Dr. Danel Grimmett has been a member of the Sunset Veterinary Family since 2009. Her experience covers a wide span of clinical settings. It includes emergency medicine, small, exotic and mixed-animal practices, both in the United States and overseas.

Originally from the small western Oklahoma town of Reydon (Go Tigers!), Dr. Grimmett obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in biology/chemistry from Abilene Christian University in 1997. She earned her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Oklahoma State University in 2003; during her senior year, she was in New Zealand studying cattle and equine reproduction – and met her future husband, Sam.

Cool and Focused Under Pressure

After veterinary school, Dr. Grimmett worked at small animal clinics in Edmond and Oklahoma City before becoming an associate veterinarian in a small animal emergency hospital in Columbia, South Carolina. Two years in the “ER” with many trauma cases honed Dr. Grimmett’s surgical skills. They also enhanced her ability to think clearly under pressure and take care of both pets and people in very emotional circumstances. And, it gave her a broader perspective for evaluating potential illnesses or health issues, which benefits her clients at Sunset Veterinary Clinic.

During her years in Columbia, she also served as a staff veterinarian the Humane Society of Columbia, South Carolina. At the Humane Society, she performed many spay and neuter procedures. She took part in raids on properties where animal were being mistreated and cared for individuals suspected of being victims of animal cruelty including dog fighting.

In 2007, Dr. Grimmett returned to New Zealand with her husband and young daughter, working at a general practice in the small community of Richmond. During the next two years, she cared for a wide variety of companion animals expanding from dogs and cats into a world of chickens, lambs, hedge hogs, crias, and other interesting creatures. In 2009, the family moved back to Oklahoma and Dr. Grimmett joined Dr. Kennemer at Sunset.

Promoting the Human/Animal Bond Through Communication

Dr. Grimmett views humans as the protectors of their animals, and sees part of her role as speaking for those who can’t speak for themselves. Relying on nonverbal communication to discern what’s going on, she also enjoys the challenge of “translating” to help pets communicate with their owners.

When not taking care of her clients’ “fur babies,” Dr. Grimmett and her husband Sam enjoy living in Edmond and raising their daughters, Willow Anne and Coral Leigh. They have five dogs, Carlos, Harry Potty, Clyde, Bacon and Chica, their cat named Mercy, 3 ducks, Dot, Dash and Duck, and 5 chickens, Nugget, Henny Hen, Honey Chicken, Stella and Spicy.

Dr. Grimmett is an avid sports fan especially when it comes to the sport of basketball (she played at NWOSU for 3 years). Both of her daughters play basketball as well. In addition, Dr. Grimmett, her husband, Sam, and both of their girls participate in rowing activities at the Oklahoma Boathouse. She was recently honored to announce that Willow Anne will be attending the University of Kansas on a full rowing scholarship in August 2022!

Around the Web

Dr. Grimmett has worked with numerous writers and reporters on projects for various websites. Her insights as a veterinarian and pet owner have been highly sought after by a number of publications. Dr. Grimmett’s quotes have been published on: