Warren Whalen was born and raised in Bowman North Dakota. He graduated with honors from North Dakota State University with a degree in microbiology. He received his doctorate in veterinary medicine from Iowa State University. Dr. Whalen spent 22 years practicing small and exotic animal medicine and surgery on the west coast. He was the owner and medical director of an attentive four doctor small and exotic animal practice. His special interests are in diagnostic imaging of the thoracic and abdominal cavities with ultrasonography as well as non-invasive scoping techniques using both flexible and rigid endoscopy. In 2006, with his past experience and passion for high-quality veterinary medical care, he relocated to Spearfish and established the Animal Care Center. Dr. Whalen is trained in both abdominal and cardiac ultrasound, and has over 30 years of clinical experience with imaging dogs and cats [citation][5].