Dr. Susan Kelleher, widely recognized as Dr. K, is a 57-year-old avian and exotic veterinarian, born on April 1, 1968, in Buffalo, New York. She captivates audiences as the star of Nat Geo Wild’s Dr. K’s Exotic Animal ER and owns the Broward Avian & Exotic Animal Hospital in Deerfield Beach, Florida. Married to firefighter and paramedic Greg Martin since 1999, she is a devoted mother to three children: daughters Elba and Claire, and son Myles. Her net worth is estimated at $1.5 million, driven by over 30 years of veterinary expertise and TV fame, with an annual salary averaging $77,000, though likely higher due to her clinic’s success. Standing at 5 feet 6 inches in height and weighing approximately 140 pounds, Dr. Kelleher balances a demanding career with family life in Loxahatchee, Florida. This article explores her journey, enriched with fresh insights into exotic pet care, her personal wellness, and her enduring legacy.
Dr. Susan Kelleher Wiki and Bio: Early Life, Education, and Career Milestones
Growing up in Buffalo, Dr. Susan Kelleher was surrounded by an eclectic array of animals—rabbits, ducks, chickens, gerbils, hamsters, and snakes—which sparked her lifelong passion for avian and exotic veterinary medicine. “I always knew I wanted to be a zoo vet,” she shared in a 2020 podcast, reflecting on how these unique pets shaped her career path.
She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and Biology from Alfred University in 1990, followed by a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the University of Tennessee in 1995, where she immersed herself in the avian, exotic, and wildlife program. Volunteering at the Clinch River Raptor Center, she honed her surgical skills on injured birds, laying the foundation for her expertise.
In August 1995, she relocated to Florida, spending 3.5 years in small animal practices before founding Broward Avian & Exotic Animal Hospital in 1999. Now 57, she leads a dedicated team, including Dr. Lauren Thielen and Dr. Matt Grootenboer, focusing exclusively on exotics. “Exotics require specialized knowledge; diluting that helps no one,” she emphasized in a 2023 seminar. Her deliberate choice to exclude dogs and cats—despite owning several—underscores her commitment to specialized care.
Her television debut in 2014 with Dr. K’s Exotic Animal ER ran for nine seasons until 2021, showcasing critical cases like egg-bound tortoises and tumor-ridden parrots. The 2018 spin-off Gloves Off! offered raw behind-the-scenes looks. Today, she mentors young vets and volunteers at the South Florida Wildlife Center and Butterfly World, advocating for exotic pet welfare. Explore her career on the Wikipedia page for Dr. K’s Exotic Animal ER.
Dr. Susan Kelleher Net Worth and Salary: Financial Growth and Economic Insights
Dr. Susan Kelleher’s net worth has grown to $1.5 million by 2025, a significant rise from earlier estimates of $500,000. Her wealth stems from her thriving clinic, where exotic pet visits cost $200–$500, and residuals from 87 TV episodes.
Her salary as a lead veterinarian and clinic owner averages $77,000 annually, per PayScale’s 2025 veterinary data, though clinic ownership and TV earnings likely push this into six figures. “It’s unpredictable, but rewarding,” she noted in a 2018 Parade interview. TV contracts added $50,000–$100,000 per season, bolstered by production bonuses.
Exotic veterinary care is lucrative yet niche—AVMA data shows specialists earn 20–30% more due to scarcity, with only 10% of U.S. vets proficient in exotics. Dr. Kelleher’s preventive care focus saves clients thousands; for instance, a 2022 case saw her team adjust an iguana’s diet, avoiding $5,000 in surgery. Follow her financial journey on Instagram @drsusankelleher or the clinic’s Facebook page.
Dr. Susan Kelleher Height, Weight, and Personal Wellness Journey
At 5 feet 6 inches tall and approximately 140 pounds, Dr. Susan Kelleher maintains a practical, healthy physique suited to her active role. Her blonde hair and greenish-blue eyes are often paired with colorful, animal-themed scrubs, reflecting her vibrant personality.
In her late 50s, she combats 60-hour workweeks with biking, gardening, sewing, and basketball—hobbies that double as family time. “I laser-treat my own aches from standing all day,” she shared in a 2018 X post. During a 2023 virtual seminar I attended as a pet enthusiast, she revealed horseback riding with her kids as a key to avoiding burnout, a challenge for 40% of vets per AVMA surveys.
Her holistic approach—balancing physical activity with mental recharge—sets a model for resilience in high-stress veterinary work, especially in the demanding exotic field.
Dr. Susan Kelleher Married Life: Husband Greg Martin and Lasting Partnership
Dr. Susan Kelleher has been married to Greg Martin since April 14, 1999, in a private ceremony reflecting their grounded values. A firefighter and paramedic, Greg’s human-focused rescues complement Susan’s animal-saving mission. “We both thrive on adrenaline, but come home to quiet evenings,” she captioned a family photo on social media.
