives.  Her areas of special interest include preventative medicine, internal medicine, and surgery.

Pets

The Frank family shares their home with two Golden Retrievers, two parakeets, a tortoise, and numerous fish.  

Dr. Anastasia Johns

Dr. Johns grew up in Duluth and began her work in the veterinary field in high school as a veterinary assistant. This early experience solidified her desire to pursue a career as a veterinarian. She attended the University of Minnesota Twin Cities where she received her Bachelor of Science in Biology, Bachelor of Arts in Music, and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees. Dr. Johns spent her initial years practicing in the twin cities. She is grateful to call Duluth home again.

Dr. Johns’ professional interests include soft tissue surgery, dentistry, internal medicine, and preventive care. Dr. Johns enjoys general practice for the variety it offers and the ability to provide lifelong care to furry family members. She and her husband share their home with their young daughter and two golden retrievers Briar and Jordy. In her spare time she enjoys hiking, taking the dogs to the lake, and cooking

Dr. Todd Rezac

Dr. Todd Rezac grew up in New Prague, Minnesota. He attended St. Cloud State University for his undergraduate work and Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine for his veterinary training. Upon completion of veterinary school in 1999, Todd began his career in Coon Rapids, MN. Later, he moved to Denver, Colorado where he spent 17 years at a 24-hour general medicine/emergency medicine practice. In recent years, Todd has moved back to the Midwest to be near family.  Todd and his wife have two young children, 4 dogs, and a small hobby farm outside Superior, Wisconsin, where they raise alpacas. Todd enjoys fishing, hunting, cycling, and hiking.

Degrees

BA Biomedical Science -  St Cloud State

DVM - Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine

Areas of Interest

Dr. Rezac has a strong interest in client education, internal medicine, geriatric medicine, and soft tissue surgery