From the streets of Tibet to the shelters of Colorado, Dr. Jennifer Bolser has built a veterinary career rooted in compassion, advocacy, and public health. Her work in shelter medicine has improved the lives of countless dogs and cats, especially those without a voice of their own.
“Shelter medicine is providing medical care to animals that may not have an owner or someone to advocate for them directly,” says Dr. Bolser, Chief Clinic Veterinarian at the Humane Society of Boulder Valley (HSBV) in Boulder, Colorado. “It’s also about managing population-level care, offering solutions that keep pets from entering shelters in the first place.”
Discovering Shelter Medicine
A 2004 graduate of Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Dr. Bolser initially wasn’t sure which direction her career would take. After completing a veterinary internship at the Animal Medical Center in New York City, she returned home to Colorado and joined the Humane Society of Boulder Valley, a nonprofit that operates both a shelter and a full-service veterinary clinic.
It was there that she found her calling.
“It was fun, stimulating, and rewarding doing shelter medicine alongside general practice,” she recalls.
Inspired by a colleague involved in global animal population control, Dr. Bolser began volunteering in spay-neuter projects around the world. Her work has taken her to diverse environments, from the Galápagos Islands to remote Tibetan villages, sometimes operating in donated buildings with power and water, other times carrying oxygen tanks and supplies by boat, working under headlamps in improvised clinics.
A Global Perspective
In 2015, after a decade at HSBV, Dr. Bolser relocated overseas to work in Beijing, China, at a private veterinary practice that partnered with animal rescue groups. There, she continued to support international sterilization efforts and provided care to at-risk animals in urban environments.
When the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, she returned to Boulder and resumed her role at HSBV.
Today, Dr. Bolser divides her time between caring for shelter animals and those seen in the clinic. The nature of shelter medicine often means treating animals without full medical histories or facing limited resources, challenges that demand critical thinking, flexibility, and creativity.
“You’re solving a puzzle every day, and you need to constantly adapt. It forces you to grow in your skills and perspectives,” she says.
Addressing Population Health and Individual Care
Shelter veterinarians face the constant challenge of balancing population-level health needs with the unique medical requirements of each dog or cat. Dr. Bolser also works alongside animal protection officers in cases of neglect and cruelty, which can take a personal toll.
“It can be emotionally difficult,” she admits. “But those moments remind you why this work matters. You’re part of the solution.”
Preparing for a Career in Shelter Medicine
For veterinary students and professionals interested in this field, Dr. Bolser recommends combining clinical experience with targeted training.
“Hands-on internships in shelter environments and small animal practices are incredibly valuable,” she notes. “Also take advantage of continuing education, webinars, and conferences to deepen your understanding.”
Shelter medicine requires a unique skill set, including tenacity, patience, resourcefulness, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
She encourages veterinarians to gain experience across different communities and practice settings to build confidence and adaptability.
“You want to be ready to serve any animal, in any situation,” she says.
Every Veterinarian Can Make an Impact
Dr. Bolser believes that shelter medicine is part of every veterinarian’s role, regardless of specialty.
“Veterinarians can make a huge difference, whether it’s helping a newly adopted pet transition into their home, or finding a solution that helps prevent a pet from being surrendered,” she says. “Being an advocate for shelter animals is something all of us can do.”
