Holiday Pet Safety

Renowned veterinarian,and author,Karen “Doc” Halligan has developed a distinguished veterinary medical career while establishing herself as a national authority on animals. She was a sought- after pet health expert and featured spokesperson in the media during the pet-food recall crisis and provided veterinary care at ground zero in Louisiana in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Doc Halligan is the author of the award-winning book Doc Halligan’s What Every Pet Owner Should Know: Prescriptions for Happy, Healthy Cats and Dogs (HarperCollins, 2007).

In addition to being a skilled surgeon in spay/neuter techniques; she was the director of veterinary services for the spcaLA for over twelve years and is an expert in animal-cruelty, having prepared in excess of over one hundred cases for trial as well as testifying as an expert witness. Additionally, she has presented lectures to law enforcement on the successful use of forensics in animal cruelty prosecution. For the past three years, she has served on the board of directors of the American Red Cross of Santa Monica and is currently developing emergency service protocols for pet owners that can serve as a national model.

Doc is currently the chief veterinary officer for the Lucy Pet Foundation and practices general medicine and surgery on Sundays at Marina Veterinary Center in Westchester as well as providing relief veterinary services at various shelters in Los Angeles. She currently shares her life in Marina Del Rey with Kinky and Nathan, two very spoiled and healthy cats!