Dr. Katherine Polak is a board-certified specialist in Shelter Medicine and Preventive Medicine with a global career dedicated to animal welfare. She serves as Vice President of Companion Animals and Engagement for Humane World for Animals, leading initiatives across Latin America, Africa, Europe, and Asia. Her work includes large-scale spay/neuter programs, access-to-care interventions, and efforts to end the dog and cat meat trade.
A veterinary graduate of Iowa State University, Dr. Polak completed a Shelter Medicine residency at the University of Florida and has held leadership roles in Southeast Asia, directing high-volume dog population management programs and shaping policy change. She serves on the World Small Animal Veterinary Association’s Welfare Committee and the international advisory board for the Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs.
Dr. Polak is a co-editor of Field Manual for Small Animal Medicine and regularly leads global workshops and trainings, bringing real-world expertise to the next generation of veterinarians.