DR. SHANE SMITH

Shane became interested in sled dog racing as a child growing up in Kenai, Alaska, where the Iditarod Sled Dog Race is a central part of elementary school programming. Teachers there tailor classes to include educational elements of the race—like math lessons that require students to calculate how much food the mushers have to drop at each checkpoint to feed their teams. This experience is part of what inspired Shane to pursue veterinary school. 

Shane attended Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in St. Kitts, West Indies, and completed his clinical rotations at the University of Minnesota. He has worked with mushers and sled dogs for the last 4 years at the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon and will be one of the race vets at the Klondike Dog Derby. Shane also enjoys seeing multiple sled dogs at Westonka Animal Hospital in Mound, MN. 

Aside from treating sled dogs and seeing people’s pets, Shane enjoys any activity that takes him outdoors, especially fishing. He lives in Minnetonka with his wife, two boys, and a Golden Retriever, Sir Peanut Butter.