About Us

Dr. Sunil Kakarla, an experienced and compassionate veterinarian in Cary, NC, grew up in India. After graduating from the College of Veterinary Medicine in India, he practiced as a companion animal veterinarian for five years in a metropolitan city in India. He moved to the United States in 2005 with a passion for practicing high-quality veterinary medicine in an advanced setting. During that process, he pursued his MS and Ph.D. in a renowned lab at Marshall University in West Virginia.

As a graduate student, Dr. Kakarla performed cutting-edge research and had several high impact publications to his credit. While pursuing graduate studies, he simultaneously completed the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE) in 2010.

Soon after this accomplishment, he began volunteering at several local animal hospitals. He completed his clinical experience program and obtained his license to practice in the US the same year.

In 2011, after graduating with a doctoral degree, he joined a small animal practice in Durham/RTP where he established a huge clientele and treated about 6000 to 7000 pets per year.

With his continued passion to provide the best quality veterinary care, he joined the state-of-the-art Walnut Street Animal Hospital in June 2016. As a veterinarian in the RTP area of NC, he strongly believes in quality care for pets and in being available to his patients when needed.

Sunil Kakarla is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and has special interests in dermatology and soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, as well as emergency medicine. Dr. Kakarla is married and has a son and a daughter. He enjoys spending quality time with his family, including his 1-year-old Golden-Doodle, Brownie, and a 4-year-old Poodle, Milky. He enjoys serving his community by actively helping rescue groups and shelter pets, and in his free time, he plays volleyball.

Dr. Sujitha Bhumanapalli is a compassionate and accomplished veterinarian dedicated to animal health and well-being. She graduated with distinction from Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, India (2019) earning four gold medals as the best outgoing student and in various academic aspects. Dr. Sujitha also holds a Master's in Poultry Science from the University of Georgia (2023), where she has contributed to pioneering research on animal health and food safety.
Dr. Sujitha's experience includes clinical practice, research, and quality assurance. As a Senior Veterinary Officer in a leading poultry processing facility (2021), she specialized in animal welfare, biosecurity, and quality control.

Dr. Sujitha's experience includes clinical practice, research, and quality assurance. As a Senior Veterinary Officer in a leading poultry processing facility (2021), she specialized in animal welfare, biosecurity, and quality control. She also has expertise in laboratory diagnostics, microbiology, molecular techniques, and pathogen detection for precise care.

Dr. Sujitha is known for her empathetic approach to veterinary care, treating every animal with compassion and dedication. Her calm demeanor and strong communication skills reassure pet owners. Committed to advancing quality veterinary medicine, she strives to improve the lives of animals and their families through her expertise, gentle touch, and passion. She not only topped her university but also represented it in national volleyball competitions. Beyond work and sports, she enjoys spending time with her loving husband, supportive family, and joyful friends.

Sarah is an NC State graduate with double majors in Animal Science and Applied Nutrition. She has lived with animals her entire life and has always had a special place in her heart for them. She has been with the company since 2019, and she loves her job. Not only does she have the opportunity to meet new people and pets on a daily basis, but she also gets to help those fur babies stay happy and healthy with their families. Her favorite things to do outside of work include spending time with her furry kiddos; two dogs named Ochi and Denali, and two cats named Juniper and George. When she’s not at work, you can find her hiking with her dog, or taking part in any other activities in which she can include them.

Hello! My name is Caitlin, and I have been with Walnut Street Animal Hospital since 2017. I started out as a receptionist and after being with this practice for a year, I was promoted to Manager and transferred to our sister location, Capital Boulevard Animal Hospital. I absolutely loved the experience of opening a new clinic and getting acquainted with all of the rescues. I am excited to start my new role as Client Coordinator with the company. I have always loved working with clients and making sure the owner and furbaby have a positive experience. In my free time, I am with my 2 human kiddos as well as my own furbabies.

Kaydee is a graduate of N.C. State with both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Animal Science. She recently joined the company in 2022 and is excited to be part of the team. She has worked in the veterinary field for over 15 years as a veterinary assistant, from small animal practices to emergency medicine, most recently at NC State CVM. She has recently taken a step back from her hands-on role to work on the administrative side of the practice. When she isn't working, she is spending time with her husband and two beautiful daughters, as well as their four crazy cats.

