Karen “Doc” Halligan
Helping pets live healthier lives by empowering the people who love them.
Dr. Karen “Doc” Halligan is a nationally recognized veterinarian, author, media expert, and animal welfare advocate with more than 30 years of experience dedicated to improving the lives of animals and the people who love them. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the University of California, Davis, one of the nation’s leading veterinary schools.
Driven by deep compassion and a passion for education, Dr. Halligan has spent her career helping pet parents provide the best possible care. She is widely known for her leadership in developing spay and neutering programs and establishing low-cost and free clinics in underserved communities to reduce pet overpopulation and shelter euthanasia rates.
As a shelter veterinarian for over 15 years, Dr. Halligan witnessed firsthand the importance of responsible pet ownership and the lifesaving impact of adoption. She has been a strong voice against animal cruelty, working to advance animal welfare through public education, advocacy, and collaboration with leading organizations.
Dr. Halligan is the award-winning author of DocHalligan’s What Every Pet Owner Should Know: Prescriptions for Happy, Healthy Cats and Dogs (HarperCollins, 2007), along with numerous articles in national media. She has appeared on television programs including The Doctors and Animal Planet, where she is known for translating complex veterinary topics into practical, easy-to-understand guidance.
She is also the host of the upcoming “Collars & Cents” podcast launching soon and born from her successful radio show, where she delivers expert veterinary advice, practical pet care solutions, and real talk about the rising costs of pet ownership.
Today, Dr. Halligan continues to care for patients at Marina Veterinary Center in Westchester, California, while inspiring audiences through her writing, speaking, and media work. Her mission is simple: to improve the lives of pets by empowering the people who care for them.