Career Path As A Veterinarian

Dr. Karen Whala, co-founder and chief medical officer of CodaPet and a Forbes Advisor Pet Health Advisory Board member, describes a veterinarian career path shaped by a longtime love of animals and financial realities. She grew up building a large “menagerie” with family support, including keeping many species and engaging with children through parties, school events, and libraries. After graduating high school without help for undergrad or vet school, Whala used student loans and work, starting at a local college before transferring to the University of California, Davis, for her veterinary training. She pivoted her undergraduate plan from animal science to include management and also worked at the vet school teaching hospital.