Dr. Barbara Arend’s lifelong appreciation and respect for animals started on a family farm in southeastern Minnesota. She initially chose a different path, earning degrees from Mankato State University in Marketing and Public Relations. However, after 10 years in the corporate arena, she decided to pursue her childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian.

Dr. Arend earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Minnesota in 2007. She started her career at a small animal practice in St. Paul and later joined a small animal hospital in Plymouth. She has also worked as a relief veterinarian in small animal practices all over the Twin Cities. Dr. Arend has a passion for all things feline, but she also enjoys keeping her canine patients healthy and happy.  Areas of special interest include dentistry, dermatology, and internal medicine.

Throughout her life, Dr. Arend has been a dedicated advocate for animal welfare and has volunteered with several organizations, including Animal Humane Society, Leech Lake Legacy, and VeTouch. She lives in Eden Prairie with her husband, Chris, and their five cats: Calvin, Elvis, Oliver, Pandora and Pebbles.