Meet the Key Animal Clinic Team

Priya Dahanukar, DVM, CVA

Dr. Priya Dahanukar, known as “Dr. D”, is a 1995 graduate of the Bombay Veterinary College, India. She received her Masters in Veterinary Medicine from the same institute in 1997. She worked in Bombay at a small animal clinic and was an active member with a non-profit organization that helped rescue and treat animals and plants. She then proceeded to complete a 1year internship and ECFVG certification in small and large animal medicine and surgery from Oklahoma State University in 2007.

In the United States, she has worked in Nevada and California before joining Key Animal Clinic in 2009 as an Associate Veterinarian and Certified Acupuncturist.

Dr. Dahanukar’s passion lies in ‘Integrative’ and palliative medicine that led her to pursue a certification in veterinary acupuncture from the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) in San Diego, CA, in 2003. While working at Key Animal clinic she was introduced to the Class IV therapeutic laser for pets. She became certified for its use, and it is now a part of her integrative protocol. She is currently pursuing her certification in Chinese Herbal Medicine from the Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine in Florida.

Dr. Dahanukar also has a special interest in Feline medicine and surgery and is an advocate of feline health and preventive medicine at the clinic. She has been an active member with the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) since 2011. She also holds memberships with the AVMA, TVMA, CVMA, and IVAS.

She lives with her five cats, all rescues from the clinic. Her interests other than work include music, dance, fitness, yoga, and art/painting. Occasionally you may see one of her paintings hanging on the walls of the Clinic.

Claire Letkeman, DVM

Dr. Claire Letkeman grew up in Houston in a dog-loving family. Her passion for veterinary medicine began in middle school when her family started volunteering and fostering for a local dog rescue. Through this experience, she saw animals in all stages of need and learned how compassionate care and veterinary medicine could help them heal and find loving homes forever.

Dr. Letkeman attended Texas Tech University for her undergraduate studies, where she fell in love with Lubbock and knew she wanted to return to practice there one day. She went on to earn her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Texas A&M University in 2026.

During her summers in veterinary school, Dr. Letkeman worked at Key Animal Clinic, where she developed a strong appreciation for the team and their approach to patient care. She was thrilled to return after graduation as an associate veterinarian and continue serving the Lubbock community.

Her professional interests include surgery, ultrasound, internal medicine, and cytology. Outside of work, Dr. Letkeman enjoys cooking everything from scratch, reading, and spending time with her husband, as they recently got married. They share their home with a Pomeranian–Blue Heeler mix and are excited to welcome another furry family member soon.

Emily Shockey, DVM

Dr. Emily Shockey is a 2009 graduate of Texas A&M University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Shockey grew up in a rural community north of Ft. Worth, but quickly fell in love with west Texas upon attending Texas Tech University for her undergraduate degree. During her time as an undergraduate, she worked for Key Animal Clinic as a veterinary technician under Dr. John Key. It was during this time that she truly developed a passion for small animal medicine.

After her graduation from veterinary school in 2009 Dr. Key took her on as an associate veterinarian. In 2014 Dr. Shockey was blessed to have the opportunity to purchase Key Animal Clinic. She feels honored to have the opportunity to carry on the legacy Dr. Key started.

Patient and client care are Dr. Shockey’s passion. She enjoys challenging medical cases, and strives to provide the best quality medicine for her patients. When she isn’t at work you may find her chasing after her two young children, five dogs, three cats, two guinea pigs, and husband. They all enjoy camping, four wheeling, baseball, gymnastics and much more as a family.

John C. Key, DVM (Retired)

Dr. John C. Key has been around to treat more than just a couple generations of animals. He has been practicing Veterinary Medicine on the South Plains for more than 40 years.

Dr. Key received his education from Monterey H. S. (1960), Texas Tech University (Pre-vet), Texas A&M University (BS 1964, DVM 1965), and Texas Tech University (MS 1971). Dr. Key is also ex-military. He was in the US Army Reserve (1963-1993), active in 1966 at Walter Reed, and retired at the rank of Colonel.

Dr. Key has worked with different companies including: Keys Brothers Farming, Texas Tech Farms, Purdue University, The US Army, Lubbock Small Animal Emergency Clinic, and of course Key Animal Clinic. He opened Key Animal Clinic in 1968, which he ran on his own until he finally sold it 46 years later in 2014 to one of his associate veterinarians, Dr. Emily Shockey.

Dr. Key has been a part of many community activities and professional organizations including, but not limited to: South Plains VMA, Texas VMA. American VMA, AQHA Life Member, Former chairperson in Lubbock City County Health board, Lubbock Armed Services Committee, Member to Texas Tech Health Sciences Animal Care and Use Committee, Metropolitan Lubbock Rotary Club Charter Member, Marsha Sharp Leadership Circle, Sharp Academy School for ADHD and Dyslexic Children, and Wayland Baptist Lubbock Scholarship Committee. He even ran for the 19th Chair in Congress for 2016.