Originally from Wilmington, Brittany moved to Raleigh in February of 2021 to persue her career working with animals. She’s known she wanted to do so since she was in Kindergarten and job shadowed at a veterinary hospital her senior year of high school. She worked at a dog boarding facility for four years following graduation in 2017. She made the big move to Raleigh when she was offered a position to work in an animal hospital. She has always had a passion for animals and loves to give each pet all the love she has to give. She has three very sassy Pomeranians — Payton, Willow, and Sawyer — and a very sweet Tuxedo named Sylvester James Pussycat.

Hi, my name is Whitney! I was hired at Walnut Street Animal Hospital 3 years ago. I worked in emergency for 3 years, expanding my knowledge and skills. I came back in November of 2024 and by January of 2025 became lead. I have been in the veterinary field for 8 years now. I have worked with cats, dogs, and exotics. I have a German Shepherd named Ghost and an Alaskan Malamute mix named Bear. I also have 3 cats Howl Pendragon, Venom, and Ponyo.

Lucy graduated from SUNY Farmingdale in 1982 as a New York State Licensed Veterinary Technician and has been in the veterinary industry for more than 35 years! She moved to North Carolina in 2008 and worked at Banfield for some years before joining the Walnut Street Animal Hospital family when it opened in the summer of 2016. She has been happily married since August of 1995 and has three dogs and three cats with her husband, Eric. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, needlecrafts, and gardening. She has even made some of the decor we have here in the clinic!

I’m originally from Rutherford County, North Carolina, but I am currently living in Raleigh for my college education. I’m a sophomore at NC State University with intentions of working in the animal agriculture, or sometimes known as the production animal field, of Animal Science. I’ve been a veterinary assistant since I was 16 at a small practice back home and came to Walnut Street in August of 2024 to further my interests in veterinary medicine. I’ve always had a strong passion for animals, and have three of my own at home. They’re all German Shepherds, and their names are Zaeda, Zeus, and Zola!

I am currently studying animal science at NC State and I hope to go to vet school in the future. I have a very spoiled cat, Darla. I love to travel, cook, and spend time with family and friends during my free time. Being able to help take care of people's pets like I would my own has made assisting so rewarding.

Hello! I'm Olivia, a junior at NC State studying biochemistry with a minor in zoology. My lifelong passion for animals has led me to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. In my free time, I love spending time with friends, reading, traveling, and hiking with my dog, Milo. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to care for your fur babies to the best of my ability.  

Hello! My name is Ashley, I am a Senior at NC State University and I am studying Zoology! I've always had a passion for animals and that has pushed me to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. In my free time I enjoy going to the gym, painting, and spending time with friends and family. I am incredibly fortunate to be able to provide for your pets well being in the present, and in the future!

Hi! My name is Katherine and I’m originally from Athens, GA but I grew up in Winston-Salem, NC. I’m currently studying zoology at NC State with the intention of going to vet school after undergrad. I hope to eventually pursue a career working with exotic animals. I have one fur baby of my own, Bella, who’s always been the reason behind my passion for vet med. In my free time I like doing art, hiking with my family, and traveling. I’m very fortunate to have the opportunity to care for your fur babies, and keeping them happy and healthy is the best part of my day!

Maliah joined our team in 2022 and is currently one of our lead receptionists. Ever since Maliah was a child, her passion has always been animals, with the dream of working in a veterinary setting. She got her first horse as a teenager and now owns a farm of 12 horses along with a jersey cow, goats, and other livestock. Maliah resides in Godwin with her partner, Ryan, two Golden Retrievers, and a Labrador Retriever. Her future plans are to expand her personal business and continue to live life to the fullest!

Taylor lived most of her life in New York, then moved to North Carolina in 2017. She joined the Walnut team in 2022 to help others and their fur babies! Taylor currently resides in Raleigh with her partner, Hayden, and their baby boy, Grayson!

I am 22 years old and was born on June 13th — Gemini season! I was born in Chile and lived there until the age of six. Since moving, I have lived in the Cary-Raleigh area. I am a dog mom of two: Scrappy (a Jack Russell Terrier) and Cheeto (a Golden Retriever/German Shepherd mix). Both are rascals filled with energy and love.

My name is Katie Menasian, and I am a CSR at Walnut Street Animal Hospital. I love helping our clients with any questions they may have. I do my best to make sure our clients and patients feel safe and comfortable. I am also a wife and a mother of two. We have two fur babies and a ball python at home. I have always been passionate about animals and try to foster dogs when I can.