Doctors

I grew up in a small town in South Dakota. I always looked up to the veterinarian who took care of my dogs and cats, and also our farm animals. He was kind, compassionate, and we often saw him around town. Everyone knew Doc and he was always happy to stop and visit. I decided to attend veterinary school to become one of the respected members of my community.

After graduation from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2002, the city called me. I never became the small town veterinarian that I knew growing up, but I learned a lot about how much people care for their pets, no matter where they live. I decided to open a practice that would provide to our community that veterinarian who cares as much about the resident’s pets as they do. It’s my desire to bring small town values and honesty to our practice.

Over the years I have developed an interest in veterinary dentistry. I have been fortunate to learn from some of the top veterinary dental specialists in the U.S. and Canada. Dentistry is only one portion of wellness care, and we integrate it with all other areas of medicine and surgery to provide complete care for dogs and cats. This comprehensive care is combined with an ongoing effort to educate and guide pet owners in maintaining and improving their pets’ health, and an understanding of the bond between pet owners and their pets.

My husband, David, and I have been residents of Fountain Hills since 2005. We have three cats, Grackle, Lupo and Frankie; and an African Tortoise named Ninja.

Dr. Bashaw is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association, the American Veterinary Dental Society, the American Animal Hospital Association, the American Association of Feline Practitioners and is a graduate with honors from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

I was born and raised in San Diego, California. From a young age I’ve had an appreciation for all animals big and small. I grew up surrounded by a host of animals ranging from the normal cats and dogs to more exotic animals such as birds, reptiles, rodents, and even tarantulas! As I grew older, this appreciation for animals grew into an interest in a career as a veterinarian.

During my undergraduate education at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and summer jobs working at my local vet clinic, I learned not only the basics of veterinary practice but also deepened my appreciation for the human animal bond. After graduating with a degree in Animal Science in 2017, I went on to study Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas. Here I developed a passion and interest in diagnostic imaging, surgery, and oncology.

Upon graduating in 2021 I went on to complete a one-year small animal rotating internship back in my home town of San Diego at Veterinary Specialty Hospital, North County. Here I gained invaluable experience in surgery, internal medicine, neurology, oncology, emergency medicine, and critical care. After deciding I wanted to start anew outside of California, I set my sights on the Phoenix metropolitan area. I found the perfect match in Fountain Hills at El Dorado Animal Hospital! In my free time I enjoy learning about history, traveling, and exploring the outdoors. I look forward to the opportunity to serve my new community.

I’m a native New Mexican who grew up around a variety of animals including dogs, cats, chickens, and horses! I believe having animals is an integral part of our lives. Growing up around them really made me appreciate the human-animal bond and the benefits animals have on our lives. My love of science and animals came together when I decided to pursue a degree in Biology that led to my acceptance into the University of Missouri’s College of Veterinary Medicine. 

After graduating in 2008, I enjoyed practicing both small animal and equine medicine in the St. Louis, Missouri area before returning to my southwest roots in 2014 to begin working at El Dorado Animal Hospital alongside Dr. Bashaw. I left for a short time to spend quality time traveling the country in a motorhome with my husband, Brandon, and daughter, Camryn, along with our dogs Truman and Brinkley, and cats Vladimir and Katya. Because it was such a great place to work and I love the staff as well as patients and clients, I returned to El Dorado Animal Hospital in August 2022 to again pursue my love of veterinary medicine. 

My professional interests include dentistry, dermatology, general wellness care, and visiting with my regular clients and patients. When I’m not helping clients and patients, I enjoy all outdoor activities, visiting National Parks, reading, gardening, and spending time with my friends and family.