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.
March 31, 2026
I've heard that straws can kill sea turtles. Is there any truth to that?
2 min read
Read More Ask Dr. Jenn: Do Straws Really Kill Sea Turtles?
February 27, 2026
My family is thinking about adopting a German Shepherd, and we wanted to know the steps to adopting a service dog dropout.
2 min read
Read More Ask Dr. Jenn: How Can I Adopt a Service Dog Dropout?
January 30, 2026
I have a Norfolk terrier. This breed has an undercoat and topcoat. Does she still need a doggie coat in cold weather?
3 min read
Read More Ask Dr. Jenn: Does My Norfolk Terrier Need a Doggie Coat in Cold Weather?
December 10, 2025
I always leave milk and cookies out for Santa. Can his reindeer eat milk and cookies, too?
2 min read
Read More Ask Dr. Jenn: Can I Leave Treats for Santa's Reindeer?
December 10, 2025
I've been wondering what kind of dog Santa has at the North Pole. Do you know?
3 min read
Read More Ask Dr. Jenn: What Kind of Dog Does Santa Have?
November 20, 2025
During the holidays, at least one dog always ends up with diarrhea no matter what I do. How can I treat their GI upset at home without an emergency vet visit?
4 min read
Read More Ask Dr. Jenn: How can treat my dog's diarrhea at home?
October 23, 2025
I've heard chocolate is bad for dogs, but I've known dogs who have eaten it and been fine. How much chocolate is toxic for a dog?
4 min read
Read More Ask Dr. Jenn: Why is Chocolate Toxic for Dogs?
September 26, 2025
I've noticed my cat scratching and biting his skin a lot more than normal. Does he have fleas, or is there another cause?
3 min read
Read More Ask Dr. Jenn: Why is My Cat Scratching So Much?
September 3, 2025
I heard that you could determine a pet’s age by its teeth. Is that true?
5 min read
Read More Ask Dr. Jenn: Can My Pet's Teeth Tell Me Their Age?
July 30, 2025
I found a nest of orphaned bunnies in my yard. How can I take care of them? What should I do to help?
4 min read
Read More Ask Dr. Jenn: How Do I Care for an Orphaned Bunny?