Welcome!

I'm Dr. Shona Kowtecky, a practicing veterinarian, author, speaker, and coaching-consultant who helps people find creative solutions to everyday challenges (both within the veterinary profession and beyond). It's become my mission to make self-awareness and self-examination less uncomfortable and more inclusive, practical, and accessible to everyone, by applying my knowledge of animal species to the human species.  
 
I've been told I have a unique ability to mix humour, hope, and hard truths, making complex challenges feel a little less overwhelming (and a lot more manageable). I've been in the trenches of veterinary medicine, navigated the frustrations of leadership, and even questioned whether to stay in my profession (spoiler alert: I'm still here!). Through it all, I've learned—sometimes the hard way—that no matter the obstacles that come our way, there's always something we can do to reshape our experiences and create lasting change when we lean into curiosity and courage.

With over twenty years in the profession and experience across all types of veterinary settings, I have a knack for connecting the dots between ideas that may seem unrelated—blending science, psychology, business, and real-world experience to provide insights that are as practical as they are thought-provoking.

People Are Animals Too explores self-awareness through the lens of veterinary medicine—an often-overlooked key ingredient to living a good quality life. Through my writing, speaking, and consulting, I aim to bring a refreshing dose of honesty, challenge conventional thinking, and offer actionable steps for meaningful change—both personally and professionally.

In addition to my work, I'm an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys everything from rock climbing and mountain biking to cold-dips and trail running. Reading books and drinking tea are also favourite hobbies of mine. I currently live in British Columbia, Canada, with my husband, Paul, and dog, Archer (he's the handsome dog at the top of this page!). 

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​Education &
​Credentials

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), Honours – Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)
• Bachelor of Science (BSc), Biology – University of Guelph
• Fear Free Certified Professional (FFCP Vet Elite) – Fear Free LLC
• Ok... why not? I also went to Notre Dame College School – Welland, ON 

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​Certifications, Qualifications, & Associations

• Canadian Veterinary Medical Association – Associate Member
• College of Veterinarians of BC – Licensed Registrant in Good Standing
• Certificate in Positive Veterinary Leadership – Flourish Veterinary Consulting
• Brave Space Certificate – AVMA
• QPR Gatekeeper – Suicide prevention
• Psychological First Aid Certificate – John Hopkins, Coursera

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​Professional Roles
​(current & previous)

• Senior Manager, Practice Services – Vet Alliance (Canada)
• Author – People Are Animals Too
• Content Creator, Speaker, & Workshop Facilitator – Virtual and In-Person
• Locum (Relief) Veterinarian – Small Animal (General Practice)
• Assistant Medical Director & Founding Team Member – 24/7 Emergency Hospital
• Contracted Medical Advisor
• Associate Veterinarian 
• Veterinarians Without Borders Intern – Tanzania, 2013
• Elephant Show-Girl (yep.)

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By the numbers
​(Just For Fun!)

• 20+ years working in veterinary medicine
• 10+ years as a practicing small animal clinician
• 1000's of animal patients treated
• 100's of surgeries & procedures performed
• 4+ years as a coaching-consultant supporting veterinary businesses, leaders, & their teams across Canada
• 300+ hrs of RACE-certified, veterinary-specific continuing education credits 
• 25+ different hospitals (location, size, type, etc.) providing medical, surgical, & dental services as a DVM
• Countless hours of non-medical professional development courses
• 5+ years to write & publish PAAT in my "spare" time
• At least 32 types of animal feces shovelled over the years (in my personal opinion, cheetah smelled the worst)

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Let's connect!

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