Associate Veterinarian
Helping You Make Confident Decisions for Your Pet
As a trusted veterinarian at Arlington Heights Animal Hospital since 2021, Dr. Chelsea Dunnehoo is passionate about helping pet owners make confident, informed decisions about their companions’ health. She believes the best veterinary care begins with a conversation and enjoys building trusting relationships by taking the time to listen, answer questions, and provide clear, compassionate guidance so families feel informed, supported, and confident in every step of their pet’s care.
A native of Liberty Hill, Texas, Dr. Dunnehoo discovered her passion for veterinary medicine at an early age while caring for her family pets, horses, and livestock and working at her hometown veterinary clinic in high school. Her love for animals continued to grow through volunteering at a therapeutic riding center for children with disabilities and fostering shelter animals, experiences that deepened her compassion for animals and strengthened her desire to serve others.
Dr. Dunnehoo earned her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science, graduating summa cum laude, before receiving her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Oklahoma State University. During veterinary school, she was inducted into the Phi Zeta Veterinary Honor Society, recognizing her outstanding academic achievement, dedication to the veterinary profession, and commitment to advancing animal health and welfare.
Following graduation from veterinary school, Dr. Dunnehoo completed two advanced internship programs, an equine medicine and surgery internship at Equine Sports Medicine and Surgery in Weatherford, Texas, followed by a large animal medicine and surgery internship at Texas A&M University before transitioning exclusively to small animal medicine. Her diverse experience has strengthened her diagnostic skills, adaptability, and appreciation for the unique needs of every patient, allowing her to provide thoughtful, individualized care for pets and their families.
As a lifelong learner, Dr. Dunnehoo is committed to continuing education and staying current on the latest advancements in veterinary medicine. She believes preventive care is the foundation of a long, healthy life for every pet and is passionate about helping owners understand their pet’s medical conditions, diagnostic options, and treatment recommendations through open communication and evidence-based medicine. Her goal is to empower families to make informed decisions while ensuring every pet receives the highest quality care.
- Diabetes and other endocrine disorders such as Cushing’s disease
- Heart disease
- Immune-mediated diseases
- Kidney disease
- Chronic gastrointestinal disease
- Arthritis and mobility concerns
- Chronic medical conditions requiring long-term management
She enjoys working through complex medical cases, identifying the underlying cause of illness, and developing individualized treatment plans that help pets live healthier, more comfortable lives.
Procedures & Clinical Interests
Dr. Dunnehoo especially enjoys soft tissue surgery and dentistry, appreciating the opportunity these procedures provide to improve both a pet’s health and quality of life. Whether removing a painful mass, restoring oral health through dental treatment, or addressing a surgical condition, she values combining thoughtful medical decision-making with skilled surgical care to achieve the best possible outcome for each patient.
She believes every procedure should be approached with careful planning, clear communication, and individualized care, ensuring both pets and their families feel supported throughout the treatment process.
Professional Memberships
Dr. Dunnehoo is an active member of several professional organizations and values staying connected to the latest advancements in veterinary medicine through continuing education and collaboration with colleagues.
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
- Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA)
- American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)
- Veterinary Information Network (VIN)
Mentoring & Professional Development
Dr. Dunnehoo enjoys mentoring veterinary students and is passionate about veterinary education. During her internship training at Texas A&M University, she participated in teaching veterinary students and supporting their professional development. She was also involved in grant-funded research during her time at Texas A&M.
Life Outside the Hospital
When she’s not caring for patients, Dr. Dunnehoo enjoys reading, baking, riding her horses, and spending time with her husband and their furry companions: Mack, a Border Collie, and two cats, Socks and Pumpkin. She also enjoys volunteering at her church.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did you become a veterinarian?
Growing up caring for my family pets, horses, and livestock, along with working at my hometown veterinary clinic during high school, inspired me to become a veterinarian and dedicate myself to improving the lives of animals and the families who love them. Caring for animals of all sizes gave me an appreciation for their unique needs and the responsibility that comes with protecting their health and well-being. During my early college years, I volunteered at a therapeutic riding center for children with disabilities, where I witnessed the meaningful impact animals can have on people’s lives. I also fostered shelter animals, an experience that taught me patience, compassion, and the importance of providing individualized care. I am drawn to the intellectual challenge of veterinary medicine and enjoy working through medical cases, piecing together clinical information to identify the underlying problem and develop the best treatment plan. Combining my passion for animals with critical thinking and compassionate care is what makes being a veterinarian so meaningful to me.
What advice do you give new pet owners?
Prioritize preventive care by keeping up with regular wellness exams, vaccinations, and parasite prevention, and consider pet insurance before it’s needed. Get to know what is normal for your pet because early recognition of illness is often the key to helping them live a longer, healthier life.
What do you want every pet owner to know?
There are no “silly” questions, never hesitate to ask questions when it comes to your pet’s health. Building a trusting relationship with owners is one of the most important parts of veterinary care, and I want every family to feel comfortable, informed, and supported as we partner together to keep their pets healthy.
What is your favorite part of working at Arlington Heights Animal Hospital?
“What I love most about working at Arlington Heights Animal Hospital is the commitment to providing the highest standard of veterinary medicine while keeping each patient and their family at the center of everything we do. Our collaborative team approach allows us to combine our expertise and provide individualized, compassionate care for every patient.”
