Even at a young age, Dr. Kristin Gerard understood the unique and deep connections that people have with their pets. So, it was no surprise when she decided at the early age of 12 that helping animals and their people was to be her life’s work. From the moment she walks into the exam room, Dr. Gerard creates an authentic connection with her clients and patients through her fresh approach. She goes out of her way to hear client concerns and understand the unique relationship that each client has with their fur family. This understanding allows her and our team to offer a treatment plan that fits the needs of both the pet and the family.
Dr. Gerard graduated from the Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine in the spring of 2007. That summer, she moved to New York City to pursue a small animal medical and surgical internship. She trained under several specialists in surgery, internal medicine, critical care, and cardiology at a busy emergency and referral facility in the heart of the city. Following her internship, Dr. Gerard worked as a relief veterinarian in over 20 hospitals in the greater New York metro area. After a year of getting to know area hospitals, she joined an emergency practice in Westchester County, NY, for a few years. During this time Kristin met the man who would become her husband, and together they moved to New Jersey where Kristin transitioned to general practice at a growing hospital in Caldwell, NJ.
Throughout her career, Kristin has been interested in exotic animal medicine and expanding the breadth of her knowledge across all species. Simultaneous to her internship after medical school, she took on a 2 year zoo fellowship at the Trevor Zoo in Millbrook, NY where she was the solo vet for over 75 animals made up of nearly 30 species. During her fellowship, she performed general checkups and routine surgical procedures on several species that you wouldn't see in a traditional practice.
Missing mountains and family, Dr. Gerard and her husband relocated to the Pacific Northwest in late 2013. Upon her return to her hometown of Portland, OR, Dr. Gerard reconnected with friends and colleagues from her veterinary school days. She took a position at a fast-growing emergency practice in Portland, where she met Dr. Roth.
While Dr. Gerard loves helping pets in urgent need of care, she loves the deep connections with clients and patients that come from monitoring patients throughout their lifetimes with their owners. Dr. Gerard is a Fear Free certified professional and very proud that our clinic is dedicated to setting a positive example by fostering a low-stress environment for both pets and their human companions. In addition to being a veterinarian, Dr. Gerard is the Chief Culture Officer for Guardian Veterinary Care. She is dedicated to the practice vision of creating and sustaining a strong culture through core values and ongoing training in leadership and emotional intelligence.
Outside of work, Dr. Gerard is a European history nerd and loves true crime podcasts. She loves to spend her time off traveling with her husband. When at home, Kristin is an artist and loves to draw or take over the kitchen and get lost in cooking.