Our expert team is dedicated to crafting innovative CBD products for pets and horses, drawing on extensive experience and a keen understanding of their unique health needs. We're committed to providing safe, effective solutions specifically designed for dogs, cats, and horses to enhance their wellbeing.
DVM, MS Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Chelsea Luedke is a veterinarian renowned for her expertise in animal care and hemp research. After completing her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees, she pursued her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University, a prestigious institution known for its groundbreaking veterinary program. Dr. Luedke's passion for advancing animal health led her to specialize in hemp research, where she explores the potential benefits of hemp-derived products in veterinary medicine. With her extensive knowledge and dedication, she has become a leading authority in the field, advocating for the responsible integration of hemp-based treatments in veterinary practice. Her commitment to improving the well-being of animals is constantly propelling her towards future areas of research aimed at further enhancing the health and happiness of our beloved animal companions.
RVT, Co-Founder, Chief Operations Officer
Trish obtained her Registered Veterinary Technician degree from Bel-Rea Institute in Denver, CO. Her life long love for horses grew into a passionate career path through veterinary medicine. Trish completed her internship in Elizabeth, CO at an equine ambulatory practice. She went on to work for two busy equine practices as an accomplished veterinary technician in equine ambulatory and surgical services, a patient care coordinator, and also had other experience in small animal clinics and shelters. Since the inception of VetCS, Trish has been instrumental in developing dosing protocols, product development, veterinarian support, and client cannabis consultations. Trish has dedicated her career to specializing in the veterinary cannabis space and has gained valuable experience and insight into the cannabis industry. She has enjoyed developing innovative products for pets, guiding countless pet guardians on cannabis therapy, and managing market trends. Trish also specializes in customer care and enjoys helping VetCS pet guardians and horse owners find success in their cannabis therapy goals for their animals.
Senior Lab Director
Tara Dorr's journey in the cannabis industry began in 2015, starting as a Lab Technician specializing in extraction and post-process refinement. Over the years, she has delved into various aspects of the industry, from cultivation and operations to finally discovering her true passion - formulation. The process of bringing a product from concept to creation deeply resonates with her. It's about more than just creating products; it's about crafting solutions that can genuinely improve pet wellness. Tara's extensive experience in the cannabis industry, specifically in quality control and formulation, has instilled an unwavering commitment to creating exceptional, high-quality CBD products for pets. She is honored to be a part of this pioneering industry and to work alongside some of the best minds in the field. Tara's dedication lies in harnessing the power of natural, plant-based solutions to support the health and well-being of our furry companions. That's the driving force behind everything she does, and it's the very foundation of our VetCS products. Let's create a healthier, happier world for our pets.
Partner, Chief Technical Officer
Eric aka “Swiss” has spent well over a decade within the extraction, cultivation, and product formulation sectors in the cannabis industry. He provides crucial insight into VetCS’ lab functionality, cannabis market trends, and overall company development plans. Prior to VetCS, Swiss began by focusing specifically on the extraction system & product formulation industry sectors with one of the industry’s most recognized extraction system manufacturers, ExtractionTek Stainless. Throughout his tenure at ExtractionTek, he has played key roles in forming ETS’ certified training program, research and development, operations infrastructure, vendor relationships, and regulatory compliance. Swiss currently works directly with ETS clients, their project teams, and the Authority Holding Jurisdictions who govern the rules and regulations for cannabis processing facilities in the United States, Canada, and additional International markets.
Marketing Director
Riley has spent eight years honing his craft in the digital marketing industry, where his diverse experience spans the medical, technology, and e-commerce sectors. His role as a creative thinker has seen him excel in product and website design, as well as videography, showcasing a multifaceted skill set that brings innovative solutions to complex challenges. Over the last six years, Riley has carved out a niche for himself in the hemp industry, applying his extensive digital marketing knowledge to help brands in this unique space grow and succeed. Outside of his professional endeavors, Riley shares a close bond with his Olde English Bulldogge, Lola, and is an avid trail runner and backpacker, finding solace and inspiration in the great outdoors.
Esq. Partner, Chief Financial Officer
As a founding partner he plays an active role in our business development so that the rest of the team can focus on what we love...cannabinoids! Paul is the managing partner at Zimmerman & Dunham, a full service CPA firm located in Parker, Colorado. Paul uses his experience working with many small businesses to provide compliance and regulatory services to VetCS. Paul enjoys playing golf and spending time with his wife, children, and dog.
At VetCS, we take pride in our collaborative approach with our fellow veterinary professionals by forming our dynamic Veterinary Advisory Board. Our board consists of esteemed veterinarians, credentialed technicians, and specialists dedicated to advancing animal health and well-being. By working closely with these experts, we ensure our products and services are informed by the latest scientific research and clinical practices. These partnerships enable VetCS to address the evolving needs of the veterinary community, fostering innovation and excellence in animal care. Through continuous professional dialogue and feedback, VetCS remains at the forefront of cannabis in veterinary medicine, providing trusted solutions that benefit practitioners, their patients, and our clients with our growing product line.
BVSc, cVMA, GDVCHM
Read Bio
Dr. Katie Woodley, the founder of The Natural Pet Doctor, has spent over 15 years pioneering integrative veterinary medicine. Trained in New Zealand, her journey into holistic care was deeply influenced by her husband’s health challenges, leading her to seek out the root causes of disease, with a particular focus on gut health as the key to overall well-being. Dr. Woodley blends Eastern and Western medicine, specializing in acupuncture, herbal remedies, and targeted nutrition to create comprehensive treatment plans that heal from the inside out.
