Frieda Opielski (Rest), VMD

Dr. Opeilski (Rest) grew up in Hunterdon County, New Jersey in a family of six children, with every type of pet imaginable. “We had two dogs, four fish, a guinea pig, you name it. I grew up in farm country, surrounded by animals,” she says. “My parents loved animals and so did I.”

A 2002 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Opielski (Rest) joined Rothman Animal Hospital that same year. She especially enjoys building relationships with owners and their pets, and taking care of the wide range of animals and exotics she sees in the practice, including less common varieties. “I’ve cared for hedgehogs, even flying squirrels,” she says.

Dr. Opielski (Rest) also volunteers with Rural Area Veterinary Services (RAVS), a program of The Humane Society of the United States and The Fund for Animals, which brings free veterinary services to underserved rural communities where poverty and geographic isolation make regular veterinary care inaccessible. Every summer since veterinary school, she has traveled to Native American reservations in the western United States to provide medical and surgical care to dogs, cats, horses and other animals. She also traveled to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and provided emergency relief care for rescued pets.

Dr. Rest-Opielski lives with her husband, Brian, and pet Boxers, Mr. Baggins, and Harvey. Her hobbies include skiing, in-line skating, and creating pottery.