Vet Spotlight: Dr. Jennifer Barton
This veterinarian and avid waterfowler loves spending time in the duck blind and behind the lens
Jennifer Barton, DVM: “Being a hunter and a veterinarian in California is a bit of an anomaly, and not something I actively advertise. I have had new clients find me because of the website, and I am very grateful to build these new relationships and keep dogs healthy and happy in the field.”
Welcome to Vet Spotlight, a profile series where we highlight members in the Hunt.Vet directory.
When we first began brainstorming ways to get Hunt.Vet off the ground, we sought council from Dr. Jennifer Barton.
An avid waterfowl hunter and lover of retrieving breeds, Dr. Barton was one of our very first verified veterinarians and a big supporter of the Hunt.Vet mission to connect the sporting dog community with doctors who understand the unique needs of canine athletes.
In addition to her work as a veterinarian, Dr. Barton is also a gifted sporting dog and waterfowl photographer. You can follow her work, as we do, on her instagram feed (@fullplumephoto)
She currently practices at Chanticleer Veterinary Hospital in Santa Cruz, California.
HV: What inspired you to become a veterinarian?
JB: I was a very serious equine competitor in my teenage years and early twenties, and if you have ever owned a horse, you know you become very familiar with your local veterinarian!
One of my show horses mysteriously lacerated his shoulder one day while in the pasture and our vet took the time to explain what he was doing and let me "assist". He saw my interest and offered me a kennel position at his clinic once I got my driver's license.
As soon as I turned 16, I called him and started walking dogs and cleaning kennels before and after school and on the weekends. I was a sponge and wanted to learn everything I could about veterinary medicine. No one got to where they are by themselves, and I owe him for taking the time to teach and inspire me.
HV: How did you get into working with sporting dogs specifically?
JB: After moving to California, my typical hunting interest (whitetail) was not readily available, so I turned to waterfowl. Even in population dense Orange County I was able to find nice mentors and public land to hop on to learn how to duck hunt.
It quickly became my favorite form of hunting when I saw the relationship with the dogs as well. My older lab quickly took to the work and so began our exploration of California's hidden marshes and learning to work as a team.
HV: What kinds of sporting dog cases do you see most often in your practice?
JB: I primarily see waterfowl dogs such as labradors and my beloved curly coated retrievers, but we do have some pointers that hunt alongside falcons as well.
HV: What’s one thing owners can do at home to keep their dogs healthier in the field?
JB: Appropriate conditioning and weight management is number 1 for me! We ask a lot of our dogs and if we do not adequately prepare them for the job at hand, we unfortunately increase the potential risk of injury.
HV: Do you have a go-to product or piece of gear you recommend to your sporting dog clients?
JB: Early season upland hunting can involve a lot of grass debris and seeds that collect in our dogs' eyes. Having a bottle of eye irrigating solution can make a huge difference after a fun morning.
HV: What’s the one sporting dog trait you admire most?
JB: I live for the pride and passion I see in their eyes when they are coming back with a bird. I've been lucky enough to capture some pictures of my dogs during special retrieves. The sparkle in their eyes will always put a smile on my face. It makes it all worthwhile for me.
HV: Why did you join Hunt.Vet?
JB: Being a hunter and a veterinarian in California is a bit of an anomaly, and not something I actively advertise. I have had new clients find me because of the website, and I am very grateful to build these new relationships and keep dogs healthy and happy in the field.
“I live for the pride and passion I see in their eyes when they are coming back with a bird. The sparkle in their eyes will always put a smile on my face. It makes it all worthwhile for me.”
