Katherine Polak, DVM, MPH, MS, DACVPM, DABVP (Shelter Medicine Practice); HSI
Vice President, Companion Animals & Engagement, humane society international (HSI)
Dr. Katherine Polak leads the Companion Animals & Engagement team for Humane Society International (HSI), working to improve companion animal welfare around the world through humane management of street dog populations, community engagement, veterinary training, and ending the cruel dog and cat meat trade in Asia. Before joining HSI, Dr. Polak managed animal welfare programs and campaigns across Southeast Asia with Vienna-based FOUR PAWS.
Dr. Polak is a veterinary specialist, double-boarded in veterinary preventive medicine with the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine and in Shelter Medicine with the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. She holds master’s degrees in both forensic medicine and public health, and has authored numerous scientific papers and articles. She is a frequent speaker at veterinary conferences and co-editor of the book Field Medicine for Small Animal Medicine published by Wiley Publishing. In addition to serving on ACC&D’s International Advisory Board, Dr. Polak currently sits on the World Small Animal Veterinary Association Animal Wellness and Welfare Committee. She also serves as Courtesy Faculty at the University of Florida, where she teaches International Shelter Medicine.
