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 pursuing that dream, even when many people encouraged me to consider a different career. My persistence paid off when I was accepted to Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and completed my clinical year at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, earning my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine.

I have many passions within veterinary medicine, including herd health and reproduction. I am certified in artificial insemination (AI) [cattle] and FAMACHA scoring, and I also have training in acupuncture and wildlife rehabilitation. One question every veterinary student is asked is what type of animals they want to treat, and that has always been a difficult question for me because I truly enjoy caring for them all. My goal is to help any animal live the best life possible.

I founded this practice to provide care for both small and large animals, including those that may have difficulty traveling to a clinic. I am especially passionate about combining Eastern and Western medical approaches when appropriate to provide the best possible care. I am also proud to have expanded our services through the acquisition of TLC Pet Hospital, allowing us to continue serving even more pets and families in our community.

My husband, Zach, often assists during large animal appointments and those involving equine podiatry—something we are both passionate about. We have been married since 2018 and share our home with many animal family members.

When I’m not busy with veterinary medicine, I enjoy spending time outdoors with our animals, hiking, camping, and backpacking. I also enjoy playing soccer and hockey, riding horses, and exploring different riding disciplines. At home, you can often find me baking, working on craft projects, tending to my plants, or relaxing with a warm cup of tea and a good book.

As a veterinarian, my mission is to advocate for your animals while helping you make informed decisions about their care. I truly enjoy educating pet owners and solving problems together, and I want every pet parent to know that I treat each animal I meet as if they were part of my own family.