Sarah Cortright shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Sarah, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
I think one of the biggest misconceptions about veterinary medicine is that “vets are in it for the money.” That simply isn’t true. Most of us chose this profession because we have an incredible passion for animals, medicine, and helping families—not because it’s a quick path to wealth. In fact, the cost of becoming a veterinarian is enormous, and many of us graduate with six figures in student debt while earning significantly less than other medical professionals.
Veterinary care can be expensive, but so is so much in life—human healthcare, car repairs, even groceries these days. The reality is that high-quality medicine, advanced diagnostics, and skilled staff all come with costs, and we want to make sure your pet is getting the best possible care. Every test, treatment, and piece of equipment is chosen to support that goal.
At the end of the day, most veterinarians I know go above and beyond for their patients, often staying late, taking calls on days off, or covering costs out of their own pocket. We do it because we love what we do and we care deeply about the animals and families we serve.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Dr. Sarah Cortright, a veterinarian based in Southern California, currently completing additional training in emergency medicine with Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG). In addition to my ER work, I serve as Medical Director for Underdog Community Project, a nonprofit providing free veterinary care to pets of unhoused and low-income individuals in Los Angeles.
What makes my work unique is that I blend my clinical expertise with a strong passion for education and outreach—both in person and online. Through my social media platforms, I share real-life veterinary cases, behind-the-scenes moments, and practical pet care tips, all with the goal of empowering pet owners to make informed decisions.
Right now, I’m focused on honing my emergency skills, expanding the services our nonprofit can offer, and continuing to grow a trusted online community where pet parents can learn, laugh, and feel supported.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
It’s not one specific moment, but rather the experience of growing up on a dairy farm that really shaped how I see the world. From a young age, I witnessed the deep, everyday connection between people and animals—how they rely on us, and how much we rely on them. I saw firsthand the hard work, responsibility, and compassion it takes to care for animals, as well as the joy and fulfillment they bring into our lives.
That upbringing gave me a profound appreciation for the human–animal bond, not just in a sentimental way, but as a relationship built on trust, care, and mutual respect. It’s a perspective that has stayed with me throughout my veterinary career and drives me to advocate for both pets and the people who love them.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering has taught me resilience in a way success never could. When everything is going well, it’s easy to feel confident and capable—but it’s the challenges, the setbacks, and the moments that test you that truly show you what you’re made of.
For me, that meant navigating the financial struggles of college as a first-generation student—working 20–30 hours a week while taking a full course load, living in a scholarship house, and carrying the weight of knowing there was no safety net if I failed. Those years taught me how to push forward when I was exhausted, to problem-solve when resources were limited, and to find creative ways to make things work.
Those experiences gave me a deep empathy for others facing their own uphill battles, and they’ve shaped not just the veterinarian I am, but the human I am. They reminded me that growth often comes from the hardest seasons—and that success feels even more meaningful when you know what it took to get there.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes—what you see is what you get, haha! I’m very transparent, both online and in real life. I don’t really have a “social media version” of myself and then a “real life” version—they’re the same person. I share the wins, the challenges, and even the messy moments, because I think authenticity builds trust and helps people connect on a real level.
As a veterinarian, I want pet owners to see the human side of what I do—the emotions, the problem-solving, the humor we use to get through tough days—because that’s the reality of this profession. If you meet me in person, you’ll get the same energy, compassion, and candidness you see in my videos and posts.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope the story people tell about me isn’t so much about what I did, but about how I treated people. I want them to remember that I gave everyone—the unhoused pet owners I met through Underdog, wealthy families in Orange County, and the farm folks I grew up around—the same respect, attention, and compassion when it came to their pets.
To me, the human–animal bond is universal. It doesn’t matter where you live, what your bank account looks like, or what your background is—your love for your pet matters just as much as anyone else’s. I hope people remember me as someone who honored that bond equally for everyone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.drsarahcortright.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.sarah.cortright/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576171979391
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.Sarah.Cortright
