Dr. Helmueller, a Texas native, began her journey in veterinary medicine with an undergraduate degree from Austin College in Sherman, TX, followed by veterinary school at Texas A&M, where she graduated in 2001. She started her career in mixed animal practice, she soon discovered her passion for surgery and animal welfare. By 2005, Dr. Helmueller had transitioned to a full-time high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter (HQHVSN) surgeon, performing over 50,000 spay and neuter surgeries to date.
In 2013, Dr. Helmueller shifted her focus to veterinary administration, serving as Chief Medical Officer for both Emancipet and then Thrive Affordable Vet Care, aligning with her commitment to affordable veterinary care.
The pandemic brought significant changes, but it also provided Dr. Helmueller with the opportunity to return to her surgical roots at Thrive Pet Healthcare. There, she performed a range of soft tissue surgeries on a referral basis while continuing her work at HQHVSN clinics during her off time. This period allowed her to further refine her skills in complex procedures.
However, Dr. Helmueller encountered recurring challenges: despite her ability to perform life-saving surgeries, many pet owners couldn’t afford them. Additionally, the high cost of spaying large female dogs remained a significant barrier for many pet owners. These challenges inspired Dr. Helmueller to establish Ace of Spays, with the mission of addressing these issues for pet owners and their beloved pets.
At Ace of Spays, Dr. Helmueller is excited to apply her expertise in large dog spays, cryptorchid surgeries, gastropexies, GI foreign body removals, mass removals, and more. She and her team are dedicated to providing excellent, affordable, and safe veterinary surgical care to the Austin community and beyond.