Dr. Jennifer Coates, DVM

Dr. Jennifer Coates, DVM, MS, DACVIM, is an accomplished veterinarian, writer, editor, and veterinary consultant with more than 25 years of experience in the fields of veterinary medicine, science, animal welfare, conservation, and communications. Dr. Coates is part of The Spruce Pets' veterinary review board.

Highlights

25+ years of experience in the fields of veterinary medicine and animal welfare
Currently active in veterinary medicine as a writer, editor, and consultant
Member of the American Veterinary Medical Association

Experience

As a young adult, Dr. Coates was employed by several veterinary clinics and other pet-related businesses. After graduating from college, she focused on the broader ideals of conservation and animal welfare through her work with the Animal Welfare Institute, Society for Animal Protective Legislation, and Wildlife Habitat Council before returning to her first love, veterinary medicine. After veterinary school, Jennifer was an associate veterinarian at Home to Heaven In-Home Pet Hospice and Euthanasia (CO), Spring Creek Animal Hospital (WY), and Petersburg Animal Hospital (VA), as well as former chief of staff at Healthy Pet Animal Hospital (VA).

Jennifer has published several books, short stories, and thousands of web articles that all relate to veterinary medicine, pet care, and the human-animal bond. She has also appeared on radio and television in her role as a veterinary consultant.

Education

Dr. Coates received her Bachelor of Science (Biology — Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior) at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in Blacksburg, Virginia.

Expertise: Domestic animals, Animal welfare, Veterinary consulting

Education: Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine

Location: Fort Collins, Colorado

Title: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Journalist

About The Spruce Pets

The Spruce Pets, a Dotdash Meredith brand, is a new kind of pets website offering practical, real-life tips and training advice to help you care for your pet. The Spruce Pets reaches 10 million people each month. Learn more about us, our editorial process, and our commitment to ensuring we are providing you with the most trustworthy veterinarian advice.