30 Years in Vet Med and a Journey to New Zealand: Why Dr. Shalsee Still Loves the Profession
We felt goosebumps travel up our forearms when Shalsee fiercely stated her why:
“I want to make animals’ lives better.”
It was one of those moments that sticks with you. Not just because of what she said, but because of how deeply she meant it. Everyone in the room could feel the passion behind it. In that instant, it clicked. That conviction is what drove her to make bold moves, to change when needed, to protect her relationship with vet med, and to lead her team with purpose.
If every vet could tap into their emotional ‘why’ like that, we’d all feel more connected to our work and more capable of navigating the tough stuff.
Some people just have that spark. The kind of perseverance that stays lit through decades of change, challenge, and growth. Dr. Shalsee Vigeant is one of those people. Vet med is a treasure she protects with her whole heart.
We had the absolute joy of sitting down with Shalsee and Kooper in her cozy living room for our podcast. Within minutes, it was clear: her love for veterinary medicine is still present because of how fiercely she protects her relationship with it. With over 30 years in the field, Shalsee brings a mix of wisdom, warmth, and hard-earned perspective that only time and a few bold moves can offer.
One of those bold moves? A relocation to New Zealand.
After years of practicing and leading in the States, Shalsee packed up and made the leap to a new country and a new chapter. In the episode, she shares what inspired that decision, what’s surprised her most about the transition, and how it’s helped her reconnect with the kind of vet she wants to be.
This isn’t just a story about moving abroad. It’s a masterclass in longevity and endurance.
Here’s what stood out to us:
You can love vet med and be honest about what’s hard. Shalsee talks candidly about burnout, emotional tolls, and the pressure vets face behind the scenes. She doesn’t sugarcoat it. She also doesn’t let it steal the joy. She understands the realities and creates boundaries around the unhealthy parts so that vet med can remain the treasure she believes it is.
Your career can evolve with you. Whether it’s taking on new roles, moving across the world, or shifting your definition of success, Shalsee reminds us we don’t have to stay stuck in a version of our career that no longer fits.
There’s no “right way” to be a vet. From medicine to mentorship to lifestyle, she’s carved her own path and changed when she needed to. It’s proof that fulfillment doesn’t come from following a script, but from listening to your own unique needs.
For anyone wondering if they still belong in this field, or questioning what comes next: this conversation feels like a deep breath and a warm hug. Shalsee’s story is a reminder that you can reinvent your life, reconnect with your purpose, and LOVE being a vet, even decades in.
Want to listen?
