Featured
A Quick Guide to Betta Fish Care
4 min read
Sit. Stay. Read.
Your Pet Care Advisor
Hi, Max here sharing my favorite tips, tricks, guides, and more. Don't see what you're looking for? Ask Dr. Jenn!
Pet Ownership
Backyard Chicken Care: An Introduction
March 17, 2026
Are you interested in keeping your own backyard chickens? This introductory guide will help you get your flock off to a healthy start.
4 min read
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Behavior & Training
Leash Laws, Parks, and Outdoor Etiquette in Spring
March 17, 2026
Spring is the perfect season to get outside with your dog, but parks and trails also bring rules and shared responsibilities. Learn leash laws and basic outdoor etiquette to keep your pet, other people, and wildlife safe.
5 min read
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Health & Wellness
Caring for a Pet With Cancer
March 17, 2026
Cancer can strike many kinds of animals, including our beloved pets. Learn how to provide the best possible care for a pet with cancer.
4 min read
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Lifestyle
Simple, Safe DIY Pet Toys for Your Dog or Cat
February 28, 2026
Want to make safe, fun toys for your dog or cat? This guide to DIY pet toys helps you make the magic happen with ordinary household materials.
4 min read
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Lifestyle
How to Choose the Perfect Toys for Your Pet Bird
February 28, 2026
Want to make sure your bird's toys are safe as well as entertaining? This guide will help you learn how to select the right toys for your bird.
4 min read
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Pet Ownership
Breed Focus: The Playful & Intelligent Abyssinian
February 28, 2026
The Abyssinian is a striking and active cat breed with a rich history and a playful personality. Learn what makes this breed unique and whether an Abyssinian could be the right fit for your home.
4 min read
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Jennifer Shepherd received her doctorate of veterinary medicine from Colorado State University in 2000. She completed a small animal medicine and surgery internship at the Ontario Veterinary College before entering private practice. Dr. Shepherd owns Cloquet Animal Hospital in Northern Minnesota where she practices full time.
In her free time she enjoys writing, photography, running and spending time with her husband, three children, two dogs, and one spoiled cat. She is pictured here with her best running dog Apollo, a Portuguese Water Dog who can’t swim but loves playing in snow.
IMPORTANT : If your pet is ill or experiencing a medical emergency, please contact your local veterinarian. Dr. Jenn is not able to answer questions immediately and her answers are more general so that other readers may benefit as well. She is not meant to take the place of your pet’s veterinarian.
Ask Dr. Jenn
Ask Dr. Jenn: How Can I Adopt a Service Dog Dropout?
February 27, 2026
My family is thinking about adopting a German Shepherd, and we wanted to know the steps to adopting a service dog dropout.
2 min read
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Ask Dr. Jenn
Ask Dr. Jenn: Does My Norfolk Terrier Need a Doggie Coat in Cold Weather?
January 30, 2026
I have a Norfolk terrier. This breed has an undercoat and topcoat. Does she still need a doggie coat in cold weather?
3 min read
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Ask Dr. Jenn
Ask Dr. Jenn: Can I Leave Treats for Santa's Reindeer?
December 10, 2025
I always leave milk and cookies out for Santa. Can his reindeer eat milk and cookies, too?
2 min read
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Ask Dr. Jenn
Ask Dr. Jenn: How Can I Adopt a Service Dog Dropout?
February 27, 2026
My family is thinking about adopting a German Shepherd, and we wanted to know the steps to adopting a service dog dropout.
2 min read
Read More Ask Dr. Jenn: How Can I Adopt a Service Dog Dropout?
Health & Wellness
Understanding Seasonal Allergies in Pets
February 25, 2026
Seasonal allergies can affect both dogs and cats and often show up as itchy skin and recurring discomfort. Learn the causes, symptoms, and treatment options to help your dog or cat stay comfortable throughout the year.
4 min read
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Behavior & Training
Dog Socialization: The Secret to Successful Introductions
February 25, 2026
Dogs need to learn how to accept introductions to unfamiliar humans and other pets. These socialization tips help make the process easier.
4 min read
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