Sondra Oliver graduated from the Virginia-Maryland Regional School of Veterinary Medicine in 1999. She received a vet school award for compassion with homeless animals and care for gastrointestinal diseases. Dr. Oliver received a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from Louisiana State University in 1985 and a degree in Pharmacology from Xavier University in 1987. She was previously employed at Johns Hopkins Oncology Center, working with cancer patients, before getting her veterinary degree. She currently lives in Baltimore with her husband, Charlie MacVicar, and their cats, Nubbin, Gemma, Mr. Biscuit, Maisie, Sassafras Junebug, Sookie Gidget, and Jellybean, and their dogs, Butters, Pip, Pavee, and Rosie.