She founded CARE (Canine Arthritis Resources and Education) in 2019 to give veterinarians and pet owners practical, evidence-based tools for managing arthritis. Even though CARE began with a focus on dogs, Dr. Shaw recognizes that cats have unique needs and deserve the same level of attention and care.
A nationally recognized speaker, educator, and author, Dr. Shaw has spent her career blending surgery, rehabilitation, and pain management. She is also an Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Colorado State University and has received multiple awards for her leadership in veterinary medicine.
Her dedication is deeply personal, inspired by her own beloved dogs, whose spirits continue to shape CARE’s mission. Today she shares her home with her husband, Aaron, and their Portuguese Water Dog, Eddie. While she does not currently have a cat in her home, Kristin does have a beloved feline in the family, Kat, who lives with her parents in the Florida Keys.
Kristin would specifically like to dedicate this website to her friend and colleague who passed away in 2024, Dr. Joyce Login. Kristin’s initial introduction to cat pain management came from her PhD advisor, Dr. Sheilah Robertson. But it was working alongside Joyce in recent years that Kristin’s eyes were truly opened to the need for education around caring for cats in the clinic and at home. Joyce spent much of her career advocating for improved recognition and management of chronic pain in cats and we hope that this site helps carry on her legacy.
CARE began by helping veterinarians and dog owners better understand canine osteoarthritis (OA). Today, our mission extends to cats by shining a light on the often-hidden signs of feline OA and empowering pet owners and professionals to recognize pain and mobility issues early.
Helping vets and pet owners spot the earliest signs of OA.
Dr. Monique Koll
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