Katie LaClair

Behavior Assistant

Special Interests:

• Treatment of separation anxiety

• Veterinary Care & Handling

• Continuing education towards VTS in Behavior

Her Pets:

• Ashes - Australian Cattledog Mix

Katie was born and raised in Northern Virginia with a huge passion for animals, starting mostly with her “zoo full of pets” in her family’s home – dogs, cats, birds, ferrets, guinea pigs, fish and more. Katie received her degree in Psychology from Northern Virginia Community College, in addition to completing a marine animal college program at SeaWorld San Antonio. She got her start formally working with animals volunteering at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, VA, where she handled and cared for endangered animals; including black-footed ferrets, red crowned cranes, and red pandas. This experience led her to seek out additional work with animals – she began pet-sitting any chance she got while going to school and nannying. In 2015, Katie secured full-time animal work at high-volume referral practice. She spent three incredibly educational years there and then moved to Colorado for a 6-month adventure while working at a general practice veterinary clinic. She moved back to Northern Virginia in November 2018 and has been a supervisor at a large pet resort. She joined us in 2019 for ABWC's grand opening with an eager mind and excited to begin a new career in behavior medicine. She's currently enrolled in an online veterinary nursing program.

When not working with animals, she enjoys hiking/camping/being at the lake with her dog Ashes and spending time with her two adorable little nephews, Travis and Gavin.