Dr. Katherine Polak

Dr. Katherine Polak is a highly experienced veterinarian with a robust background in animal welfare and shelter medicine. Currently serving as Vice President of Companion Animals & Engagement at Humane Society International since January 2022, Dr. Polak is also an International Advisory Board member for the Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs and has been an active Committee Member for Animal Wellness and Welfare at WSAVA since May 2020. As a faculty member at the University of Florida, Dr. Polak has developed and teaches an online International Shelter Medicine course and has previously held various roles focusing on stray animal care, veterinary training, and shelter management across Southeast Asia. Dr. Polak's extensive education includes a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University, a Master of Public Health from the University of Iowa, a Master of Science in Forensic Science and Technology from the University of Florida, and a Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology from Tulane University.