Dakota Palacio, DVM

Dr. Dakota Palacio was born and raised in China Grove, NC. She has always had a special bond with companion animals, having the dream of becoming a veterinarian since she was a child catching bugs in the yard. She graduated from NC State University in 2017 with a concentration in Animal Science and a minor in Entomology, leading to her veterinary career at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine where she pursued her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine as well as her Masters of Public Health. Dr. Palacio has a passion for community outreach, client education, and environmental conservation. Currently she is pursing her Small Animal Acupuncture certification and is excited to embark on the journey of integrative medicine.  

In her spare time, she enjoys hiking with her dog, Benjamin, and fiancé, Christopher, horseback riding, drawing, and curling up with a good book alongside her kitties. 

A Few Fun Facts From Dr.Palacio:

- I have embarked on a solo expedition to Australia, petting and loving on every animal from here to there. 

-Benjamin was a parvo-puppy stray that I rescued off the street. He is my heart dog and can talk with buttons. His favorite words are: “Outside,” “Treat,” “Car,” “Mom,” “Dad,” and “I love you,” along with many others.

- I have two kitties: Powder (dilute calico) who was dropped by an owl and had to have a drain in her back and Hero (orange boy) who was fostered out of a jewelry store. 

- I love bugs and creepy crawlies. I raise jumping spiders and actively have millipedes. 

- I love art and almost pursued a career as a veterinary anatomical textbook illustrator

- I am a Ravenclaw! 

- I was a volunteer at the NC Zoo Wildlife Rehab Center for four years and I worked with orphaned and injured wildlife, mostly birds ranging from humming birds to herons to great horned owls.