Photo by Steve Grubman Photography, Inc.

Meet Dr. Katy Johnson Nelson, better known here as “Dr. Aarff!” Katy is President of the District of Columbia Academy of Veterinary Medicine, a member of The Iams Pet Wellness Council, and serves on many national and local veterinary medical associations.

A native of Louisiana, Katy grew up on a small farm in the heart of the state where her childhood was filled with beloved pets including a devoted family dog. She earned her veterinary degree from Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2001, and spent time honing her skills in both a large “small animal” practice and in corporate veterinary medicine.

Dr. Nelson is currently an emergency veterinarian at Alexandria Animal Hospital in Alexandria, where she works with a wide variety of pets and pet problems. A busy mother, wife, and pet parent (two rambunctious canine boys… Charlie the 13 year old Parson Russell Terrier and Papi the 3 year old labradoodle,) Katy still finds time to volunteer at her local animal shelter, the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.

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