Emily Gallagher
Veterinarian
DVM
Hi, my name is Dr. Emily Gallagher, and I am a DVM at Paws on the Plains Animal Urgent Care. Patient care and gentle handling are at the heart of how I practice veterinary medicine.
Personal Hobbies and Interests
The outdoors is where you'll find me, whether hiking, running, bike riding, birding, gardening, or joining a pickup sports game. Having played soccer and run cross country in high school, I still enjoy small soccer games from time to time and have signed up for a few 5Ks since veterinary school. One of my dogs, Petri, and I recently became an Alliance of Therapy Dogs team with the Auburn-Opelika therapy dog group, and we love spending time at the local hospital and attending community events.
At home, my dogs range from an older hound mix to a very young Boston Terrier. Fostering animals from time to time is something I love, especially seeing them enter lifelong homes when they are ready. Past pets have included two bearded dragons and a leopard gecko, and while a cat may be in my future once the right one comes along, a new exotic animal could join the household soon. Keep checking in for updates!
Favorite Part of My Job
Helping animals to be heard is what I like most, working with their owners to understand what is wrong and how to help them feel better. The unknown of which patient might come next, and transitioning to care for them as needed, keeps every day interesting. The diversity of veterinary medicine and the chance to keep growing long after formal education is complete are also favorites, and seeing a patient significantly improve once treatment begins is thrilling. In the evenings, my thoughts often turn to the patients from that day and how their treatment impacted them and their owners.
Why I Chose This Profession
A love and strong compassion for animals led me to veterinary medicine, and I have always been fortunate enough to have pets. Living in South Africa for a short time as a young child sparked my love for wildlife and big cats. My favorite animal is the rhinoceros, although treating one isn't likely in the foreseeable future!
Education
My Bachelor of Science in Biology, with a minor in German, came from Virginia Tech in 2004. From there, I attended Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, completing my clinical year at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine and earning my DVM in January 2010.
Memberships
Within the Roanoke Valley Veterinary Medical Association, I served as President from 2017 to 2019 and as Vice President/Treasurer from 2020 to 2021.
Work History
Since graduation, my career has included shelter medicine, general practice, emergency medicine, and urgent care. While working in general practice, I also spent a year teaching fourth-year veterinary students during their spay/neuter rotation. Emergency and urgent care medicine are my preferred areas, and dogs that need extra encouragement or have behavioral issues requiring more time and a slower approach are some of my favorite patients to work with.