Dr. Isla Arcaro

Dr. Isla Arcaro, a board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist.

Becoming a veterinarian has been her dream since I was nine years old, but the journey here wasn’t always smooth. I started in the industry as a kennel assistant, working my way up to veterinary technician and eventually ICU supervisor. Each step taught me something new about patient care and the dedication it takes to help animals in need. But it wasn’t until I decided to return to veterinary school that my path truly began to take shape.

During my internship, I discovered my passion for anesthesia—it was impossible to miss, as my mentor pointed out: “Every time you talk about anesthesia, your face lights up.” That passion only grew as I completed my residency in Anesthesia and Analgesia at the University of Illinois and gained hands-on experience at a busy referral hospital in Pittsburgh.

Now, with over a decade of experience spanning specialty practices, academia, and general veterinary hospitals, I’ve developed a collaborative, real-world approach to anesthesia care. But one issue continues to motivate me: the rising cost of veterinary care. Specialty services, while vital, can often be out of reach for many clients. I believe every patient deserves access to high-quality care, regardless of where they are or what they can afford.