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.
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?
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?