Dr. Cooley is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, board certified in small animal internal medicine. She earned her bachelor's degree in animal science from Iowa State University and continued on to earn her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Iowa State University, as well. From there, Dr. Cooley completed a one-year rotating internship at VCA Aurora Animal Hospital in Aurora, Illinois, followed by a three-year residency training program in internal medicine at Colorado State University before joining the internal medicine team at VCA MidWest Veterinary Referral & Emergency Center. During her residency at Colorado State University, she also earned a master's degree in veterinary clinical sciences, where her research focused on chronic kidney disease in cats. Dr. Cooley has published two papers, as well as two textbook chapters.
Dr. Cooley grew up showing her two dogs (both Shelties) in 4-H and enjoyed helping her dad with chores on their small dairy and swine farm in southern Minnesota. Surrounded by all sorts of animals as a child (dogs, cats, rabbits, cows, pigs, and one fun goat), it's not surprising that she can't remember a time she didn't want to be a veterinarian. In fact, she fondly remembers the excitement she felt every time the veterinarian visited the farm.
Dr. Cooley understands the strong bond that exists between owners and their pets. She insisted that Clancy and Willie, her two childhood Shelties, be in attendance at her wedding ceremony. As "Dogs of the Bride," they stole the show, walking down the aisle in the most adorable tuxedos! As they aged through her time in veterinary school, Dr. Cooley worked with many veterinary specialists to simultaneously manage multiple conditions they developed, sparking her passion for internal medicine along the way.
Dr. Cooley and her husband, an Iowa native, have two beautiful daughters and one loveable Whippet named Indy. In her free time, you'll find Dr. Cooley chasing down a good concert, craft fair, or new restaurant.
