Jennifer Shepherd received her doctorate of veterinary medicine from Colorado State University in 2000. She completed a small animal medicine and surgery internship at the Ontario Veterinary College before entering private practice Dr. Shepherd owns Cloquet Animal Hospital in Northern Minnesota where she practices full time.
In her free time she enjoys writing, photography, running and spending time with her husband, three children, two dogs, and one spoiled cat. She is pictured here with her best running dog Apollo, a Portuguese Water Dog who can’t swim but loves playing in snow.
IMPORTANT : If your pet is ill or experiencing a medical emergency, please contact your local veterinarian. Dr. Jenn is not able to answer questions immediately and her answers are more general so that other readers may benefit as well. She is not meant to take the place of your pet’s veterinarian.
April 10, 2024
I'd like to create a beautiful spring garden with cat safe plants and flowers. Which are safe for my kitty, and which should I avoid?
3 min read
Read More Ask Dr. Jenn: What Are Some Cat Safe Plants for My Spring Garden?
March 18, 2024
My dog has fleas and no matter what I do they keep coming back. How can I get rid of them for good?
4 min read
Read More Ask Dr. Jenn: How Can I Get Rid of Fleas on My Dog?
February 6, 2024
My pets are getting older and have health issues. I don’t want them to suffer, but I don’t want to say goodbye. How do I know when it's time?
5 min read
Read More Ask Dr. Jenn: How Do I Know When It's Time to Say Goodbye?
January 8, 2024
My New Year’s Resolution is to be healthier in 2024, and I'd like my dog to be healthier too. What are some good places to start?
3 min read
Read More Ask Dr. Jenn: How Can I Keep My Dog Healthy in 2024?
December 11, 2023
I have to board my dog for a week, but I've seen news reports of a deadly dog disease. Should I cancel my trip?
4 min read
Read More Ask Dr. Jenn: I've heard about a new mystery dog disease. Is it safe to board my dog?
November 10, 2023
I know it’s tradition for the President to pardon a turkey on Thanksgiving. What happens to the turkey and how long will it live?
2 min read
Read More Ask Dr. Jenn: What Happens to a Pardoned Thanksgiving Turkey?
October 27, 2023
I recently bought a female canary. How can I help her when she starts laying eggs and nesting?
4 min read
Read More Ask Dr. Jenn: How can I help my canary when she's nesting?
September 25, 2023
Halloween is coming and I know that we will have lots of trick-or-treaters. How can I keep my dog and cat from feeling anxious?
3 min read
Read More Ask Dr. Jenn: How Can I Keep My Dog and Cat Safe During Halloween?
August 28, 2023
I was at a friend's house and her cat scratched me and bit my thumb. My friend wants me to call my doctor - is that really necessary?
4 min read
Read More Ask Dr. Jenn: Do I Need to Be Worried About Cat Scratch Fever?
July 27, 2023
I recently adopted a rescue dog, but she is AFRAID of the wind and won't go potty outside! How can I help her to overcome her fear of the wind and stop making messes on the carpet?
5 min read
Read More Ask Dr. Jenn: How Can I Help My Dog Overcome Her Anxiety and Fear of the Wind?