Pet Health & Well-Being
Working (and learning) from home have seen pets cement themselves as our companions during isolation. They have provided affection, motivation, and companionship through trying times, showcasing the psychological benefit and carer opportunities that pets offer their humans. Choosing the right pet is an important decision and knowing how to take care of them is the responsibility of owners of all pets.
Karen Viggers, veterinarian and author will provide general tips and guidance for looking after your pet, present some of the key features of pet ownership and positives for owners, and help guide you through the health and well-being of dogs and other pets.
Karen grew up in the Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley near Melbourne, riding horses, hanging out with cows and running around the paddocks with dogs. Her love of animals led her to studying Veterinary Science at Melbourne University.
After graduating in 1987, Karen worked in mixed practice near Melbourne for five years. During this time she also worked at the Healesville Sanctuary where she developed an interest in Australian native wildlife. Since then she has worked with a wide range of domestic pets and native animals, including kangaroos in Canberra, quolls in the Snowy Mountains, and seals in Antarctica.
Karen moved to Canberra in 1992 to complete a PhD in Wildlife Health at the ANU while continuing to work part-time in small animal practice. She has been at Brudine since 2005. Karen consults one day a week (usually Fridays) and loves people, animals, children and stories.
She is also the internationally best-selling author of four novels: The Lightkeeper’s Wife, The Grass Castle, The Stranding and The Orchardist’s Daughter. Karen loves bushwalking, skiing and camping with her family, and also walking with her little dog, Toffee.
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