Keynote Speaker: Wendy Blount, DVM

Dr. Blount is a companion animal (dogs and cats only) veterinarian Texas A&M Residency trained in Small Animal Internal Medicine. In addition to her Internal Medicine referral practice, Dr. Blount conducts Continuing Education Seminars for small animal veterinarians, veterinary technicians and animal control officers. She also teaches an undergraduate college course on "Medicine and Behavior in the Animal Sheltering Environment" for Duquesne University. She has also served as Medical Director & Surgeon for SpayNeuterNac and O'Malley PET (Preventing Euthanasia Together).

Dr. Blount has received several prestigious awards including the 2012 Texas Veterinary Medical Association "Companion Animal Practitioner of the Year" for outstanding contributions to veterinary medicine, the 2011 "Bilderback Award" for support of the animal sheltering community and the 2004 "TAVP Clinical Referral and Consultation Award" which recognizes contributions made by outstanding veterinary practitioners.

Guest Speaker: Kathy Engler, DVM

Dr. Engler graduated from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. She worked as a small animal clinician for 5 years before joining Banfield in 1996. During her 18 years with Banfield, Dr. Engler served as a practicing clinician and Chief of Staff in the greater Seattle area, a Medical Advisor consulting with doctors across the country, a member of the Medical Standards Board, and as Sr. Director of Veterinary Career Development. She also supported the OR/SW WA market of 14 to 26 hospitals as the Medical Director.

Additionally, Dr. Engler became a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) in 2001 and recertified in 2011, has worked with the Blue Cross in Hyderabad, India supporting community education through the MARS Ambassador Program, and volunteers each January as one of the race veterinarians for the "Kuskokwim 300" dog sled race out of Bethel, Alaska. Dr. Engler joined Dechra in September 2014 as a field based Professional Services Veterinarian for the West.