Dr. Bruggeman hails from Gilbert, Arizona, and has had an enthusiastic passion for animals from a young age. She attended the University of Arizona (go Cats!), followed by St. George's University, where she obtained her doctorate in veterinary medicine. She practiced for several years in Cresskill, New Jersey, before relocating to sunny Florida in 2021 and has enjoyed being the Medical Director of VCA Aventura Animal Hospital since 2023.
Through a variety of case exposure and continuing education courses, Dr. Bruggeman has developed a particular interest in long-term medical management cases, soft tissue surgery, and emergency care. She has received training in acupuncture through Chi University and often incorporates it into her pain management protocols for her patients. She primarily treats cats and dogs but is also available to see companion small mammals, reptiles, and some bird species! She has over a decade of experience with wildlife rehabilitation and conservation research and still volunteers in these fields when able. Dr. Bruggeman is additionally involved in TNR (trap-neuter-release) in the Miami community and is proud to be a part of VCA's partnership with the Humane Society of both Miami and Broward's Healthy Start Program. She is a long-term member of the AVMA and is a Fear-Free professional. She and other associates at VCA Aventura Animal Hospital have completed the Cat Friendly Practice Program to better serve our feline patients.
Dr. Bruggeman is grateful she gets to share her love for medicine with clients, associates, and the occasional student on a daily basis, and she continually strives to remain up-to-date on best medical practices to serve her patients. Her goal is to improve the lives of animals by partnering with their owners to provide the best care for each unique pet. When she is not being a veterinarian, she enjoys gardening, adventuring, and chasing after her zoo of rescued animals.
