About Dr. Chelsea Burke

I am a native of the Rapid City area and decided early on that I wanted to become a veterinarian. Through high school and my undergraduate education, I continued in my dream, though many told me to find a different career. My persistence paid off and I attended Ross University of Veterinary Medicine and completed my last year or clinical year at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. I have many passions in the field including herd health and reproduction and am certified in AI and FAMACHA, acupuncture and wildlife rehabilitation. Once, you start your education in veterinary medicine everyone wants to know what you want to treat and that has been a very hard question for me because I want to treat it all. I love animals and want to do everything I can to help any animal live the best life possible. I am lucky enough to start this practice to work on my large animal friends and those animals that may not be able to get a ride to the clinic and incorporate eastern medicine to aid in the benefits of western medicine. I am also very fortunate to be able to work alongside my mentor Dr. Christine Teets of TLC pet hospital before vet school and after and eventually merge our practices together.

My husband, Zach greatly helps me out during large animal appointments and during appointments that involve equine podiatry, a passion we share. We have been married since 2018 and have many animal children at home.

When I am not busy with veterinary medicine, I enjoy spending time with our animals out hiking, camping and backpacking. I love playing soccer, hockey, and riding horses and trying out different riding disciplines. You can also catch me baking and sitting down with a warm cup of tea and a good book. I also enjoy working on my green thumb, craft projects and photography.

As a veterinarian, my mission is to advocate for your animals and advise you on the best care or options for your animals. I truly enjoy educating and solving problems to help both sides. I want all pet parents to know that I view every animal I meet to be part of my family.