Kristin Shaw

Kristin Kirkby-Shaw is a board-certified small animal surgeon and rehabilitation specialist with clinical and research interests in orthopedic surgery, osteoarthritis, pain management, and postoperative recovery. Her professional focus is on optimizing surgical outcomes through integrated care, emphasizing advanced surgical techniques, individualized rehabilitation, and caregiver support.

Born in Panama, she grew up rehabilitating injured wildlife—including an otter, owl, and sloth—which inspired her lifelong passion for veterinary medicine. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Florida, completed a rotating internship at Veterinary Specialists of Northern Colorado, and returned to Florida for her surgical residency, master’s degree, and Ph.D. During residency, she pursued certification in canine rehabilitation and established the rehabilitation service at the University of Florida. As a surgical resident, she received the Bedside Manner Award, reflecting her commitment to caregiver communication and compassionate care.

Dr. Shaw spent over a decade in private specialty practice, primarily in Seattle, and has served as a national and international speaker on topics including orthopedic surgery, osteoarthritis, and rehabilitation. She received the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine Outstanding Alumni Award in 2023 and currently serves as president of the Veterinary Orthopedic Society (2025–2026).

In 2019, she founded CanineArthritis.org, a free, evidence-based educational platform that has become a trusted resource for caregivers and veterinary professionals seeking practical information on arthritis and joint disease.

Her practice philosophy emphasizes low-stress handling, evidence-guided care, and multimodal treatment plans tailored to each patient. She believes what happens before and after surgery is just as important as the procedure itself.

Dr. Shaw is excited to return to Colorado and contribute to CSU’s mission of clinical excellence, education, and research. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, running, camping, snowboarding, and traveling internationally with her husband and their dog, Eddie.