Associate Veterinarian
Compassionate, Integrative, Personalized Care for your pets
Dr. Catie Ryan joined Arlington Heights Animal Hospital in 2026, bringing more than 12 years of experience in companion animal medicine and a special passion for veterinary acupuncture, integrative medicine, and senior pet care. She enjoys helping pets live healthier, more comfortable lives by combining advanced medical care with personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient.
A Fort Worth native, Dr. Ryan attended Texas A&M University (Whoop!) for her undergraduate studies before earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2014 and completing her clinical training at Virginia Tech. After spending the past 12 years practicing in Florida, she and her husband, Jeff, were excited to return home to Texas to be closer to family and serve the community where she grew up.
Veterinary medicine has been a lifelong passion for Dr. Ryan. She knew she wanted to become a veterinarian when she was just 4 years old, and at age 14 she began working as a kennel technician. She worked her way up to veterinary technician before pursuing veterinary school, giving her a deep appreciation for every role within a veterinary hospital.
Dr. Ryan is especially passionate about veterinary acupuncture and integrative medicine, helping pets improve their comfort, mobility, pain management, and overall quality of life. She loves caring for senior pets, cats, and animals with arthritis or chronic medical conditions, combining traditional medicine with acupuncture when appropriate to help patients feel their very best.
As the owner of pets with diabetes, asthma, arthritis, and other chronic health conditions, Dr. Ryan understands firsthand how overwhelming it can be to navigate a chronic diagnosis. That personal experience allows her to relate to clients on a deeper level and provide both medical guidance and reassurance.
“I relate to what my clients are experiencing with their own animals, and I want them to feel comfortable sharing every concern with me so we can talk it through together.” — Dr. Catie Ryan
Education & Credentials
Dr. Ryan earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2014 and completed her clinical training at Virginia Tech.
Professional Certifications
USDA Accredited Veterinarian
Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
She has also completed continuing education focused on veterinary acupuncture and complex gastrointestinal diseases, allowing her to provide advanced care for pets with chronic digestive and mobility concerns.
Areas of Expertise
Dr. Ryan enjoys caring for pets through every stage of life, with particular interests in:
- Wellness and preventive care
- Puppy and kitten care
- Senior pet care
- Internal medicine
- Dermatology
Allergy management - Endocrinology
- Cardiology
- Arthritis management and rehabilitation
- Integrative medicine
- Feline medicine
- Canine medicine
- One of Dr. Ryan’s greatest passions is veterinary acupuncture. She uses it alongside traditional medicine to help pets experiencing arthritis, chronic pain, mobility challenges, and other conditions that benefit from an integrative approach.
Dr. Ryan welcomes appointments for wellness exams, senior pet care, veterinary acupuncture, allergy management, skin conditions, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, and other internal medicine concerns for dogs and cats throughout Fort Worth and the surrounding communities.
Conditions Commonly Treated
Dr. Ryan frequently diagnoses and manages:
- Ear infections
- Skin disease and allergies
- Chronic dermatologic conditions
- Arthritis and mobility issues
- Diabetes and other endocrine disorders
- Complex gastrointestinal disorders
- Internal medicine conditions
She especially enjoys helping senior pets with multiple medical conditions, working closely with families to develop personalized treatment plans that improve both comfort and quality of life.
Professional Experience
With more than 12 years of experience, Dr. Ryan has cared for pets with a wide variety of medical conditions while developing a special interest in acupuncture and integrative medicine.
Throughout her career, she has also enjoyed mentoring veterinary students and aspiring veterinarians, helping them gain hands-on experience and develop their clinical skills.
She has volunteered her acupuncture skills to wildlife rehabilitation hospitals and zoological facilities, using integrative medicine to improve the comfort and recovery of wildlife patients.
Professional Memberships
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)
Veterinary Information Network (VIN)
Life Outside the Hospital
Outside of work, Dr. Ryan enjoys spending time outdoors with her horse, Astounding Spirit, a 20-year-old off-the-track Thoroughbred who still acts like he’s three. She actively competes in three-day eventing and loves traveling internationally, especially to Italy, where she enjoys experiencing new cultures and amazing food. She and her husband, Jeff, are excited to welcome their first child, a daughter, this October. Their home is full of personality thanks to their pets: Remington – 12-year-old Labradoodle; Grant, Arthur, Tyler, Ike, and Lincoln – Five beloved cats (four of them orange and all named after U.S. presidents!). Dr. Ryan says her own pets have taught her just as much about compassion and patience as veterinary school ever could, making every client conversation a little more personal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did you become a veterinarian?
“I’ve known since I was four years old that I wanted to become a veterinarian. I’ve always loved animals, and I fell in love with the science of medicine.”
What advice do you give new pet owners?
“Don’t believe everything you read on the internet! Your veterinarian is here to help and guide you toward the most reliable information for your pet.”
What do you want every pet owner to know?
“Never hesitate to bring up any concerns you have. I want our relationship to be collaborative because we’re all working toward the same goal—helping your pet live the healthiest life possible.”
What is your favorite part of working at Arlington Heights Animal Hospital?
“The team environment is the best part. Everyone here genuinely wants to be here, and we work together to provide the most advanced healthcare possible for every pet we see.”
