Veterinarian Overview
Dr. Robert Mankowski grew up in Linden, New Jersey as the son of a large Italian and Polish family. His deep compassion and regard for the animal-human bond was fostered by his family's devotion to their own pets. He earned his bachelor's degree in animal science in 1999 from Rutgers University and, while there, earned the George H. Cook Research Award. He went on to earn his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 2004. He joined Mount Laurel Animal Hospital and 24 hour Emergency Service shortly thereafter and jointly purchase the hospital with Dr. Christopher Torre in 2013. When asked what he finds most satisfying about being a veterinarian, Dr. Mankowski says it's the ability to improve the quality of life of an animal through surgical intervention or by medically managing a disease. "In my first year of practice, I remember never giving up on a little Yorkie who was suffering from acute renal failure caused by leptospirosis," he said. "After 10 days of hospitalization here with intensive nursing care, he survived and went on to live many more happy years." Dr. Mankowski attributes his desire to become a veterinarian from his family's, friends', and teachers' support and encouragement. Dr. Mankowski's professional interests include surgery, internal medicine, and dentistry. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association, and the South Jersey Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Mankowski has two companion pets of his own: a Chihuahua named Bella and a poodle mix named Chewy. He also cares for several farm animals including goats, sheep, ducks, chickens, and emus. When not working, Dr. Mankowski enjoys boating, swimming, fishing, and going to Phillies games with his friends and family. "My favorite place is the Jersey shore and I love spending time there with my family," he says. He and his wife, Candace, also stay very busy keeping up with all their children's activities.
