About the Author

My Background

My name is Caitlin McAllister. I grew up in rural Ontario and have wanted to be a veterinarian since I was young. My interest in veterinary medicine began when my mother used to read James Herriot novels to me as a child. If you are unfamiliar, James Herriot was a veterinary surgeon who wrote books containing a collection of stories from his time as a veterinarian. I have always loved animals but I haven’t always loved science, that began in university. I did my bachelor’s degree at the University of Guelph with a major in Animal Biology. It was at Guelph that I discovered my love of science, and learning in general. I still want to be a vet, but I am choosing to complete my master’s degree before I pursue veterinary medicine. Over the years and through my schooling I’ve worked and volunteered with animals at several veterinary clinics and I’ve accrued considerable industry information. To see what I’m doing currently, please checkout my page on LinkedIn, or you can find my bio on the University of Guelph, animal bioscience department website under ‘people‘.

My motivations

In addition to being a scientist, I am also a pet owner. I have several cats, a dog who decorates the home page of this blog, and a pleco catfish. My animals are a huge inspiration for my career path. I understand what it’s like to have an animal who’s ill, and not know what to do, or even where to look. I find that the more I learn about veterinary medicine and animal science the less scared I am when something goes wrong, and the more prepared I am for the outcome. That’s why I created PetiScience. To help share what I’m learning so we can all be more informed, and feel more secure in our responsibilities towards our animals.

Comments and Information In the Blogs

Whenever I write a blog, I try to be as scientifically informed as possible, but I am still human and I do make mistakes. If you disagree with something I’m writing or wish to correct me, please let me know in the comments. I, like everyone else, am still learning and I want to be able to correct my mistakes. Similarly, if you have a topic you’d like me to cover please leave a comment. I also ask that you keep the comments respectful, feel free to have a good discussion, but no abusive or vulgar language.

Furthermore, my blog is only meant to give you basic information. The information I give in my blog is not meant to allow you to diagnose your animals, or make anyone an expert. While I hope the information listed here helps you understand animal ailments, anatomy, and science, it is not meant to, nor enough to replace a veterinarian. ALWAYS defer to your veterinarian for medical advice and treatment of your animals.

Contact Information

If you wish to get in touch with me on a professional level please check out my LinkedIn account. If you want to contact me about my blog please email petiscience@gmail.com.

Thanks!