American Animal Hospital Association

Dr. Heather Loenser grew up with a passion for animals and recognized at a tender age that she wanted to be a veterinarian. Her childhood was spent rescuing feral cats, local wildlife and riding horses. After graduating from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University in 2003, she spent three years in general practice before finding her true calling–emergency veterinary medicine. For nearly a decade, Dr. Loenser has worked on the front lines of emergency medicine, diagnosing and treating pets, and comforting their owners in times of great crises. Dr. Loenser is a member of the Board of Directors for the American Animal Hospital Association and further serves her profession by facilitating veterinary communication workshops and teaching pre-veterinary technician students. She also works as a pharmaceutical consultant for various companies.

Her love of teaching has led to another facet of her career as a veterinary expert and media personality. As a sought-after guest on television and radio, Dr. Loenser shares her expertise on all topics related to companion animals, from breaking news and emergency medicine, to animal behavior and lifestyle tips. She has been a frequent contributor to the TODAY Show, FOX News, The Meredith Vieira Show, Martha Stewart Radio, and local television in New Jersey, New York City and Philadelphia.

Dr. Loenser shares her home with her husband, also a veterinarian, two animal-loving children, and a menagerie of pets that include a pair of rescue dogs, three box turtles, four chickens and fresh-water fish. She enjoys vegan cooking, hiking, SCUBA diving and sailing with her family.