Dr. Elise Gingrich

Elise N. Gingrich, DVM, is the Supervising Veterinarian for Larimer Humane Society. In this position, Elise oversees the Veterinary Services department, which is responsible for managing the health of all shelter animals. Elise and her team provide a full range of services, including vaccinations, surgeries, and the diagnosis and treatment of injuries, genetic conditions and ailments like upper respiratory infections. Although most of her patients are domestic animals, Elise acts as a consultant for the WildKind department if any medical concerns arise in a wild or exotic animal. Elise also works closely with the Director of Operations and Shelter Manager to develop protocols for disease control and safety.

In addition to her daily duties, Elise also finds time to teach local veterinary students from Colorado State University as they learn about shelter medicine through formal rotations at the shelter. Serving as a mentor to veterinary students is especially close to Elise’s heart, given that her first experience with Larimer Humane Society was as a veterinary student herself.  In 2007, Elise completed her residency in shelter medicine through Larimer Humane Society’s Veterinary Services department while a veterinary student at Colorado State University.

Upon receiving her DVM, Elise worked as the Medical Director for the Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Care and Control Commission, serving as the facility’s first full-time veterinarian. In April 2011, Elise returned to Colorado and joined Larimer Humane Society’s staff as its Supervising Veterinarian.

Elise holds a bachelor of science from Penn State University, a doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) from Iowa State University, a master of public health from the University of Iowa and a master’s degree from Colorado State University.

Surrounded by animals as a child, Elise has always felt that veterinary medicine was her true calling. Elise finds purpose and fulfilment in helping animals who cannot speak for themselves, and through her work at Larimer Humane Society, she is gratified to see animals go to loving homes or be reunited with their owners.

In keeping with her passion for helping animals in need, Elise lives with several adopted pets. She shares her home with Libby, an 11-year-old Labrador retriever; Tank, an eight-year-old Labrador retriever; Sybil, a 10-year-old cat; Bacchus, an eight-year-old cat; Clarice, a one-year-old cat; and Newton, an eight-year-old Miniature Rex rabbit.