Bellingham woman charged with unlicensed veterinary practice; lawsuit pending
The Washington State Department of Health has charged a woman with the unlicensed practice of veterinary medicine in Whatcom County.
Elyse Rybka is accused of practicing as a veterinarian, managing patients, performing surgeries and prescribing medication between June 2023 and April 2025 at Bellingham Veterinary despite not having a license to do so. The health department notified Rybka in late April of its intention to issue a cease and desist order.
According to the notice, the owner of Bellingham Veterinary said in May 2025 that Rybka “portrayed herself as a fully licensed veterinarian.” The owner said Rybka completed all licensing and credentialing requirements, and provided a credential number. However, documentation from the American Association of Veterinary State Boards showed Rybka had failed the licensing examination twice.
Multiple witnesses said Rybka referred to herself as a doctor, conducted surgeries on animals and prescribed medications, according to the Department of Health. The staff at Bellingham Veterinary referred to her as a doctor, and she had “Dr. Rybka” embroidered on a lab coat.
Rybka denied all allegations from the health department on May 15. She requested an opportunity for settlement, or a hearing in the event a settlement can’t be reached.
Prior to the notice issued by the health department, Rybka was sued in Whatcom County Superior Court for her alleged role in the death of a cat. The class-action lawsuit was filed by Lauren Boushey in May 2025 against Bellingham Veterinary and two of its employees, Rybka and Dr. Edmund Sullivan.
Boushey claims that Rybka performed diagnostic tests and gave medications to her cat, Merlin, without Boushey’s permission. When Boushey refused to pay for the services she to which she didn’t consent, Rybka refused to release Merlin, the lawsuit alleges.
Afterward, Merlin couldn’t sleep and acted “manic and anxious,” according to the lawsuit. Rybka allegedly misdiagnosed him with hyperthyroidism and a heart murmur; gave him medication intended for another cat; excessively administered fluids to him; and failed to diagnose him correctly, “improvidently sending him home to die.”
All three defendants in the case are accused of professional negligence and violation of the Consumer Protection Act. Bellingham Veterinary is also accused of intentional or reckless infliction of emotional distress.
The lawsuit was filed on behalf of anyone who paid money to Bellingham Veterinary related to work performed by Rybka on their animals. It requests damages to be proven in an amount at trial.
In her response to the lawsuit, Rybka admitted she was not licensed as a veterinarian, but said she was working as an intern under Sullivan. She denied allegations that she acted below the standard of care when treating Merlin or engaged in any unlawful business practices.
Bellingham Veterinary and Sullivan submitted multiple joint responses to the lawsuit requesting its dismissal, most recently on May 28. The case is ongoing.