The Purdue Veterinary Medicine community is saddened by the recent passing of Dr. Janet Weiss, an alumna who served as a dedicated veterinarian in Northwest Indiana. A resident of La Porte, Indiana, Dr. Weiss passed away February 20, 2025. She was 61.
Born in Colorado, Dr. Weiss grew up in La Porte and was drawn to animals from an early age, sensing an obligation to help care for them. She completed pre-veterinary studies at what was then Purdue North Central (now Purdue University Northwest), earning her Purdue BS degree in biology in 1986, and worked as a kennel assistant, veterinary assistant and grooming assistant before enrolling in the College of Veterinary Medicine. A member of the DVM Class of 1991, she did an externship at a Chicago-area exotic pet practice during her senior year of veterinary school.
After graduation, Dr. Weiss went into private practice, working with a local veterinarian, assisting with farm calls, small animal veterinary cases and emergencies. In 1996, Dr. Weiss bought Heinold Animal Hospital, which became Maple City Animal Hospital. In 2004, she designed a new veterinary hospital facility, which was constructed at 353 North Fail Road in La Porte. Dr. Weiss remained in veterinary practice for more than 33 years. She enjoyed seeing pets grow up over the years, and liked solving veterinary mysteries.
Dr. Weiss also enjoyed hobbies that included crafting, sewing, puzzles, mystery novels, and gardening, besides caring for her own and the community’s pets.
A Celebration of Life service is scheduled tomorrow (Saturday, March 8) from 12:00 Noon to 3:00 p.m. at the Praise Tabernacle Church, 1901 Ohio Street, La Porte, IN. Memorial contributions may be made to the La Porte County Jane Bernard Animal Shelter, 2855 IN-2, La Porte, IN 46350.
Click here to view a complete obituary.
In Memory – Dr. Janet Weiss (PU DVM ’91)
Writer(s): Kevin Doerr | pvmnews@purdue.edu