Dr. Aayushi Shetye, the founder of Dr. Paws Veterinary Services in North Goa, is a compassionate and dedicated veterinarian whose journey into the field was shaped by destiny. Inspired by her love for animals and a natural inclination toward medicine, thanks to her father being a doctor, she decided to pursue veterinary sciences. After completing her graduation from the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Veterinary Education and Research (RIVER) in Pondicherry in 2018, she embarked on a journey that has touched countless animal lives.
Early Career and Specialization
Dr. Shetye began her career at the Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS), where she worked for two years. It was here that her passion for shelter management and stray animal welfare took root. In 2022, she founded Dr. Paws Veterinary Services, specializing in Animal Birth Control (ABC) surgeries, soft-tissue surgeries, and canine and feline medicine. Her practice mainly caters to pets, including cats and dogs, with occasional treatments for cattle.
Philosophy of Care
Dr. Shetye’s approach to animal care is rooted in compassion, continuous learning, and ethical responsibility. She emphasizes the importance of history-taking and diagnostic testing to ensure accurate treatment plans. Educating pet parents is a cornerstone of her practice, as she believes in involving them in their pets’ treatment and well-being.
“Rather than just treating the patient, I always aim to help pet parents understand what is happening and why it is happening,” she often explains, emphasizing the significance of collaboration in animal care.
Challenges and Triumphs
As a veterinarian, Dr. Shetye faces unique challenges, including managing difficult clients and addressing emotionally taxing situations such as euthanasia. Despite these hurdles, she finds fulfillment in the rewarding moments of her profession. Among her most memorable cases was reviving a kitten through CPR, a testament to her dedication and skill.
She also recalls a remarkable case involving a cat with non-healing wounds for over two years. After thorough diagnostics and treatment, the cat fully recovered, bringing immense satisfaction to both Dr. Shetye and the pet’s owners.
Preventive Care and Community Outreach
Preventive care is a key focus of Dr. Shetye’s practice. She advises pet owners to maintain regular check-ups, vaccinations, deworming, and tick control for their animals. She also advocates for early neutering to improve pets’ overall health and well-being.
Dr. Shetye is deeply committed to community outreach programs aimed at promoting animal welfare. She has participated in vaccination drives, mass sterilization camps, and animal welfare outreach initiatives in rural areas. Her efforts also include educating communities about rabies, stray dog behavior, and animal first aid, fostering a culture of coexistence and compassion.
The Importance of Diet and Lifestyle
A firm believer in the role of diet and lifestyle in an animal’s health, Dr. Shetye guides pet owners on proper nutrition and exercise. She advises incorporating natural proteins, fibers, and vegetables into pets’ diets while avoiding harmful foods like onions, chocolates, and nuts. She stresses that a balanced diet and regular physical activity are crucial for preventing issues like obesity, which she frequently encounters in her practice.
Advancements in Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Shetye is enthusiastic about the advancements in veterinary medicine, including teleconsultations, immunotherapy for cancer treatment, prosthetics using 3D printing, and wearable technologies for monitoring animal health. These innovations, she believes, have the potential to revolutionize animal care.
Building Trust and Compassion
For Dr. Shetye, trust-building with both animals and their owners is fundamental. By understanding animal body language and patiently addressing their needs, she fosters a sense of security. With pet parents, effective communication and transparent treatment plans are key to earning their confidence.
A Voice for the Voiceless
Dr. Aayushi Shetye’s work extends beyond her clinical practice. She is an advocate for animal welfare, striving to reduce cases of abuse and neglect through education and outreach. Her dedication to improving the lives of animals and empowering communities makes her a vital voice for the voiceless in Goa and beyond.
