Katie Hogan, DVM

11/12/2025

Pets are masters at hiding pain, and the clues aren’t always obvious. From subtle behavior shifts to changes in posture or grooming, learning to spot these early signs can protect your pet’s comfort and quality of life. Here’s what to watch for—and when to call your veterinarian.

Learn how to spot subtle signs of pain in your dog or cat: and when to call your vet for help before it becomes serious.

11/05/2025

Veterinary red flags don’t always wave in your face... they whisper.
They show up as gossip, lack of support, unclear expectations, or unsafe medicine.

As relief veterinarians, we walk into unfamiliar clinics all the time. That makes it even more important to recognize early warning signs and protect both your ethics and your energy.

In this post, I break down the most common red flags, what to do when you notice them, and how to build a red-flag-proof relief career.

Learn how to identify red flags in veterinary clinics before they damage your confidence, career, or work-life balance as a relief vet.

11/04/2025

Feeling trapped in your associate job? You’re not alone... and you’re not stuck.
Relief work isn’t the only path to freedom (though it’s one of my favorites).
Other high-paying, flexible options for veterinarians include:
🌿 Telemedicine
💼 Consulting or coaching
🧠 Industry roles (pharma, education, tech)
💻 Online businesses and digital products
🐾 Mobile or integrative practice (chiro, rehab, acupuncture)

There’s a world of possibilities waiting for you outside the exam room.
✨ You just need the courage to explore them.

Follow for real talk and resources to help you design a veterinary career you actually love.

10/29/2025

Halloween candy isn’t just tempting for kids... it can be dangerous for your dog. Chocolate toxicity is one of the most common emergencies I see this time of year. Here’s what every pet parent should know to keep their dog safe (and when to head straight to the ER).

Chocolate can be deadly for dogs. Learn the signs of toxicity, which types are most dangerous, and when to call your veterinarian right away.

10/28/2025

I used to think “balance” meant *equal* hours.
Now I know it means *appropriate* energy.

If you’re chasing someone else’s version of what the ideal path looks like, you’ll never find your own.

Follow for more vet med + mindset real talk. 💡

10/27/2025

Everyone’s chasing the next big thing.
But power movers? They know when to slow down.
Rest is strategy. Energy is your edge.

Send to someone who’s overdue for a reset. ⚡️

10/23/2025

I don’t sweat the small stuff… so that I can have full control over the one thing that’s most important to me: time.

Relief work gives me the freedom to choose when, where, and how I practice.

That means no drama, no micromanagement... just good medicine and a schedule that fits my life.

If you’ve ever wondered whether relief work could give you your life back, stick around.

(PS my patient in this video is sedated.)

10/22/2025

✨ The secret to happiness in veterinary medicine? It’s not more money, more patients, or even fewer hours. It’s balance. Specifically, balancing autonomy with support. Read the full post to see how this ratio might be the key to your career satisfaction.

Happiness in veterinary medicine comes down to one key balance: autonomy and support. Learn how finding the right mix of freedom and teamwork can reduce burnout, build confidence, and help you create a career that truly fits your life.

10/22/2025

Gemma gave us a scare. 💙

My colleagues found a splenic tumor on her during a practice ultrasound, and things moved fast:
👉 Confirmed at GCVS with an internist
👉 Surgery + overnight care at Grady Vet
👉 Home the next day, playing tug a week later

And the best part? Her tumor was benign.

That’s a big deal, because most splenic tumors are cancerous and even the benign growths can rupture and lead to life threatening internal bleeding.

She’s living proof that sometimes you catch it in time. 🐾