From Barn Stalls to ER Rooms

Something ignited for Ana Zentner ’16 at the barns of Chatham Hall. These days, in the fast-paced world of emergency veterinary medicine, she has turned a lifelong passion into a career defined by compassion, expertise, and resilience. Today, she serves as an emergency veterinarian for small animals at VEG ER for Pets in Fort Worth, Texas, where no two days or nights are ever the same.

Ana’s work is anything but routine. Depending on her shift, she begins by assessing hospitalized patients before moving quickly into triaging and treating them. In emergency medicine, unpredictability is the norm. “I see everything from unstable, hit-by-a-car patients to simple cases like a broken, bleeding toenail,” she shares. “It varies from day to day, and you never know what each shift will bring.” At her hospital, the open-concept design allows pet owners to stay with their animals throughout the visit, even observing procedures and surgeries, creating a uniquely transparent and collaborative environment during some of life’s most stressful moments.

Her path to this work has been both intentional and inspiring. “Ever since I was little, I’ve aspired to become a veterinarian,” Ana says. After Chatham Hall, she attended the University of Kentucky, studying animal science and biology while gaining hands-on experience through internships at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute and equine research projects. She graduated early and continued on to the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. There, she made the pivotal decision to focus on small animals, keeping her love of horses as a personal passion. A fourth-year externship with VEG ER for Pets confirmed her calling in emergency medicine, leading to an intensive six-month training program and, ultimately, her current role as a full-time emergency veterinarian.

For Ana, the most meaningful part of her work is being present for both pets and their owners during critical moments. “Often, when someone comes into the ER with their pet, it’s one of the worst days of their life,” she explains. “As a veterinarian, I can help them understand what’s wrong and determine the best path forward.” At the same time, she acknowledges the emotional weight of the profession. “The hardest part is not being able to save every patient and dealing with the emotional toll that difficult cases can have.”

Ana credits Chatham Hall with playing a foundational role in her journey. “Chatham Hall helped shape who I am today and instilled values that guided me toward my career,” she reflects. Long days at the barn with the IEA team built determination, adaptability, and teamwork, while the experience of living on campus fostered independence and courage. The Chatham Hall community has remained a constant in her life, from living with classmate Mel Livley ’16 during veterinary school to receiving mentorship and support from faculty like riding instructor Samantha Fleming. “Chatham Hall is ingrained in many aspects of my life and helped me achieve my dream.”

Her advice to current students is both practical and heartfelt: seek out experience early and often. “Reach out everywhere and anywhere to ask if you can observe, volunteer, or work,” she says. “Don’t be afraid to build connections. Everyone in this field was once in your position and wants to help you grow.” She also emphasizes the importance of balance, noting that while the profession is deeply rewarding, it requires emotional resilience and self-care.

Outside of her demanding career, Ana is reconnecting with her love of riding after time away during veterinary school. She also enjoys cooking, reading, indoor cycling, running, and spending time adventuring with her dog, Ducky.

From Chatham Hall to the emergency room, Ana Zentner ’16 exemplifies the compassion, determination, and courage that define our alumnae.