Hometown: Davenport, WA
Undergraduate Degree: BS in Environmental Science & Terrestrial Research Management, Wildlife Conservation (University of Washington)
Area of Interest: Wildlife rehabilitation, mixed animal general practice, honeybees
Kate Bouchard’s path to veterinary medicine was shaped by her work in wildlife rehabilitation — and by a deep appreciation for the connection between animals and the people who care about them. Drawn to both the medicine and the unpredictability of wildlife work, she found meaning not only in treating injured animals, but in helping the public navigate complex wildlife-human interactions.
“Helping animals starts by taking the time to really listen to the people involved, whether that’s a hawk down in your backyard or a dog in your living room,” Kate said. “Giving 100% to the people and animals I work with is what I find most rewarding, and being a veterinarian lets me do that every day.”
Kate, already a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in Washington state and beekeeper, also plans to care for honeybees. Come graduation she will be listed as a veterinarian on the Honey Bee Veterinary Consortium (HBVC) website.
At Washington State University, Kate said the rigor of veterinary school really challenged her while helping her build lasting confidence. That foundation will carry her into a mixed animal practice, with an emphasis on exotics and wildlife, particularly birds. Kate accepted a position in Liberty Lake, Washington, where she was excited to find a clinic supportive of wildlife triage in an area with significant need.
Outside the clinic, Kate is an avid birder, a lifelong poultry enthusiast with a flock of about 40 chickens. She also shares her life with two dogs, Juniper and Larch, and two axolotls, Queso and Nigel. She hopes to one day build raptor mews on her own land for pre-release conditioning of rehabilitated birds of prey.
Fun Fact: Kate loves all creatures including fictitious ones. She is a loud, proud, avid collector of Pokemon cards.