What do you get when you mix a passion for reducing pet overpopulation with a touch of entrepreneurial spirit and a heaping dose of desire?  For founder Dr. Kim Culbertson, it was MN SNAP and Blue Sky Veterinary Services.

After graduating from the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Kim worked five years in private practice before joining a local humane organization. During her eight years on staff, she performed high-volume surgery, three of those years in a mobile clinic. It was during this time she recognized the need for a wide-scale, affordable spay/neuter service that would be available to the general public.  In 2010, Dr. Culbertson launched the Minnesota Spay/Neuter Assistance Program (MN SNAP).

Growing up, Dr. Kim and her parents had stray cats and dogs wander in from unknown places.  The animals were always welcome at their home. Dr. Kim’s first job was at Captain D’s, a seafood fast food restaurant, but she had bigger dreams.  Dr. Kim credits her mother and two high school English teachers for their influence in her youth.  They taught her that anything is possible!

Called “Kimbo” by her parents and “Kimmer” during vet school, she is Dr. Kim to us! When she isn’t working, Dr. Kim spends quality leisure time with her rescue cats and caring for a feral colony. She enjoys watching TV, sleeping and eating. One thing she would have a hard time giving up would be Diet Coke.  Rumor has it at the end of August, you’ll usually find her elbow deep in “mini-donut heaven” at the Minnesota State Fair.

When asked during our interview who had the biggest influence in her career, she simply replied “it wasn’t a person. I was born to serve animals.”  Thanks, Dr. Kim Culbertson, for founding MN SNAP and proving that one person CAN and will make a difference.