Kelley Kays, DVM, was raised in Houston, TX and attended Texas A&M University receiving a bachelor's degree in Veterinary Sciences and a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1984. She moved to Beaumont in 1984 working with the Sherwood Animal Clinic, then developing a mobile practice and in 1996 built and developed the Dowlen Road Veterinary Center, PC., which became the largest clinic in Beaumont. In 2016, she became the Veterinarian for the City of Beaumont. At that time, less than 50% of the animals taken in to the city shelter came out alive. This led to the formation of a non-profit named Beaumont Pets Alive and in December of 2018, Beaumont attained "No-Kill" status (defined as >90% live release). In 2021, the city remains "No-Kill."

Kelley's hobbies include horseback riding and the breeding of event horses. Eventing is considered the triathlon of the horse sports world, encompassing dressage, cross country, and stadium jumping phases. She also is a member of the Junior League and the Beaumont A&M Club. While she sold the Dowlen Road facility, she practices veterinary medicine at Falconwood in Winnie and continues as the executive director of Beaumont Pets Alive.