We’re proud to spotlight this month’s TopDoc Award recipient, Dr. Katelyn Mazzochette, whose lifelong passion for veterinary medicine began with a childhood dream and evolved into a career defined by empathy, mentorship, and patient-centered care. 

From empowering pet owners to supporting her team, Dr. Mazzochette brings both warmth and wisdom to every exam room. As part of this recognition, Dr. Mazzochette has selected Warrior Canine Connection in Maryland as the recipient of a donation from HappyDoc.

We spoke with Dr. Mazzochette about her career journey, her perspective on what makes a great veterinarian, and the power of the human-animal bond.

Can you tell us about your path to becoming a veterinarian? When did you know you wanted to be a vet? Why?

I’ve wanted to be a veterinarian since I was a little girl. One of my earliest memories is getting a veterinary science kit and being completely absorbed by the activities and reading material inside. For a while, I considered becoming a pediatrician, but by my second year of undergrad, I knew veterinary medicine was the right path for me, and I’ve never looked back.

What do you enjoy most about your day-to-day work as a veterinarian?

I love developing relationships with my patients and their owners. It is quite humbling to be able to support them as they navigate a variety of experiences — from happy, exciting puppy visits to difficult discussions about quality of life and everything in between. 

I also enjoy educating owners; fostering a team-based approach where the owner is actively involved in the decision-making process is both rewarding and effective. 

On top of that, I love our team! It is a joy and a privilege to enhance the lives of our patients and their owners, working alongside our team members. One of my favorite things is helping our team learn and feel empowered.

How has your role evolved over the years?

I am grateful to have the opportunity to fulfill my vocation not only as a veterinarian but also as a wife and mother. My role as a full-time associate veterinarian has evolved into that of a part-time working mom. I truly believe that being a mother makes me a better veterinarian and vice versa.

How do you feel you make the biggest impact on your patients and their families?

Empathy is one of my strengths and comes naturally, so I often feel like I help to bear the burdens (and joys!) of my patients and their families. I strive to foster relationships with mutual understanding and respect.

What separates good vets from great vets?

I have noticed several specific characteristics in my mentors and role models. One is an eagerness for lifelong learning. I truly feel like we learn something new every day in this profession! 

Adaptability and flexibility are helpful, especially when navigating things like the spectrum of care, emergencies, and complex medicine/surgery cases. 

In my opinion, humility and authenticity are ultimately some of the most important characteristics of a great veterinarian.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in veterinary medicine?

Proactively learn, network, and grow! 

Get as much experience as you can before applying to school. Volunteer, shadow, work in a clinic — make sure this is a career path that excites and motivates you. Veterinary medicine is deeply rewarding, but it’s also demanding and requires a real commitment. Having mentors made all the difference for me, and I’d encourage anyone considering the field to seek out guidance and connection early on.

Are there any misconceptions about veterinary care that you wish more people understood?

Most of the misconceptions about veterinary care seem to be associated with the cost of care. 

I know it can be so tempting to compare the cost of veterinary care to what we pay out of pocket after our human health insurance covers our medical expenses. In reality, I am amazed at the high-quality medicine we can provide at a fraction of the cost and generally in a much shorter period of time.

If you weren’t a veterinarian, what do you think you’d be doing instead?

I had considered becoming a pediatrician, so I may have pursued that route. I have a difficult time seeing myself as anything but a veterinarian, though!

Why did you choose the organization that you chose for HappyDoc’s donation?

Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) is an incredible organization close to my heart. 

During my clinical year of veterinary school, I spent one three-week rotation learning about how the human-animal bond can be used for healing. In the case of WCC, the human-animal bond is used to heal military PTSD victims using a "mission-based trauma recovery model." Warriors struggling with PTSD help to train mobility service dogs for their fellow warriors. Through this incredibly effective model, one puppy can help more than 60 warriors. We are blessed to have this program here in Maryland.

Congratulations to Dr. Katelyn Mazzochette — and thank you for the care, compassion, and impact you bring to your patients, their families, and your community.