Owner/Veterinarian
Hi, I'm Dr. Catherine MacLean, veterinarian and owner of Sugar River Animal Hospital.
I graduated from Penn State University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Bioscience and earned my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the Atlantic Veterinary College in 2010. In 2013, I became certified in veterinary acupuncture through the Chi Institute.
After working in several small animal practices, I opened Sugar River Animal Hospital in Grantham, New Hampshire, in 2013. As the owner and veterinarian, I do it all—from practicing veterinary medicine to managing the day-to-day operations of the practice. My professional interests include soft tissue surgery, dentistry, and acupuncture.
I’m an active member of the AVMA, NHVMA, and VTVMA. I’ve also written a case study on using acupuncture to manage seizures, which was published through the Chi Institute.
Why I Chose This Profession
My love for veterinary medicine began when I was eight years old, during a visit to my cousin, who owned a large animal veterinary practice in upstate New York. He let me ride along with him on farm calls, and I was hooked. When my family moved to the area three years later, I started tagging along with him and his colleagues regularly. By the time I went to veterinary school, the joke was that I already knew how to be a large animal vet and could skip the training!
For most of my life, I thought I’d become a large animal veterinarian. However, during my fourth year of clinical rotations in vet school, I discovered how much I enjoyed small animal medicine. I started my career as a mixed animal practitioner but ultimately transitioned fully to small animal care.
Favorite Part of My Job
I love that no two days are ever the same in veterinary medicine—there’s always something new to learn or a case I’ve never seen before. I’m especially passionate about guiding pets and their families through their entire journey, from the excitement of a new puppy or kitten to the bittersweet moments at the end of their lives. Building connections with both the animals and their people is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.
Personal Hobbies & Interests
When I’m not working, I spend most of my time with my husband, Matt, and our two children, Katarina and Alex. Matt is my rock and the reason I can balance being a veterinarian, mom, and practice owner. We often visit my parents’ pick-your-own berry and pumpkin farm in upstate New York, where I occasionally help out—though I try to avoid hay duty whenever possible!
In the winter, you’ll find me skiing with my kids every weekend. I also enjoy baking, hiking, traveling, and reading, which is my go-to when I manage to find a quiet moment. While I love plants, I jokingly admit to having a “brown thumb” when it comes to gardening.
At home, I dote on our two senior cats, Jack and Misty, and our young, energetic collie, Kiwi, who keeps life exciting.