Jyothi V. Robertson
Jyothi V. Robertson, DVM, DABVP (Shelter Medicine)
Dr. Jyothi V. Robertson is a veterinarian with an extremely versatile and highly accomplished career. With over 2 decades of varied experience in the animal sector, Dr. Robertson is globally regarded in the industry as a visionary thought leader and is a prominent international speaker on a variety of broad as well as extremely specialized topics in the realm of animal health, personal wellbeing and leadership.
Dr. Robertson earned her DVM and completed a three-year residency at UC Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, with a board specialization in shelter medicine. Since the start of her animal career in 1998, Dr. Robertson gained experience as a groomer, kennel assistant, veterinary assistant, leading to key leadership responsibilities as a veterinarian, and medical director of a municipal animal control facility for multiple years.
Revolutionizing Animal Welfare Through Innovation
After practicing as a full-time veterinarian in both public and private sectors, Dr. Robertson founded JVR Strategies in 2011, through which she provides consulting services to animal welfare and related organizations, both nationally and internationally. Jyothi is successfully helping reimagine shelter space for better animal health, optimize capacity for and access to veterinary care, and build a sustainable vision for the future in a rapidly changing animal welfare landscape. She excels at developing metrics of success and training organizations at analyzing data; and engages in community surveying and scientific research nationally.
Her professional interests include shelter medicine, access to veterinary care, organizational design, and the emotional and mental well-being of mission-driven professionals.
Championing Personal Well-being in the Animal Sector
In 2015, Dr. Robertson started her passion project, the Journey You Own (JYO), to raise awareness about the interdependent nature of our work and the role of grounding practices in supporting our emotional and mental wellbeing. This developed into a fiscally-sponsored nonprofit focusing on the power to transform by providing tools and resources, to those in the animal sector and beyond, that result in productivity, alignment and connection. Jyothi creates communities of practice through JYO to bring meditation and mindfulness to the nonprofit mission-driven sectors.
Global Impact Through Speaking Engagements
As an educator and speaker, Dr. Robertson has delivered numerous lectures and presentations that have left an indelible impact on the industry and her audience. Her work has taken her to five continents where she has presented as a speaker and keynote at over 50 conferences, including most recently her delivery of a keynote welcome address to an audience of 2,500+ individuals.
Her professional interests include shelter medicine, access to veterinary care, organizational design, and the emotional and mental well-being of mission-driven professionals. Explore Dr. Dr. Robertson’s extensive experience as a sought-after speaker on animal health, welfare, and personal well-being, inspiring audiences to drive positive change in the animal sector and beyond.
A Lifelong Commitment to Making a Difference
Throughout her career, Dr. Robertson has served on many boards and committees in executive leadership roles including the following:
- Association of Shelter Veterinarians (Executive Committee, Treasurer)
- Human Animal Support Services (Executive Committee)
- American Veterinary Medical Association (Chair, Animal Welfare Committee)
- Shelter Animals Count (Advisory Board)
- Fear-Free (Advisory Board)
- Pacific Veterinary Conference (Program Chair)
- California Veterinary Medical Association (Delegate and Committee Chair)
In her spare time, she teaches and creates curricula for middle and high school students about animal-related fields, having received her certification in elementary education. Dr Robertson continues to practice as a veterinarian by volunteering her time for efforts of impact, including providing much-needed veterinary services to unsheltered populations and under-resourced communities.
Featured Works and Expert Insights
Explore Dr. Jyothi V. Robertson’s visionary leadership, featured projects, and expert insights that drive meaningful change in animal welfare and beyond.

Veterinarian-Leadership Relationships in Animal Shelters
What if exceptional animal care begins with better communication? Explore this recent study that uncovers hidden challenges between veterinarians and leadership in animal shelters. Are we ready to bridge the gap for better outcomes?

2024 AAHA Community Care Guidelines
Veterinary teams are dedicated to caring for every pet that comes through their doors, yet external limitations often stand in the way. What if practices could extend their reach by forming partnerships with nonprofit organizations and actively collaborating with their communities?

The Science Behind the Human-Animal Connection
Science confirms what pet owners already know—the human-animal connection shapes our well-being in profound ways. In this plenary talk, Dr. Jyothi Robertson explores how interactions with animals improve overall well-being. Learn how this powerful bond benefits both humans and animals.

Harnessing Big Data in the Animal Welfare Industry
Can data science transform the way we regulate commercial dog breeding? Our latest research uncovers how Big Data is revealing hidden trends, improving oversight, and shaping the future of animal welfare. Discover the key findings and what they mean for the industry.

Behavior and Adoptability of Hoarded Cats
Can hoarded cats thrive in new homes? This study explores their journey from intake to adoption, revealing surprising behavioral shifts, high adopter satisfaction, and promising long-term outcomes. The findings challenge assumptions about shelter behavior and highlight the importance of time and socialization in successful placements.

A Retrospective Study of Medical Condition and Outcomes in Hoarded Cats
A study of 371 hoarded cats (2011–2014) found that institutional hoarding significantly increased the risk of chronic respiratory illness. Despite health challenges, hoarded cats had similar outcomes to non-hoarded cats, underscoring the need for harm reduction strategies.
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Our Mission
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Our Vision
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Revolutionizing Animal Welfare Through Innovation
After practicing as a full-time veterinarian in both public and private sectors, Dr. Robertson founded JVR Strategies in 2011, through which she provides consulting services to animal welfare and related organizations, both nationally and internationally. Jyothi is successfully helping reimagine shelter space for better animal health, optimize capacity for and access to veterinary care, and build a sustainable vision for the future in a rapidly changing animal welfare landscape. She excels at developing metrics of success and training organizations at analyzing data; and engages in community surveying and scientific research nationally.
Her professional interests include shelter medicine, access to veterinary care, organizational design, and the emotional and mental well-being of mission-driven professionals.