- Where did you go to school, and what inspired you to become a veterinarian?
- I earned my DVM from NC State University, College of Veterinary Medicine after receiving my bachelor’s degree in Zoology, also from NC State. My dad’s love of animals inspired the same passion in me long before I can remember.
- What do you consider your greatest accomplishment at this point in your life?
- I have been blessed, alongside my husband of 34 years, to receive the opportunity to parent two loving and accomplished daughters. One is a third year law student and talented vocalist. The other is a master’s degree student and principal ballerina in Festival of the Lion King at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
- If you could give one piece of advice to pet owners, what would it be?
- My best advice to pet owners is the old proverb, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” I have seen firsthand the benefits to my patients, as well as my own pets, of routine annual bloodwork, urinalysis, and heartworm/fecal testing. Catching disease processes early adds years to our beloved pets’ lifespans.
- What are three things people might be surprised to know about you?
- During my undergraduate years at NC State, I was a member of the university’s National Championship cheerleading team. Go Wolfpack!
- I married my best friend and vet school classmate!
- We danced in the Nutcracker Ballet for 12 years with our daughters!
Dr. Jennifer Friend
Lead Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
