Dr. Emilea Burton was born in West Virginia and then spent about 14 years in North Carolina before moving to Colorado. She attended North Carolina State University for 8 years, earning a bachelor’s degree in zoology and then her DVM degree in 2015. She pursued a small animal internship at the VCA Veterinary Specialists of Northern Colorado and received additional training in neurology, surgery, internal medicine, emergency/critical care, and general practice. After spending several years in general practice, Dr. Emilea learned about Caring Pathways and the invaluable services they provide in the community. She believes palliative care and providing a peaceful end of life transition are perhaps the most meaningful gifts we can give to our pets. She is grateful for the opportunity to bring comfort and compassion to families and pets during these final stages of life. Emilea recently completed over 100 hours of end of life care continuing education and earned her certification in hospice and palliative care (CHPV). She also has a strong interest in improving mental health in the veterinary profession and is a certified compassion fatigue professional (CCFP).
Away from her work, Dr. Emilea enjoys going on adventures with her partner Taylore, partaking in outdoor activities, volunteering in the community, horseback riding, and checking out local music and events. She loves traveling and has previously traveled with World Vets, providing veterinary care to underserved areas of the world. Helping homeless animals is also a passion of hers and she has opened her home to over 30 foster animals over the years. Emilea and Taylore share their home with a teacup Chihuahua (Nugget), two Chihuahua mixes (Speck and Dottie), a Siamese mix cat (Sydney), a Saint Bernard mix (Charlie), two miniature donkeys (Cocoa and Puff), and a horse (Beau). There is never a dull moment and she wouldn’t have it any other way.