Meet Your Doctors

At McCleery Equine, our veterinarians bring a blend of advanced training, real-world experience,
​and a passion for helping horse owners feel confident in their animal’s care.

Amanda McCleery, DVM

Owner & Founder​

​Dr. Amanda McCleery started McCleery Equine Veterinary Service in 2014 with one goal: to give horse owners dependable care, clear answers, and a plan that makes sense—right in their own barns. She especially enjoys equine emergencies, ophthalmology cases, and the tough “puzzle” horses that require creative problem-solving in the field.

Amanda grew up in the Midwest riding her Quarter Horse, Katie, and competing in 4-H and junior rodeos. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Kansas State University (and was a two-time NCAA Division I All-American in track and field), then completed a master’s in genetics and graduated with top honors from Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine.
In 2025, Dr. McCleery was recognized as the AAEP Solo Practitioner of the Year, an award that reflects her dedication to quality medicine, client education, and compassionate care.
She lives in Archer with her husband, their son Jack, their dog Blu, and their donkeys, Mr. White and Buck. When she’s not on the road, she enjoys spending time with her family and traveling—especially to southern Africa, where her husband conducts wildlife research.

Pamela Velarde, DVM

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Velarde combines advanced training in internal medicine with a practical, hands-on approach to everyday horse care. She has special interests in respiratory disease, gastrointestinal medicine, and preventive care.

Pamela Velarde, DVM, DACVIM, brings advanced training in internal medicine along with a lifelong passion for horses. She completed an internship at Peterson & Smith Equine Hospital in Ocala, followed by a fellowship in internal medicine at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in Kentucky. She then pursued a residency at Cornell University, where she focused on complex medical cases and advanced diagnostic approaches.
At McCleery Equine, Dr. Velarde enjoys blending her specialty training with the day-to-day realities of ambulatory practice — helping horse owners make confident decisions about their animals’ health. She has particular interests in respiratory disease, gastrointestinal medicine, and preventive care.
Originally from Peru, Dr. Velarde has worked in the heart of horse country from Ocala to Lexington to Ithaca. Outside of practice, she enjoys Latin music (and is known to sing along in the barn if it’s playing), and she has a soft spot for Thoroughbreds thanks to her past work co-owning a breeding operation in Kentucky.