Dr. Karen Halligan

Dr. Karen "Doc" Halligan is a well-known veterinarian and animal welfare advocate with a passion for animal health and well-being. Doc Halligan earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the prestigious University of California, Davis. After completing her formal education, driven by her love for animals and a desire to help pet parents, she has worked tirelessly to provide exceptional care for pets and educate pet owners on responsible pet ownership.

One of Doc Halligan’s notable accomplishments is her work in the development of spay and neuter programs. Recognizing the importance of controlling the pet population to reduce the euthanasia rates in shelters, she has been instrumental in establishing low-cost and free spay/neuter clinics in underserved communities. Her efforts have played a crucial role in reducing the number of homeless pets as well as raising awareness about the importance of spay/neuter in educational campaigns.

In addition to her work in spay and neuter programs, Doc Halligan is a staunch advocate for animal welfare. She has actively campaigned against animal cruelty, fought for legislative changes to protect animals, and worked with various animal welfare organizations to promote responsible pet ownership. Having worked as a shelter vet for over 15 years, she firmly believes that education is key to preventing animal suffering and has dedicated herself to raising awareness about the proper care and treatment of animals and the importance of adopting rescue pets.

She is the author of the award-winning book Doc Halligan’s What Every Pet Owner Should Know: Prescriptions for Happy, Healthy Cats and Dogs (HarperCollins, 2007) and has authored countless articles for various magazines and other media. She has appeared on numerous television shows, including "The Doctors" and "Animal Planet," where she has shared her knowledge and provided expert advice on various animal health topics. Her ability to communicate complex veterinary concepts in an accessible manner has made her a sought-after speaker.

Doc Halligan is a compassionate and empathetic veterinarian who genuinely cares about the well-being of animals. She is thrilled to join Rue’s Kennel and help them on their incredible journey of rescuing pets worldwide to give them a second chance at life! Her commitment to providing excellent veterinary care, advocating for animal welfare, and educating pet owners has positively impacted countless lives. Through her work, she continues to inspire others and leaves a legacy in the field of veterinary medicine.