Dr. Alicia Oberhaus

   I grew up on a family farm in rural northwestern Ohio in a hardworking and loving family. From an early age, animals were part of my everyday life, and our pets were truly members of the family. Those experiences showed me the importance of the human-animal bond and helped shape my passion for working with animals. After completing my education and additional veterinary training, I chose to establish my career here in Houston because of its strong sense of community and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by serving local families and their pets.

 

   I’ve loved animals for as long as I can remember.  Growing up, my pets were such an important part of my life—they weren’t just animals, they were family.  I remember how much I looked up to our veterinarian—not just because they helped my pets get better, but because they were so kind and reassuring during stressful times.

​

   Those experiences stuck with me. I realized I wanted to be that person for others—the one who helps animals feel better and supports the people who love them. My passion really comes from that connection: caring for animals who can’t speak for themselves and helping strengthen the bond they share with their owners.

 

   My path to becoming a veterinarian has been a long one, but it’s something I’ve worked toward for years. I started by earning my Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of Findlay, where I focused on life sciences and built a strong foundation in animal health. During that time, I made sure to get as much hands-on experience as I could by volunteering at shelters and working in veterinary clinics.

​

   I then went on to Ross University to earn my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Veterinary school was definitely challenging, but it really confirmed that I was on the right path. After graduating, I continued my training with a rotating internship at Carolina Veterinary Specialists, where I was exposed to a wide range of cases and specialties.

​

   From there, I pursued a surgical internship in small animal surgery with BluePearl Veterinary Specialists, followed by a surgical fellowship at Louisiana State University. Those experiences really helped me develop my skills and confidence in surgery.

​

   In my role, I focus exclusively on surgery, which is both challenging and incredibly rewarding. My main areas of interest include fracture stabilization, wound management, and brachycephalic airway surgery. I love surgery because it allows me to make an immediate, tangible difference in an animal’s life—whether it’s helping a pet recover from an injury or improving their breathing and overall quality of life.

​

   Surgery combines precision, problem-solving, and patient care in a way that really resonates with me. Each case is unique, so I get to think critically, adapt, and use my skills to achieve the best outcome. I’m passionate about this work because I know that every surgery I perform can directly improve a pet’s comfort, mobility, and happiness, and that makes all the effort worthwhile

 

    I’m married to my wonderful husband, Nathan, who works in biotech research and is passionate about advancing scientific knowledge. Together, our greatest joy is our daughter, born in October 2024. Watching her grow and develop has been an incredibly rewarding experience, bringing us daily happiness and inspiration. Our herd of animals is an important part of our family—they bring warmth and joy to our home and are a constant reminder of the bonds we share as a family.  

 

   Kylo, our 9-year-old terrier, is epileptic but loving and sweet. Lego, a 6-year-old Pomeranian, came to us in critical condition after a dog attack and, with surgery and care, is now a happy, healthy member of our family. Binks, our 3-year-old corgi, is energetic and loves playing fetch and herding our cats—now our daughter even joins in.

​

   As true cat lovers, we have six cats. Teddy, 19, came from my family farm in Ohio. Autumn and Ember, 7, were rehomed from a family who was moving. Brock, 5, arrived at the farm as a six-month-old with a tail injury. Ripley, 4, a striking black cat, was found in a cardboard box at a shelter when he was 4 weeks old and looked like an alien. Finch, 2, was found in our neighborhood while I was pregnant; he loved sleeping on my baby bump, so we kept him.

Each of our pets brings joy, personality, and love to our home—they truly make our family complete.

 

 
  Outside of work, I love spending time outdoors and just relaxing with my family. I really enjoy exploring Houston with Nathan, and our daughter and when we go on vacations or cruises, we love trying new foods and activities—it’s always exciting to experience something different together. I also enjoy gardening, even if I’m not always great at it—it’s relaxing to see something grow over time. Cooking new recipes for my family is another way I like to be creative, and I love sharing meals with the people I care about. Visiting family in Ohio and Florida is something I try to do regularly, because staying connected with loved ones is really important to me.

​

   In general, I like filling my life with things that bring joy, whether that’s spending time with our animals, trying something new, or just enjoying simple moments together. These little pleasures outside of work help me stay balanced and inspired in both my personal and professional life.