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.
February 18, 2025
I suspect my dog is deaf. Is there any way for me to be sure? Are there any tests my veterinarian can do?
3 min read
Read More Ask Dr. Jenn: How Can I Tell if My Dog is Deaf?
January 24, 2025
One of my cats keeps peeing in random places around my house. I have tried changing the litter, using a calming collar, and I keep both litter boxes clean. Any advice I should try?
3 min read
Read More Ask Dr. Jenn: How Can I Stop My Cat from Peeing Outside the Litter Box?
December 17, 2024
At Christmas time, I see images of polar bears and penguins sharing drinks and presents and playing together. But I thought penguins lived at the South Pole. What animals live in Santa’s backyard?
3 min read
Read More Ask Dr. Jenn: Do Penguins Live at the North Pole?
November 19, 2024
Our dog Rocco, age 16 1/2, was diagnosed with oral melanoma. Would you subject him to local radiation treatment at his age, which is the suggested care, or use other modalities?
3 min read
Read More Ask Dr. Jenn: Should We Use Radiation for Our Older Dog Who Has Cancer?
November 1, 2024
My 12-year-old Staffie male dog has started peeing in the house and in his sleep. He's moans in pain, but I don't know why. How can I help?
3 min read
Read More Ask Dr. Jenn: My Dog is Having Urinary Problems. How Can I Tell What's Wrong?
September 26, 2024
I've noticed that my red-eared aquatic turtle is starting to lose her large underbody scales. What does this mean and how can I help?
4 min read
Read More Ask Dr. Jenn: Why is My Red Eared Slider Turtle Losing Scales?
August 27, 2024
I've taken her to the vet and give her medications for severe gastritis, but it doesn't seem to be solving the problem. What else can I do?
4 min read
Read More Ask Dr. Jenn: My Pomeranian Scoots on the Carpet and Cries. How Can I Help Her?
August 2, 2024
I just moved to the Southwest United States near lots of hiking trails. I want to take my dog on the trails my but I have heard there are rattlesnakes in the area. What can I do to help protect my dog?
3 min read
Read More Ask Dr. Jenn: How Can I Protect My Dog From Rattlesnakes?
August 2, 2024
I've heard about new CDC rabies vaccine travel requirements for dogs. What do I have to do to bring my dog back into the US safely?
4 min read
Read More Ask Dr. Jenn: What Are the Rabies Vaccine Travel Requirements for Dogs?
June 3, 2024
I've seen TikTok videos of chinchillas and now my daughter wants one. Do they make good pets for children?
3 min read
Read More Ask Dr. Jenn: Do Chinchillas Make Good Pets?