Dr. Anna-Marie Ruoff grew up in Colorado surrounded by nature, wildlife, and a small zoo of exotic pets. She decided very early in life that she wanted to be a veterinarian for exotic animals, and her passion for exotic animal medicine has only grown over time. She earned her bachelor's degree in Biology at Pomona College and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Western University of Health Sciences (graduating with Highest Honors). Dr. Ruoff worked as a nurse at an exotic pet exclusive hospital in California before going to veterinary school. Following veterinary school, she joined Arizona Exotic Animal Hospital where she completed an internship in exotic animal medicine and surgery, pioneered a residency program in reptile and amphibian practice, and continued as an associate veterinarian.
Dr. Ruoff is thrilled and proud to return home to open our Denver location as the Medical Director for Colorado and for our location in Portland (Avian & Exotic Veterinary Care). She loves to teach and — in addition to providing mentorship and lectures for our internship and residency programs — Dr. Ruoff has spoken for veterinary conferences, veterinary schools, veterinary technician programs, and pre-veterinary clubs. She also offers consultations and continuing education for local veterinarians to support them and improve the care of exotic pets.
Although Dr. Ruoff loves all animals, she has a special interest in reptile and amphibian practice. She has completed advanced education for and plans to specialize in this area. She seeks to elevate the care for reptile and amphibians through improvements in captive welfare, enrichment, and behavioral training. Dr. Ruoff has been involved in the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians as a Member at Large (2021-2023), Secretary (2023-2024), a member of the Legislative and Animal Welfare (LAW) Committee, an available speaker, and a mentor for student members.
Dr. Ruoff has recently become Fear Free Certified for Avian. She enjoys tea, crosswords, games, and hiking. She shares her home with her partner as well as her rescued pets: blue tongue skink (Slinky), Uromastyx (Suez), Russian tortoise (Puzzle), red-eyed tree frog (Sushi), and dog (Riley). Dr. Ruoff was featured on the veterinary podcast "Beyond the Back" (https://www.beyondthebackpodcast.com/) Episode 16 "Exotic Animal Veterinarians: Must Love Puzzles" to discuss exotic animal medicine and her path in veterinary medicine.
Selected Presentation Experience
- ExoticsCon, August 21, 2023 - "Partial Hemimandibulectomy in a Bearded Dragon"
- Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians – VIN Rounds, April 13, 2023 - "Reptile Enrichment and Training"
- ExoticsCon, August 15, 2022 - "On-Call Exotic Emergency Services: One Year Retrospective Caseload Analysis"
- Co-presented with Elizabeth Hyde, DVM (AZEAH Intern 2018-2019)
- Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians – VIN Rounds, January 23, 2022 - "Introduction to Reptile Radiography"
- ExoticsCon, September 1, 2021 - "Correction of Caudal Carapacial Collapse with External Braces in Desert Tortoises"
- ExoticsCon Virtual, September 26, 2020 - Masterclass: "Reptile Behavior, Enrichment, and Training"
- ExoticsCon, September 30, 2019 - "Effects of Fecal Sample Age on Direct Microscopic Examination of Protozoan Parasites"
- ExoticsCon, September 23, 2018 - assisted in teaching the Hands-on-Workshop "Chelonian Prefemoral Ovariosalpingectomy"
Select Lectures Available for Presentation for Pre-Veterinary, Veterinary, or Continuing Education
- Introduction to Exotic Animal Medicine
- Reptile Behavior, Enrichment, and Training
- Introduction to Reptile Radiography
- Reptile and Amphibian Brumation and Estivation
- Humane Euthanasia of Exotic Animal Species
- Antimicrobial Stewardship in Exotic Animal Species
- Reptile Nutrition
- CBC and Chemistry Interpretation in Reptiles