Dr. Heather Egan’s journey to veterinary medicine began in childhood, sparked by the loss of her beloved German Shepherd due to severe hip dysplasia. Growing up in a small country town and spending time on a local church family’s farm, she developed an early desire to care for animals—whether through healing or compassionate end-of-life care. That calling led her to earn her DVM from the University of Florida in 2000, and she’s been serving animals ever since.
At VHA, Dr. Egan is a valued member of the ER team, known for her calm, compassionate presence and extensive clinical experience. One of her most memorable cases involved an older Labrador Retriever with a hemoabdomen. While the condition typically signals a malignant tumor, Dr. Egan guided the owner through their options. The owner chose surgery—and against the odds, the mass turned out to be benign. The case remains a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion, integrity, and skilled care.
She says the most rewarding part of her role at VHA is the collaborative environment: “The support staff and specialists work tirelessly to care for every animal. That’s why I chose to make VHA my full-time hospital.”
Outside of work, Heather shares a lively home with her husband Andrew, their three children—Madeline, Sophie, and Noah—and a full house of pets. That includes five cats (Tux, Berber, Grey Cat, Gidget, and Tabby), their Golden Retriever Waffles, and often a litter of foster kittens being bottle-raised by the kids.
In her free time, Dr. Egan embraces adventure and creativity. She’s an avid hiker who’s taken on iconic challenges like Half Dome in Yosemite and Angels Landing in Zion. She also runs marathons and enjoys rehabbing homes—everything from drywall to tile. To balance the emotional intensity of emergency veterinary care, she prioritizes quality time with her family, reading, and travel.
No good deed goes unpunished.
