Dr. Dania Shirk earned her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from the University of California, Santa Barbara, before pursuing her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona. During veterinary school, she completed numerous externships in shelter medicine, radiology, oncology, neurology, internal medicine, surgery, and emergency and critical care, providing her with a broad foundation in veterinary medicine.
Following graduation, Dr. Shirk completed a rotating internship at Veterinary Specialty Hospital in San Diego, where she received advanced training in emergency and critical care, internal medicine, and surgery. She then spent five years practicing at a busy referral emergency hospital, gaining extensive experience managing complex and critical cases. In November 2021, she joined VCA San Martin Animal Hospital, where she served as Medical Director, leading the medical team while continuing to provide compassionate, high-quality patient care.
Dr. Shirk recently relocated to the Pacific Northwest with her husband and their four children. Outside of veterinary medicine, she enjoys homeschooling her children, spending time outdoors, gardening, traveling, and playing board games with family and friends. She also shares her home with Kaya, her beloved 16-year-old Pomeranian mix.
Dr. Shirk is passionate about building lasting relationships with pet owners while providing comprehensive veterinary care at every stage of a pet's life. Although she enjoys all aspects of general practice, her special interests include surgery, emergency medicine, and critical care. She is dedicated to delivering exceptional, compassionate care and embraces VCA's mission of caring for pets, their families, and the communities they serve—both inside and beyond the hospital walls.
