Dr. Natasha Kalkhof

Brief summary about yourself?

Dr. Kalkhof graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison for her undergraduate and veterinary degrees. She spent the following year in a small animal rotating internship in Lexington, Kentucky. This involved working closely with veterinary specialists and lots of emergency experience. Dr. Kalkhof has returned to Wisconsin to be closer to family and friends and because she loves this great state! While she learned a lot from her year with specialty and emergency medicine, she’s excited to enter the world of primary practice. Her veterinary interests include preventative medicine, behavior, and ophthalmology, and she is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association. In her spare time, Dr. Kalkhof loves traveling (abroad and domestically), spending time with family and friends, hiking, canoeing, trying new restaurants, making music, and watching Packer and Badger football games. Dr. Kalkhof has a cat named Luna (who is a beautiful princess) and a younger cat named Leroy (who is easily excitable and sometimes sweet).

What made you decide to become a vet?

I loved animals growing up, so in high school, I started working at a veterinary clinic. Not only were they helping animals, but the staff worked together so well that it was a fantastic work environment. It was a wonderful experience and I knew I would be happy as a veterinarian.

What has been your most rewarding moment as a veterinarian?

During my internship, there were multiple dogs I admitted to the hospital who had poor prognoses, either due to trauma or serious disease. Every time one was released, the tail wag as they were handed back to their owners was the most rewarding moment.

If you weren’t a vet, what would you do?

I would likely be a zookeeper, preferably at a zoo with pandas.

What animal scares you more than any other?

Spiders – they have far too many legs, even Charlotte’s Web gives me the willies!

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

Completing a small animal rotating internship to improve my veterinary skills and critical thinking for future patients.

What do you see as the greatest danger toward household pets?

Obesity is a complicating factor for all pets and it has become extremely common. Obesity creates additional problems as pets age and when they’re sick (such as diabetes, arthritis, hepatic lipidosis, and the list goes on).

What is the most exotic animal you have treated?

There wasn’t any treatment needed, but I helped with physical exams (including ultrasound) on multiple chimpanzees for their annual wellness exams.

What is your favorite comfort food?

Popcorn, particularly cheddar and movie theater popcorn!

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Littering, especially in nature preserves or by the lake.

Name 4 things people might be surprised to know about you:

1. I have a Star Trek Original Series dress and I own every Star Trek movie.
2. I lived in Ireland for 5.5 months on a pet farm and wildlife park.
3. My father was a violinist and my mother the pianist in the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. They are enjoying their second year of retirement. I play the cello and piano.
4. Keanu Reeves is my favorite celebrity.