Meet Karen Oberthaler | Veterinary Oncologist & Owner of Treeline Veterinary Cancer Care

We had the good fortune of connecting with Karen Oberthaler and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Karen, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Treeline Veterinary Cancer Care is a completely unique type of veterinary facility. We are the first boutique medical oncology center for pets. We focus on providing cutting-edge medical care to pets, while also creating a comfortable, welcoming, and compassionate environment for their families. We are focused only on animal cancer, which allows us to be truly present for the families we treat.

Treeline Vet feels different than any other veterinary specialty center from the moment people reach out to us. Finding out your beloved dog or cat has cancer can be devastating. We understand that from the beginning and express empathy from the first phone call or email. I want people to feel that, no matter the outcome, they have found a team that truly cares for them and their pet. Because we do.

We designed Treeline Vet intentionally to reduce our clients’ stress and anxiety. We ensure families have access to cozy furniture, soft lighting, and a staff that knows you well. The feeling you get when you walk in is cozy and spa-like. We get to know our clients and their pets. We learn what your pet likes, from favorite treats to puzzle games to super comfy beds. Dogs tend to run up to the nurses when they walk in our facility. After each treatment session, the oncologist always meets with our clients, to bring people into the process and make sure all their questions are answered.

The type of care we provide is deeply personal. A pet parent’s wellbeing is just as important to us as their pet. The toll a cancer diagnosis can take on a pet owner is something that should be actively acknowledged in veterinary care, and we do. Our team is a tight-knit group of compassionate, caring, and highly-skilled veterinary oncologists and nurses. All of us at Treeline are united towards the same purpose –making our patients (dogs and cats) and the families that love them, feel better. It’s truly been one of the reasons we are successful in helping so many pets.

What should our readers know about your business?
I believe advanced specialty veterinary medicine can be provided in an intimate setting. Historically, a referral to a veterinary specialist has meant bringing your pet to a large, busy specialty hospital. The success of Treeline Veterinary Cancer Care shows there’s another way. Our practice is small, approachable, and has a spa-like, peaceful quality that isn’t found in other veterinary specialty practices.

At Treeline Vet, we see each pet’s appointment individually, which is a major difference from most cancer treatment centers. Larger facilities often require all animals scheduled for chemotherapy treatments to be dropped off at the same time in the morning and stay for the day. In that method, pets stay in cages waiting their turn for therapy, usually for hours. At Treeline, we do things differently. We see each pet one by one, greatly reducing the time they are away from their families, and eliminating the stress that comes with a facility full of anxious pets. Almost all cancer treatments at Treeline are done in less than an hour. The scheduling also gives me time, as the Oncologist, to meet with each pet owner after each treatment appointment, so I can have clear and timely communication with families.

We also set ourselves apart by the small details which keep our practice fresh and exciting. One of my favorite touches at Treeline is the gallery wall in our reception area. We rotate photos regularly and feature our current patients along with their “Secrets to the Good Life.” People love seeing their pet displayed on the wall, and I know the humor of the photos and text adds some joyfulness to the space. We all love your dog or cat just like you do, and we aim to make that clear every step of the way!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
A week in Boulder would never be enough time! It’s literally one of the best places in the country. We would of course spend a lot of time hiking. One of my favorite places on the planet is all the hikes around Brainard lake. Brainard is close to Boulder, has stunning alpine lakes, is dog-friendly (a must), with incredible wildlife (moose!)

We’d also spend time running on the Boulder Creek path, walking up to Chautauqua park, and grabbing a cup of coffee or a glass of wine:

Favorite Coffee Shops: Alpine Modern (on the Hill), Boxcar (especially the new Table Mesa spot), Suti & Co (hygge overload), and Spruce Confections (on West Pearl)

Favorite Places for a Glass of Wine: Postino (on Pearl), The Corner Bar, the lobby of the St. Julien Hotel, the bar at Chautauqua Dining Hall, and my favorite – our backyard deck.

Restaurants: There are too many to mention but my top three are: Café Aion, Boulder Fresh Garden Thai (it’s phenomenal, trust me) and Osaka’s.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There have been so many people (and animals) that have supported me in my journey and inspired me to build this dream practice. But these 3 stand out
1. The Treeline Team. They are truly what makes Treeline Veterinary Cancer Care the success that it is. They are highly-skilled, caring, positive, friendly people. I am so blessed to work, learn, and laugh with them every day. Caitlin, Jordan, Emily, and Vivie, thank you!

2. I have a special place in my heart for older and senior pets. There is a certain reverence and dignity in a dog or cat that has a greying face and a slower manner. At the end of the day, this long-term bond between families and their pets is why I have chosen this path. Senior pets will always be my motivation and inspiration. I’m so grateful to their families that have trusted me with their care over the years.

3. Lastly, Kubs Lalchandani deserves recognition. If it weren’t for him I would not have taken the leap to start Treeline Vet and my vision would have remained a pipe dream. I am so grateful for his constant guidance, flawless business acumen, and all the encouragement he has given along the way.

Website: https://www.treelinevet.com

Instagram: @treelinevet

Image Credits
Portraits of Karen Oberthaler at Treeline’s door, with Blue Clay (Bluetick Coonhound) and Jalebi June (French Mastiff) in clinic, and on chair in lobby, by Bailey Ashlynn.

Pumpkin Patch photo by Kubs Lalchandani