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Tracey J – The Smart Canine

Tracey has dedicated her whole life and career to helping dogs and animals. Currently a student at a top School of Veterinary Medicine. She plans to receive her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine by 2022.

She’s had 5 years of experience as a veterinary technician at Newport and South Hills Animal Hospital. Tracey is known for being the writer and veterinary consultant of The Smart Canine.


My Story – Life With Dogs

The first dog our family ever brought home was “Tiny,” our Pomeranian. She was a classic orange Pomeranian. It was the first time I had the opportunity to care for an animal larger than a hamster.

I was just 7 years old at the time. Still, I was old enough to understand just how amazing, affectionate and remarkable dogs can be. My love for dogs only grew stronger from my experience with Tiny at such a young age.

When I entered college, my older sister brought home Pippa – a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. She’s the love of our family’s life. And with a little bit more experience and older age, it was the first time I actually had the chance to train and teach a dog.

Once I started veterinary school in Texas, I brought home a miniature Australian Shepherd named Olympus – or “Oly” for short. He’s super intelligent, lively, energetic, comical and always mischievous (we can’t keep him away from dirt and mud).

My whole life has been with dogs – training, caring for and learning from them. The next logical step was to expand on my passion and life experience as a licensed veterinarian.

And with The Smart Canine, I’m able to share the knowledge I’ve accumulated over decades of dog-caring and the many years of veterinary education and hands-on experience.


Professional Experience with Dogs

Since undergraduate school, I knew just one thing; I love animals. With that, I had the opportunity to study animal sciences and biology at the University of California, Riverside.

After graduating, I took some time to work as a Veterinary Technician for the Newport Animal Hospital. I was exposed to the reality and life of a licensed vet early on. Even so, I knew it was for me.

Two years later and I’m back in Los Angeles working at South Hills Animal Hospital. My time here was the most valuable as I was given real hands-on experience with working on animals.

Because South Hills was a much smaller animal hospital, I had to learn everything and anything that came my way. I wore multiple hats, but it was the best and probably closest experience I got to a real veterinary professional.

The path to veterinary school was clear. After a few years of working in the trenches and studying for the GRE, I was finally on my way! I’m currently a student at a top-ranking Veterinary Medicine and loving every moment.


Contact Tracey

If you’re looking to contact Tracey, you can reach her at Tracey[at]TheSmartCanine.com. Alternatively, you can reach her by filling out the contact box below.

We receive a lot of messages and inquiries each day, so please give us at least 24 hours to respond back to you. Feel free to give feedback or just say hi!

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