Their 26-year marriage remains strong, free of dating rumors or separations. Living in Loxahatchee, they share passions like amateur beekeeping and scouting camps. Greg’s support was pivotal during her 1999 clinic launch, especially amid early parenthood. During the 2020 pandemic, his frontline work inspired her to adopt telehealth, ensuring exotic pet care continuity. Connect with her personal updates on Facebook.
Dr. Susan Kelleher Children and Family Dynamics: Raising the Next Generation
Dr. Susan Kelleher is a proud mother to Elba, Claire, and Myles. Their Loxahatchee home buzzes with pets: a cat (William), a 90-pound tortoise (Durda), a macaw (Xander), and a budgie (Nathaniel), plus dogs and cats.
Claire, now a teen, mirrors her mother’s veterinary passion, shadowing surgeries and aiming for vet school. “Watching Mom with a snake in distress is better than any class,” she said in a 2022 family vlog. Elba studies environmental science, inspired by Susan’s wildlife volunteering, while Myles excels in sports. A 2019 episode showed Myles aiding a hedgehog rehab, learning empathy firsthand, highlighting Susan’s work-life integration.
Dr. Susan Kelleher’s Clinic and Current Endeavors: Innovations in Exotic Vet Care
In 2025, Broward Avian & Exotic Animal Hospital leads with cutting-edge services like CT scans for marmosets and laser therapy for reptiles. A 2024 case saw her team use 3D-printed prosthetics to save a lynx, a Florida first documented in AVMA journals.
Dr. Kelleher mentors through online courses, emphasizing ethical pet ownership. “Exotics aren’t impulse buys; 70% are surrendered due to misinformation,” she warns, citing ASPCA data. Her 15-year volunteer stint at the South Florida Wildlife Center has rehabbed over 500 raptors annually. Her 2024 reptile nutrition webinars reached 10,000 viewers, addressing the 25% surge in exotic pet ownership post-2020. Visit exoticanimalcare.com for more.
Dr. Susan Kelleher Biography: Key Facts in a Comprehensive Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dr. Susan Kelleher (Dr. K) |
| Date of Birth | April 1, 1968 |
| Age (2025) | 57 years old |
| Place of Birth | Buffalo, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (average) |
| Weight | Approximately 140 pounds |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Eye Color | Greenish-blue |
| Education | Bachelor’s in Chemistry & Biology, Alfred University (1990); DVM, University of Tennessee (1995) |
| Profession | Avian & Exotic Veterinarian, TV Personality, Clinic Owner |
| Clinic | Broward Avian & Exotic Animal Hospital, Deerfield Beach, FL |
| TV Show | Dr. K’s Exotic Animal ER (2014–2021, 9 seasons) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Husband | Greg Martin (m. April 14, 1999) |
| Children | Three: Daughters Elba and Claire; Son Myles |
| Residence | Loxahatchee, Florida |
| Net Worth (2025) | $1.5 million |
| Salary | ~$77,000 annually (vet average; higher with ownership/TV) |
| Hobbies | Biking, gardening, sewing, basketball, horseback riding, beekeeping |
| Pets at Home | Cat (William), Tortoise (Durda), Macaw (Xander), Budgie (Nathaniel), dogs & cats |
| Volunteer Work | South Florida Wildlife Center (15+ years), Butterfly World avian vet |
| Social Media | Instagram: @drsusankelleher; Facebook: Dr. Susan Kelleher |
| Unique Quote | “Exotics teach us humility—every case is a puzzle, not a routine.” (2023 seminar) |
| Career Start | Florida small animal practice, 1995; Own clinic, 1999 |
| TV Debut | October 4, 2014 |
| Show Episodes | 87 (main series) |
| Spin-off | Dr. K’s Exotic Animal ER: Gloves Off! (2016) |
| Mentoring Focus | Ethical exotic ownership, preventive care |
Unique Perspectives: Case Studies and Lessons from Dr. Kelleher’s World
Dr. Kelleher’s empathy shines in a 2017 episode where swift diagnostics saved a sugar glider named Peaches from an obstruction. Her post-op advice on habitat enrichment cut similar cases at her clinic by 50%. With exotic pet ownership up 25% since 2020 (AVMA data), her 2024 webinars educate thousands, countering the 70% surrender rate tied to owner ignorance.
Her vulnerability resonates: “It’s harder when it’s your own pet—you know the stakes,” she posted on X in 2018. As Florida’s climate shifts drive exotic rescues, she’s pioneering a wildlife corridor project, blending family hikes with conservation. Dive deeper into her work via Nat Geo Wild’s show archive. Dr. Kelleher’s legacy—at 57, with a thriving family and practice—is a testament to passion-fueled resilience.
