Veterinarian
Hi, I'm Dr. Kristin Stahlheber! I graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 2007 with High Honors and have been practicing in the Edwardsville area ever since. I started my career at Hawthorne Animal Hospital, where I worked in both emergency and general practice from 2007 to 2014. After that, I spent time at Bethalto Animal Clinic (2014–2017) and Ark Animal Hospital (2017–2020). In 2020, I took a step back from clinical work to care for my three daughters during the pandemic and to be a surrogate for my sister and brother-in-law. I joined Heartland Veterinary Hospital in 2021 and have loved being part of such a compassionate and skilled team.
I always strive to give the pets in the Edwardsville community the best care possible and have continued my veterinary education and training to do so. I am currently certified in abdominal ultrasound and echocardiography for both dogs and cats through the Academy of Veterinary Imaging in Arlington, Texas.
Why I Chose This Profession
I’ve wanted to be a veterinarian since I was in the fourth grade. It always felt like the right path for me, as I knew I wanted to be involved in caring for animals while getting to know the people who love them. Over the years, that feeling has only grown stronger. For me, a lot of veterinary medicine is about relationships, and I’m grateful every day to be able to support both pets and their families in a meaningful way.
My Favorite Part of My Job
The best part of my job is working through complex medical problems and finding answers that bring peace of mind to pet owners. I love the challenge of puzzling through a case and creating a care or treatment plan that works. Helping pets feel better and watching that relief spread to their families is incredibly rewarding. Puppy snuggles are a close second!
Personal Hobbies and Interests
Outside of the clinic, I enjoy spending time with my family and being outdoors as much as possible. We love hiking, camping, and climbing together — especially in the Rocky Mountains. I also enjoy volunteering at my daughters’ school and our church, running with our Goldendoodle Clementine, and cheering at cross country meets. Life is busy right now, but it’s the good kind of busy!