Doña Ana County hires new County veterinarian

EL PASO, Texas ( KTSM ) — Doña Ana County has hired a new County veterinarian after being without one, the County announced this week.

Doña Ana County announced that it has hired Dr. Zoann “Zoey” McKenzie as the new County veterinarian.

“The County was without a dedicated veterinarian for an extended period, making this appointment a significant milestone in ensuring the health and well-being of animals across the County.” Doña Ana County said in a news release.

McKenzie “brings a wealth of experience in animal healthcare, a passion for animal welfare education, injury prevention and emergency management,” the County said.

She has a doctor of veterinary medicine degree from Washington State University, a master of public health from the University of New Mexico, and a bachelor of science degree from Colorado State University.

In her role as the County veterinarian, McKenzie will provide spay and neuter services to rural areas, the County said.

She will also assist with the care and treatment of the County’s live evidence animals and other services as needed. Her role will also include community education on animal health and promoting responsible pet ownership.

Prior to joining Doña Ana County, she worked with Indian Health Service as area injury prevention specialist and acting Navajo Area emergency manager. There, she worked with community, tribal, federal, state and other partners across the Navajo Nation to create and implement injury prevention projects, according to Doña Ana County.

McKenzie also previously worked with Navajo Technical University as an associate veterinarian, and as a veterinary technology instructor, where they provided healthcare to herds in remote, underserved areas and hosted preventative medicine clinics for dogs, cats and horses in remote locations with limited access to veterinary services, Dona Ana County said.

“Having a dedicated veterinarian in our County is crucial,” the County’s Animal Control Office Manager MaryLou Ward said. “Dr. McKenzie’s expertise will be a tremendous asset, especially in our rural communities where veterinary services are often scarce. We are confident that her presence will make a significant impact on the health and well-being of our animals.”

To learn more about the Doña Ana County Animal Control Office, click here .

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