Shea Animal Hospital
10801 N. 32nd Street
Phoenix, AZ 85028
phone: 602-996-3540
fax: 602-494-0519

News & Information

Seasonal Allergy Treatments January 11, 2012 Every spring, the flowers and trees begin to bloom, and the waiting room at Shea Animal Hospital fills up with itchy, scratching dogs and cats tormented by seasonal allergies. Read more.
Minimize the Agony of Arthritis for Your Pet December 01, 2011 As our pets age, their bodies begin to show some signs of wear and tear. One of the biggest challenges pets face as they mature is arthritis. In fact, 20 percent of adult dogs in the United States have arthritis, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Read more.
5 Keys to Helping Your Reptile Live a Healthy, Happy Life November 21, 2011 Lost your heart to a ball python, gecko, desert tortoise or some other kind of fascinating reptile? Before you bring home a creepy-crawly pet, it’s essential you know how to care for it so it lives a happy, healthy life. Read more.
A FREE Gift for Your New Puppy or Kitten March 22, 2011 Welcoming a puppy or kitten into your family? Celebrate by bringing your new friend by Shea Animal Hospital for a FREE Welcome Packet. We’ve filled this little bag of goodies with things you’ll need, like your first dose of heartworm preventative, important information on care, brochures from pet insurance, a list of great obedience trainers and a pet health record.

Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened. ~ Anatole

Veterinarian Dr. Desiree Garthe

Education: 2001 graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign College of Veterinary Medicine
Associations: Member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, American Animal Hospital Association, the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association and the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association

When did you know you wanted to be a veterinarian?
I started working in the field in 1983 as a receptionist and a technician while I went to school part time. After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, I left the veterinary field to pursue interests in medical research. It was not until I had left the profession that I realized it was where I truly belonged.
What made you pursue alternative medical approaches in veterinarian medicine?
There were times when I came to the end of my ability to treat pets using conventional medicine and just knew that there had to be something more that I could do. So I added more tools to the toolbox. I decided to pursue continuing education in traditional Chinese herbology. I have an integrated approach to practicing veterinary medicine, using traditional and alternative therapies to care for animals.
What brought you to Phoenix?
My husband and I are avid motorcyclists, and we always enjoyed touring in the western part of the country. We both were born and raised in Chicago and were captivated by the beauty of the West. So in 2002 we decided to relocate.
Who shares your life?
My husband, Jim, and our boys, Aiden and Owen. We also have two Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Kaimah and Jabari, and a Boston terrier named Zeke.
What do you like best about Shea Animal Hospital?
I love that Shea is privately owned, not a huge corporate-run practice. We are well established and have great clients!

Shea Animal Hospital is dedicated to helping your pet live a healthy, happy life. Please contact us today with your questions or concerns, or to schedule an exam.