About Our Team

Start month/year with KY PAWS:  November 2023

If I was a dog/cat breed I would be:  American Staffordshire Terrier

Favorite thing about working in the veterinary field: I think one of my favorite parts about working in the veterinary field is the variety that each day brings. Each day presents new and unique opportunities to impact clients and their pets with whatever challenges they may face.

One piece of advice you would give to a pet owner: My advice would be to have an emergency fund with at least $1,500 set aside. Accidents, illnesses, and surgeries could happen to any pet. This will provide peace of mind and financial security should an emergency arise. It will benefit both your pet and you.

Mckenzie has been with us since April 2022. She claims if she were to be a dog, she would be a Chihuahua. Her favorite thing about working in the veterinary field is helping owners better understand their pet’s health and being able to provide them with a positive experience while ensuring that every pet knows they are safe when they are here with us. A piece of advice she would give to pet owners is to be proactive about your pet’s general wellness (such as coming in minimally once a year for exams and bloodwork) and always ask questions!

I am passionate about making veterinary care as stress-free and compassionate as possible, for both my patients and their pet parents. I have special interests in dentistry, senior and end-of-life care, and all things feline! I am both Fear Free and Cat Friendly certified.

I currently live in Florence with my four incredibly spoiled cats. Outside of work, I spend my free time reading, baking, going to concerts, and volunteering with a local cat rescue.

My name is Whitney Dettmer. I am the founder and veterinarian of Kentucky Paws Animal Hospital. I grew up in Villa Hills and married my high school sweetheart. I graduated from the University of Louisville with a dual Bachelor’s Degree and then went on to receive my doctorate from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. I focused my entire life on my career, and then I had two beautiful children who changed everything. There is a good chance that you will get to see them grow up around the hospital. We have two shepherds/husky mutts, a dachshund, and a food-loving black cat at home.

I strive to strengthen the human-animal bond and am committed to providing high-quality, dependable care for your four-legged friends every time. I worked in Campbell County for four years before deciding to pursue my ultimate dream of starting my own practice. I hope you look around Kentucky Paws and see all the love I have poured into this dream.

I enjoy spending time with my family, decorating my home, and trying out new restaurants in my free time. I believe Disney World is the happiest place on Earth.

Start month/year with KY PAWS: May 2021

If I was a dog/cat breed I would be: English Setter

Favorite thing about working in the veterinary field: Surgery days! Helping with surgery, monitoring anesthesia and patient care have become my passion and I love helping any animal that comes my way.

One piece of advice you would give to a pet owner: Practice “scary” things at home with your pet. Holding them in different restraining positions, trim their nails (or at least pretend to), play with their ears, open their mouths and look in there. If it’s a normal and boring thing at home it’s not so scary when they come to the vet.

Start month/year with KY PAWS: May 3rd, 2021

If I was a dog/cat breed I would be: Ragdoll

Favorite thing about working in the veterinary field: My favorite thing about working in the veterinary field is getting to know and establish relationships on a personal level with the clients and their fur babies. Coming in to work every day and getting greeted with lots of happy tail wags and kisses. Lastly, getting to work with the best boss ever, my daughter!

One piece of advice you would give to a pet owner: My number one piece of advice, and I can’t stress it enough, is the importance of getting pet insurance immediately when getting a new pet. I would also stress the importance of annual exams and yearly vaccinations and bloodwork

Start month/year with KY PAWS: February 2022

If I was a dog/cat breed I would be: A Black Cat

Favorite thing about working in the veterinary field: It allows me to combine my passion for animals with my desire to make a meaningful impact on their lives. The joy of seeing a sick or injured animal heal and thrive under our care is incredibly rewarding and reminds me of the importance of compassion and empathy.

One piece of advice you would give to a pet owner: Prioritize regular veterinary check-ups and preventive care. By staying on top of vaccinations, parasite prevention, dental care, and overall health assessments, you can help ensure the well-being and longevity of your furry friend!

Start month/year with KY Paws: October 2024

If I was a dog, I would be: a Bernese Mountain Dog

My favorite thing about working in the veterinary field: I love advocating for animals and having the knowledge to identify signs of distress and discomfort. Veterinary settings tend to be a stressful environment for a lot of pets, so being able to facilitate what I’ve learned to keep fear and anxiety to a minimum is something I take pride in doing! Being able to provide a sense of comfort to every patient I can is what makes my job so rewarding. You are always learning new things, and each day is different from the last.

One piece of advice I would give to a pet owner: Research and resources! Before adopting a few furry friend, doing some research and understanding their lifestyle needs and comparing them with your family is a necessity! Obtaining resources for socialization and training needs will help ensure a smooth transition for everyone. Pet insurance is also a great benefit to explore!

Start month/year with KY Paws: 10/25

If I was a cat, I would be: a Calico cat

My favorite thing about working in the veterinary field: Turning care into visible change for patients who can’t put it into words.

One piece of advice I would give to a pet owner: Your pet measures time differently. Only moments you are there truly exist. 

Start month/year with KY Paws: 09/23

If I was a cat, I would be: a British Shorthair 

My favorite thing about working in the veterinary field: seeing the bonds between people and their pets. The love and trust is very obvious, and it’s rewarding to help those bonds.

One piece of advice I would give to a pet owner: regularly exercise your pet. Exercise can help keep your pet healthy overall. It can also help your pet release energy and it can be fun!

Start month/year with KY Paws: June 2022 

If I was a dog/cat breed I would be: a Labrador Retriever 

Favorite thing about working in the veterinary field: learning something new everyday to help the cute dogs and cats that come in! 

One piece of advice you would give to a pet owner: make sure when they are young to socialize them so when they are older they will be more friendly to everyone!