Dr. Kari Christianson earned her Bachelor of Science in Genetics from Iowa State University in 2006 before completing her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2010. She began her career operating a mixed-animal practice in Arizona, where she developed a strong medical and surgical foundation working with both large and small animals.
In 2016, Dr. Christianson discovered her passion for emergency medicine and transitioned into full-time ER practice. She moved to Canada in 2018, continuing her emergency work until 2022, when she founded a mobile in-home euthanasia service dedicated to compassionate end-of-life care. She continued locum emergency work, but later expanded her mobile practice to include an urgent care and medical transport service.
In 2026, Dr. Christianson returned to the United States and is excited to join the team at Orting Animal Hospital, bringing with her a broad background in emergency and critical care medicine and surgery with a deep commitment to patient care, client communication, and accessible veterinary services.
Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Christianson is an avid multi-disciplinary athlete. She enjoys canicross and mushing with her dogs, weight training, and teaching group fitness classes. She is also a lifelong musician—playing flute, guitar, and piano—and loves painting and drawing. She can often be found exploring local trails with her dogs or searching for lost hikers with her wilderness trailing dog and the local search and rescue team.
Dr. Christianson shares her home with her two horses, Raine and Covert; her dogs, Tikanni and Black Jack; and her cat, Antonio.
What's Next
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Meet with a doctor for an initial exam.
Put a plan together for your pet.
