Allison Shepherd

Internal Medicine Technician

Meet Allison, who was born and raised in rural Pennsylvania an hour outside the city. From an early age, Allison dreamed of having a cuddly pet. Unfortunately her family's allergies prevented them from welcoming animals into their home - she instead had to settle for pet chickens in an outdoor coop. However, one fateful day a stray cat wandered in from the woods, sneaking his way into their hearts and home. This pivotal moment instilled in Allison that pets, and especially cats, were essential to her life.

Allison pursued her education at Colby College, where she studied both biology and religious studies. Upon graduating, she worked as a world religion teacher and a rock climbing instructor. Through outdoor education, Allison discovered her passion for the importance of kinesthetic learning, teambuilding, leadership, and communication skills. As she honed her abilities, she longed for more opportunities to expand her knowledge. She felt the desire to work with and care for animals, which led her to embark on a new career in veterinary medicine.

Allison joined a general practice veterinary hospital, and it was here that her passion for veterinary medicine truly ignited. She reveled in the blend of hands-on techniques, scientific knowledge, teamwork, and client communication. She soon realized her preference for feline patients, appreciating their unique care needs and quirky personalities. This led her to focus her career on feline-exclusive practices, where she could deepen her understanding and expertise in feline medicine. Allison delighted in their playful sassiness and the often overlooked distinct qualities that set them apart from canine companions.
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After several years in a feline-specific practice, Allison again felt the pull toward growth and knowledge, prompting her to join the PASE team. This opportunity allows her to learn from various specialists and engage in advanced aspects of veterinary medicine. Away from her professional life, you’ll often find Allison spending quality time with her family and friends, especially with her beloved nephews and niece. At home, she shares her life with three cats: Earl Grey, a charming 7-year-old who captured her heart with his crossed eyes and messy eating skills; Horchata, a 4-year-old who plays fetch and provides emotional support to his big brother; and Tazo, a spirited 2-year-old tripod cat who spends all day in his catio and dreams of adventures outdoors.