It all starts with caring for animals.
Animal Compassion Foundation grew from the experiences of veterinarian and Bucks County native Chris Feaster, VMD, whose lifelong connection to animals shaped a vision for doing even more to help them.
For Dr. Feaster, that connection began close to home. He grew up in Newtown, where his grandfather and great-grandfather cared for large animals throughout Bucks County. As a boy, he found his own way to animals, first walking neighborhood dogs and later working at a local kennel and veterinary practice.
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That early connection eventually became a career. Dr. Feaster studied at Virginia Tech before returning to Pennsylvania to earn his veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania. His work in farm animal welfare helped shape a broader understanding of what it means to care for animals.
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After veterinary school, he came home to Bucks County. Over the past 15 years, he has built his career and helped grow Valley Veterinary Center into a three-location practice, while mentoring veterinarians and veterinary students along the way. Today, he is continuing his own education at the University of Pennsylvania, pursuing a Master of Public Health with a concentration in One Health.
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Bucks County is still home. Dr. Feaster lives in New Hope with his wife, daughter and a lively household that includes three dogs, two cats, six chickens, a guinea pig and, naturally, a hermit crab. It's where he has built his family and his veterinary practice, and where he hopes to establish ACF's first campus, bringing veterinary care, sanctuary, education and service together in the community that has shaped so much of his life.
The animals that helped inspire ACF.
For years, Dr. Feaster's practice has worked with local rescue organizations to help animals get the veterinary care they need. Many needed significant care, but the rescues caring for them just couldn't afford it. Through his practice, Dr. Feaster was able to help make that care possible.
Here are a few of the animals he's helped along the way.
Meet Wrex
Wrex came to American Bulldog Rescue as a two-year-old pup in need of significant veterinary care. Dr. Feaster's practice provided exams, diagnostic imaging, preventive care and surgery at discounted rescue pricing. With the care he needed behind him, Wrex went on to find his forever home.
25% SAVINGS ON VETERINARY CARE
HAPPILY ADOPTED
Meet Salmon
Salmon came to Cat Tales Rescue with a fractured lower jaw after being found by a Good Samaritan. Dr. Feaster's practice repaired the fracture and provided the follow-up care she needed to recover. Once healed, Salmon was ready for what came next: finding a family of her own.
$800 IN VETERINARY CARE COVERED
HAPPILY ADOPTED
Meet Hercules, Scar Face & Pete
Hercules, Scar Face and Pete were found roaming the Buckingham area with no known owner. A local Good Samaritan stepped in to help, and Dr. Feaster's practice donated their exams, diagnostic testing, preventive care, medications and neuter procedures. All three went on to find homes of their own.
$2,619 IN VETERINARY CARE DONATED
HAPPILY ADOPTED
ACF was created to help make more stories like these possible.
OUR MISSION
To improve the lives of animals through veterinary care, lifelong sanctuary, education and service.
EVERY ANIMAL MATTERS.
Every animal deserves compassion, dignity and the care they need, whether that means veterinary care on the journey to a forever home or a safe, loving sanctuary for life.
WE'RE ALL CONNECTED.
ACF is guided by One Health: the well-being of animals, people and the environment is connected. Caring for animals, preserving the land and sharing knowledge can help create healthier communities for all.
WE CAN DO MORE TOGETHER.
ACF brings veterinary professionals, rescue organizations, donors and community partners together to expand access to care, combine resources and help more animals in need.
A vision strengthened by experience.
ACF brings together leaders with experience spanning veterinary medicine, healthcare, business, philanthropy, education, animal welfare, conservation, nonprofit service and community leadership. Together, the Board of Directors and Founding Council bring a broad range of perspectives, connections and expertise to help ACF grow and turn its vision into lasting work.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CHRIS FEASTER, VMD
Founder, President & Treasurer
Veterinarian and practice owner with more than 15 years of clinical experience, Dr. Feaster has spent the past decade building and leading a three-location veterinary practice in Bucks County. He is also an MPH graduate student Comment end at the University of Pennsylvania, with a concentration in One Health.
LISA MIERNICKI, VMD
Vice President
Veterinarian and Medical Director of Valley Veterinary Center with more than 25 years of clinical experience and a special interest in internal medicine.
CALEB FRANKEL, VMD
At-Large Board Member
Emergency veterinarian and entrepreneur who founded Instinct Science, bringing experience at the intersection of veterinary medicine, technology and business.
JENNIFER GEORGIA
Secretary
Veterinary practice leader with experience in practice management, client care, operations and building a strong workplace culture.
SALLY HENRIQUES
At-Large Board Member
Retired healthcare professional and longtime Bucks County resident with deep involvement in local nonprofits, land preservation and community service.
TIMOTHY ROTHWELL
At-Large Board Member
Healthcare executive and entrepreneur with decades of leadership experience, including serving as President, CEO and Chairman of Sanofi-Aventis U.S.
FOUNDING COUNCIL
Diana Florio
Michael Jennings, VMD, DAVDC
Dawn Fournier
Tara Mangan, Ed. D.
Deborah Glessner
Susan Magidson
Kim Hawksworth
Emily Sours
Liza Heavener
