Jim Bader, DVM
Veterinarian, Owner
Dr. Jim Bader is the veterinarian and practice owner of Jimbabwe Acres Vet Services, a practice he founded in December 2021 alongside his wife, Merri. Originally from the South Side of Chicago, Dr. Bader later moved to the southern suburbs and pursued his lifelong passion for veterinary medicine at the University of Illinois, where he earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree in 1988.
After graduation, Dr. Bader established Mapleview Animal Hospital in 1992 and successfully led the practice for nearly three decades before selling it in 2021. Although he initially planned to reduce his workload, retirement did not suit him for long. Inspired by his continued passion for animal care and a desire to remain active in the profession, he and Merri opened Jimbabwe Acres Vet Services in Glen, Michigan.
Dr. Bader’s dedication to lifelong learning has been a hallmark of his career. In addition to his DVM, he earned both a Certificate in Forensics and a Certificate in Shelter Medicine from the University of Florida in 2012, followed by a Master’s Degree in Shelter Medicine in 2016. His professional interests include emerging medications, advanced diagnostics, innovative surgical techniques, and tick-borne diseases. He is also the lead author of the internationally published parasitology article, “The Incidence of Vector Borne Diseases in Dogs from Guatemala, Central America,” and has served as a reviewer for scientific journal publications.
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His journey into veterinary medicine began in 1981 while working as a student assistant for Dr. Bill Brown in Allegan, Michigan. Dr. Brown became a mentor who emphasized continual growth, innovation, and always seeking the best possible care for patients. One of Dr. Bader’s fondest memories is teaching his youngest daughter, Karina, to draw blood using the same techniques Dr. Brown taught him—a proud moment that highlighted the passing of knowledge from one generation to the next.
Dr. Bader knew veterinary medicine was his calling from an early age. After being diagnosed in sixth grade with allergies to dust, molds, pollens, and even several animal species, he famously told his mother, “I’m going to be a veterinarian.” Decades later, that determination continues to define his career. He is especially passionate about helping rescue organizations provide medical care for adoptable pets, and Jimbabwe Acres proudly offers low-cost veterinary services to twelve adoption groups.
One of the things Dr. Bader admires most about animals is their resilience. Whether blind, missing a limb, or facing other challenges, animals continue to live life without self-pity, inspiring him every day.
Under his leadership, Jimbabwe Acres Vet Services has been recognized with the Holland Community Choice Award for Best Veterinary Clinic in both 2024 and 2025. Behind the scenes, he credits much of the practice’s success to his wife, Merri, who serves as practice manager and is a driving force behind the clinic’s growth.
Outside of work, Dr. Bader treasures time with his family, including his four children and two grandchildren. His youngest daughter, Karina, recently completed her Veterinary Technician degree and now works alongside him at Jimbabwe Acres. When he’s not caring for patients, Dr. Bader enjoys cooking and experimenting with new flavors, having previously catered the Saturday night event for the Saugatuck Film Festival. He also loves traveling, particularly on mission trips that provide veterinary assistance in underserved communities. His travels have taken him to Guatemala, Belize, and Native American reservations throughout the Southwest, often accompanied by Karina. In his spare time, he enjoys tackling home improvement projects and helping his children with projects around their homes.
Through decades of service, continued education, and a deep commitment to both animals and their families, Dr. Bader remains dedicated to providing compassionate, progressive veterinary care while making a meaningful difference in his community and beyond.
Merri V.
Office Manager
Merri was born and raised in Holland, Michigan, and earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University. Although her childhood dream was to become a veterinarian, she took a different path in college and began her career working for non-profit organizations and an automotive supplier. Her love for animals never faded, and in 1997 she began working in the veterinary industry, where she has remained ever since. Merri joined the practice in December 2021 and serves as Practice Manager.
Having grown up with dogs, horses, and rabbits, Merri has always had animals at the center of her life. She enjoys getting to know the clients and patients who come into the practice and knows she made the right career choice because she truly enjoys working with animals every day.
Outside of work, Merri has spent many years showing, training, and breeding dogs, including Rottweilers, Clumber Spaniels, and Cardigan Welsh Corgis. Her family later became involved in showing Quarter Horses, and Merri continues to enjoy her role as “show mom.” She has been married to Jim since 1997, and together they have four children, two grandchildren, and several animals at home, including dogs, cats, horses, and birds. In her free time, Merri enjoys traveling, reading, working outside, attending musical theater and concerts, and spending time with her family.
Affiliations/Associations:
Certified Fear Free
Karina B.
Veterinary Technician
Karina is a Veterinary Technician at Jimbabwe Acres P.C., where she has been part of the team since October 2023. Raised in Holland, Michigan, Karina grew up surrounded by animals and developed a lifelong passion for their care, especially through riding and showing horses. She graduated from college in August 2025 and is working toward becoming a Licensed Veterinary Technician.
Karina enjoys advocating for animals who cannot speak for themselves and finds it rewarding to help them feel better, recover, and receive the care they need. She knew she was in the right profession when her childhood love for animals grew into a clear and meaningful career path.
Outside the clinic, Karina is grateful for the support of her close-knit family, including her parents, two brothers, and two sisters. She enjoys learning more about animal health, behavior, and welfare as she continues to grow in the veterinary field.
Affiliations/Associations:
Certified Fear Free
Allison M.
Veterinary Assistant
Allison is a Veterinary Assistant at Jimbabwe Acres, PC, where she brings a lifelong love of animals and a hands-on approach to patient care. Originally from Indianapolis, Indiana, Allison attended Hope College in Holland, Michigan, where she majored in Biology on the Pre-Vet track. After college, she decided not to pursue veterinary school, bought a home in Holland, and spent three years working on a pig farm before joining the team at Jimbabwe Acres in October 2025.
Allison’s passion for animals began when she was a child and has stayed with her ever since. She has always loved catching and admiring all sorts of critters, while helping them however she can. Toward the end of her previous job, Allison realized she wanted to be more hands-on and involved in animal care, which naturally led her to the veterinary field. Her favorite part of working with animals is seeing the wide variety of personalities each one brings and knowing she is helping care for creatures who cannot speak for themselves. She knew she was in the right profession as soon as she started at Jimbabwe Acres, waking up excited to go to work each day and leaving satisfied and ready for the next.
Outside the clinic, Allison enjoys spending time with her three pets: Harlee, her Bernese Mountain Dog; Checkers, her Russian tortoise; and Sebastian, her barn cat. She loves any activity that gets her outdoors, and her home away from home is her family’s cabin in Canada.
Allie P.
Veterinary Assistant
Allie is a Veterinary Assistant at Jimbabwe Acres PC, where she has been part of the team since August 2025. Born and raised in South Haven, Allie graduated from South Haven High School and attended Western Michigan University for three years as a communications major.
Allie discovered her love for working with animals at Al Van Humane Society, where she began in 2019. She later entered veterinary medicine as a receptionist before becoming more hands-on as an assistant. Her favorite part of working with animals is caring for them throughout their lives and seeing them flourish with their owners.
Outside the clinic, Allie enjoys coming home to her two dogs and two cats. In her spare time, she enjoys baking and working on stained glass pieces.
