Dr. Robert Mankowski grew up in Linden, New Jersey but now lives right here in Mount Laurel. 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 then joined Mount Laurel Animal Hospital and 24 hour Emergency Service, and shortly thereafter, jointly purchased 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 three dogs of his own: Chewy, Cinnamon, and Brinley and a Cat named Boo. Dr. Mankowski also co-owns the the farm surrounding the hospital and all of the animals on it, including goats, sheep, ducks, chickens, and emus. He enjoys being outside on the farm visiting the animals and performing farmwork with the John Deere tractor.

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 their 2 children and all of their sports and activities.