About Great Plains Veterinary Dermatology
At Great Plains Veterinary Dermatology, we believe that advanced medical care should never feel cold or impersonal. We established this practice to offer Omaha and our surrounding communities a place where world-class expertise meets genuine, neighborly kindness and connection.
Our Mission
Great Plains Veterinary Dermatology was created to provide compassionate, holistic veterinary dermatology care rooted in open communication, trust, integrity, and empathy. As a privately owned clinic, we are committed to the community and dedicated to fostering collaboration between our team, clients, and other community veterinary healthcare professionals to provide high-quality dermatology care to relieve animal suffering and strengthen the human-animal bond
Our Story
Great Plains Veterinary Dermatology was founded on a commitment to excellence and a love for this region. We recognized a need in Omaha for high-level specialized dermatology care that is vested in our community. Leading our practice is a Board-Certified Veterinary Dermatologist, a distinction that represents the highest level of training in the field. We built this clinic to offer that advanced expertise within an environment that feels like home—warm, welcoming, and rooted in the honest, hard-working values of the Plains.
Core Values
Integrity - We treat every patient with the same ethical standards, compassion, and transparency we would expect for our own pets.
Collaboration – We value and recognize all team members’ unique input, insights, experiences, and contributions and recognize each member plays a vital role in successful patient care. We are also committed to open communication and active partnership with our patients’ primary and other specialty veterinary care providers. And, last but not least, we know each patient and family is unique, and strive to actively engage input from family members to create tailored solutions that are both effective and sustainable (time, labor, financial).
Accessibility – We are dedicated to identifying and removing barriers to care, ensuring our services remain within reach to members of the community.
Community- - A neighbor, not a corporation. We are dedicated to serving our community with the personal care and local accountability that only a privately owned clinic can provide. Our independence is our strength. It allows us to invest directly back into our community, advocating for local animal welfare and supporting the families we serve.
Empathy and Compassion – Compassion is at the heart of everything we do. We treat every patient with the same gentleness and dignity we would our own, working to relieve animal suffering and strengthen the unique connection between you and your pet
Meet Our Doctor
Katherine Irwin, DVM, DACVD
Dr. Irwin is an Omaha native. She has long had a love of science and caring for animals; it’s no surprise she became a vet! She received her Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Sciences at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and then attended Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine where she earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2005. After graduation Dr. Irwin completed a one-year small animal medicine and surgery internship at two VCA practices in the Chicago area (VCA Berwyn and VCA Aurora) and then spent two years in private small animal practice as a primary care practitioner.
Dr. Irwin first became interested in veterinary dermatology during her time at vet school. As a practicing veterinarian, her interest in dermatology continued to grow and she was inspired to become a dermatology specialist. In 2008, Dr. Irwin began a one-year dermatology internship at Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists in Houston, Texas, followed by a three-year residency. Dr. Irwin became a board-certified veterinary dermatologist in 2012 and remained at Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists until moving back to Omaha, Nebraska in 2014.
For over a decade, Dr. Irwin held the distinction of being Omaha’s only board-certified veterinary dermatologist. Today, she remains one of the few specialists in the region providing advanced dermatological care. She is proud and thankful to call this city and state home; providing veterinary dermatology care to her community has been incredibly rewarding, and she looks forward to serving the pets and families of Omaha and its surrounding communities for many years to come.
Dr. Irwin’s professional interests focus on managing allergic dermatitis in companion animals and treating all forms of feline skin disease. She is intimately familiar with the daily care required for chronic skin conditions, as she shares her home with two allergic dogs, a Shiba Inu and a Frenchie (along with their three cat siblings!). Away from the office, Dr. Irwin enjoys traveling to explore world history and culture, and she is currently honing her skills in photography.
Request a Specialist Consultation
Schedule an appointment with us today!
Gillian: Office Manager
Gillian is our Office Manager and brings 10 years of experience in the veterinary field, having worked in both assistant and receptionist roles. Her hands-on background in different areas of the clinic has given her a strong understanding of day-to-day operations and what it takes to create a smooth, supportive experience for both clients and patients.
Gillian is currently working toward her Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) certification, reflecting her dedication to professional growth and her commitment to strong, effective clinic leadership.
Gillian is passionate about organization, teamwork, and making sure the clinic runs efficiently behind the scenes. She takes pride in supporting the team so they can focus on providing the best possible patient care.
Outside of work, Gillian enjoys spending time with her husband, Dominic, traveling, hiking, and relaxing at home with their cats, Sprout & Beans.
Ashley: Lead Technician
Ashley is our Lead Technician and brings 26 years of experience in the veterinary field, having been involved in animal care since she was 15 years old. She became a Licensed Veterinary Technician in 2008 and has since developed a well-rounded background in emergency medicine, general practice, and dermatology. She earned her degree from Vatterott College and has continued to expand her knowledge and skills throughout her career. Her passion for patient care and extensive experience make her an invaluable part of our team.
Ashley has a special interest in dermatology and is currently working toward earning her Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) certification in dermatology—an advanced credential that reflects her dedication to continued learning and excellence in care.
Known for her calm presence, attention to detail, and genuine compassion for her patients, Ashley is committed to helping every pet feel as comfortable as possible while delivering the highest standard of care.
Outside of work, Ashley enjoys spending time with her wife, Annie, and their twins, Everett and Ellyott. She stays busy keeping up with her kids and all their activities, which she enjoys being fully involved in. Their home is also shared with four cats and one turtle, so her love for animals truly extends well beyond the clinic!
Shea: Veterinary Technician
Shea is our Veterinary Technician with a lifelong passion for animals and over 9 years of experience. She graduated from Iowa Western, and became a Licensed Veterinary Technician in 2021. After graduation Shea spent 2.5 years in general practice, before finding her passion for dermatology in 2024. Over the past 2 years, she has continued to grow her technical skills and knowledge in this specialty. She especially enjoys helping improve the comfort and quality of life of patients with skin and allergy conditions.
Known for her kind heart, great sense of humor, and always positive attitude, Shea helps make even the most stressful veterinary visits a little easier for both pets and their people. She is dedicated to making sure every patient feels safe, comfortable, and truly cared for.
Outside of work Shea enjoys spending time with her husband, Josh. They share two cats, Bartholomew and Skeeter, and a corgi, Sir Barnibus. In her free time, Shea enjoys working out- particularly running, spending time outdoors, reading, listening to music and making memories with family and friends.
Pearl
Pearl is our self-appointed (and widely accepted) Office Manager, bringing a unique leadership style built on confidence, curiosity, and a strong appreciation for snacks. As a French bulldog, she takes her role seriously—overseeing daily clinic life from the most strategic locations and ensuring nothing goes unnoticed.
She is especially passionate about supervising procedures, investigating every exam room after patients leave, and enthusiastically barking at treats to maintain quality control. Pearl also keeps a close eye on staff productivity, often stepping in to provide morale support (on her terms).
Pearl plays an important role in creating a welcoming, lighthearted environment for both clients and team members.