In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Woodley is a passionate educator and speaker, collaborating with veterinary professionals and companies to promote the benefits of holistic care, especially in addressing gut health. Through her online Healthy Holistic Pet For Life Blueprint program, she empowers pet parents to take charge of their pets’ health naturally. Based in Colorado with her husband and three black cats, Dr. Woodley is dedicated to helping pets and their families live vibrant, healthy lives together.
MEd., RVT, CVT, LVT, LVMT, VTS (SAIM)(ECC)
Read Bio
Liz graduated from Foothill College’s Veterinary Technology program in 2006 and went on to become certified as a VTS in both Small Animal Internal Medicine and Emergency and Critical Care in 2012. She has authored articles and textbook chapters and is a co- editor of Cannabis Therapy in Veterinary Medicine (Springer Nature).
Liz is President of the National Veterinary Professionals Union (www.natvpu.org), Co- Founder of the Veterinary Cannabinoid Academy (www.vetcannacademy.com), an Administrator of the Not One More Vet Support Staff group (www.facebook.com/groups/nomvsupportstaff), Credentialing Committee Co-Chair of the Academy of Internal Medicine for Veterinary Technicians (www.aimvt.com), and is a member of CVMA's RVT Committee representing District IX.
Liz is an advocates’ advocate, dedicated to advancing veterinary technology, technicians, and assistants through training, mentorship, and support.
RVT, RLAT, SRA, CVPP, VTS- LAM (Res. Anesthesia)
Read Bio
Stephen is a multi-credentialed veterinary technician specialist with a passion for anesthesia, pain management, and cannabinoid medicine. He has authored numerous articles and contributed to several textbooks; including acting as the lead editor for the first cannabinoid medicine textbook. He has many exciting professional highlights but some of his favorite include being part the scientific team that discovered acidic cannabinoid forms are absorbed more efficiently than decarboxylated forms, discovered a common drug used in anesthesia causes a serious complication known as methemoglobinemia in monkeys, invented a smaller and more practical blood filter for animals during blood transfusions, and gained title protection for veterinary technician specialists. Stephen is the COO of the Veterinary Anesthesia Nerds, LLC, co-founder of the Veterinary Cannabinoid Academy, and Executive Director of the Academy of Laboratory Animal Veterinary Technicians and Nurses. He is a lab manager for HHMI at Stanford University in the department of neurobiology, in addition to the Chief Veterinary Nursing Officer and Director of the Pain and Cannabinoid Medicine services at Remedy Veterinary Specialists. Stephen is an advocate for credentialed veterinary technicians and veterinary technician specialists as well as the BIPOC community.
MS, DVM, DACVSMR
Read Bio
Dr. Erin Contino is a native of Northern California, life-long three-day event rider, and a graduate "A" rated member of the United States Pony Club. She started her undergraduate education at the University of California, San Diego prior to transferring to Colorado State University (CSU) where she completed a B.S in equine sciences in 1999. She then spent many years on the East Coast as a professional equestrian and manager of a large three-day eventing barn prior to returning to CSU, where she earned a master's degree in clinical sciences in 2009 and her D.V.M. in 2010. After completing a one-year internship at Pioneer Equine Hospital in Oakdale, California, Dr. Contino returned to CSU for a three-year residency in equine sports medicine and rehabilitation followed by a one-year fellowship in equine musculoskeletal ultrasound before joining CSU faculty. She is currently an associate professor in equine sports medicine and rehabilitation. Her clinical and research interests include diagnosis and treatment of lameness and poor performance in equine athletes. She is very involved in the local three-day eventing community, the American College of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, and the American Association of Equine Practitioners.
DVM
Read Bio
Dr. Nick Ruocco owns Coyote Ridge Veterinary Clinic in Fort Collins and Berthoud, CO. He enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine. When not at the hospital, Dr. Ruocco and his wife, Dr. Lauren Luedke, and their toddler, Nicky, can be found out and about enjoying the Colorado Outdoors. Dr. Ruocco has used VetCS products as an equine practitioner, small animal vet and for personal use. They proudly offer the full line of VetCS products at all their clinic locations.
BS, CVT, RVT
Read Bio
Mark has been a Credentialed Veterinary Technician since 2013, originally from Phoenix, Arizona; he got his start in specialty anesthesia and surgery at a multi-specialty practice. He has been in the zoo field for the last 8 years, having worked at the Oklahoma City Zoo, Phoenix Zoo and Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, WI. Mark has a clinical interest in anesthesia/analgesia of exotic species and elevating the standard of care for zoological species through innovative medicine and proactive preventative care. Mark has recently begun working more exclusively with companion exotic species in New York City. Mark enjoys giving lectures at veterinary conferences and has published several papers on novel surgical treatments and anesthesia in zoological species. He has one cat named Maja and a Leopard Gecko named Ein Zane Pearce. Outside of the clinic Mark is a dedicated Crossfitter and loves to go on walks in the City.
“Trish and Dr, Leudke at VetCS really are the real deal. My first time working with them was regarding adding CBD isolate into the multi-modal end stage osteoarthritis plan for a geriatric Bactrian Camel! They were able to help us better understand the endocannabinoid system and its potential therapeutic effects for this unique species. Prior to the Camels passing, we saw marked improvement in his mobility and we were so grateful for their expert guidance. I would DEFINITELY recommend them to any zoo or exotic practice!”
