Dr. Dana Bridges Westerman has spent her entire life devoted to helping animals. A native of Portland, Oregon, she decided at the age of ten to become a veterinarian when her horse was diagnosed with cancer. From that point forward she pursued her goal with determination, culminating in her graduation from Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1991.

Upon leaving Purdue she was offered a position with the State of Hawaii Board of Agriculture in the area of livestock disease control and airport quarantine management, which she held for two years. Following this she practiced in three mixed animal practices before founding Professional Equine Therapeutic Services, Inc., in 1995. (See Dr. Bridges Westerman’s curriculum vitae.)

An accomplished rider herself, Dr. Dana competed in hunter/jumper shows, horse trials, dressage and three-day events for many years, and is still riding and training actively. She has a Draft cross and is hoping to compete with him on the eventing circuit in a few years. Her riding experience has also included team penning, cow sorting, and recently ranch and team roping. She also occasionally finds time to ride for pleasure, enjoying the trails on her Percheron, “Justin.”
In her spare time, Dr. Bridges Westerman gives talks to many 4-H groups and high schools. She sometimes pays visits to nursing homes, bringing along her good-will ambassador, “Tiny Bubbles,” a rescued dwarf miniature horse who elicits smiles wherever she goes.

A dedicated animal advocate, Dr. Bridges Westerman started traveling nationally and internationally to assist animals in crisis and/or need of veterinary care. She flew to Louisiana to assist with animal rescue in post-Katrina New Orleans. She has testified before the state legislature on the Animal Cruelty Bill, the Downer Cow Bill, the Egg Inspection Bill, and other animal-related legislation. She is on staff with World Vets and has traveled extensively to provide veterinary care in developing countries. See full stories and photos on Dr. Dana’s blog!

Dr. Bridges Westerman also works closely with King County Animal Control and Snohomish County Animal Control on animal cruelty cases. For more information on Dr. Bridges Westerman’s rescue and charitable activities, please follow her blog!