Dr. Emily Purbaugh is originally from the Pacific Northwest. After graduating with a B.S. in Animal Sciences from Washington State University in 2007, she worked as a zookeeper at Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, providing husbandry and care to multiple species, including helping to raise tiger cubs. In 2009, Dr. Purbaugh headed off to the island of St. Kitts to attend Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. After her clinical year at Oregon State University School of Veterinary medicine, she received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2012, and began practicing in Oregon where she met her now husband, Alex. After four years in Portland they moved down the coast to Santa Barbara, California where she worked for another three years in small animal practice. 

Dr. Purbaugh and family recently returned to Gig Harbor to be closer to her extended family. 

With a keen interest and formal training in soft tissue, orthopedic, and ocular surgery, Dr. Purbaugh joined VCA Central Kitsap Animal Hospital in 2019 to continue to provide quality care for our companion pets. She also has training in abdominal ultrasound and cardiac ultrasound (echocardiogram). 

Dr. Purbaugh looks forward to making her home here at VCA Central Kitsap Animal Hospital and working with families to provide optimum care for their pets through a fear free and teamwork atmosphere. Dr. Purbaugh is proud to be a Fear Free Certified Professional, and pledges to hold each pet's emotional, as well as physical, well-being in mind at all times.