Taryn Pena, DVM

Dr. Taryn Peña grew up on Long Island, New York, where she first developed a passion for animals and wildlife. During her senior year of high school, she completed a training program at a local wildlife center, an experience that led to her obtaining a New York State wildlife rehabilitation license. She earned her undergraduate degree from Binghamton University, where she also completed internships with the Riverhead Foundation Mammal and Sea Turtle Rescue Team and the Binghamton Zoo.

Dr. Peña received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Cornell University, where she pursued focused coursework in wildlife medicine as well as companion exotic and avian medicine. While at Cornell, she volunteered and later worked at both the Wildlife Center and the Exotic Animal Service.

Following veterinary school, Dr. Peña completed a Small Animal Medicine and Surgery Internship, followed by an Avian and Exotic Animal Medicine Internship at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston. This additional training provided a strong foundation in both emergency cases as well as surgical cases in a large variety of species. 

In addition to her role at North Austin Animal Hospital, Dr. Peña serves as the veterinarian for the Austin Nature and Science Center, an exotic pet and wildlife sanctuary, as well as the Austin Bat Refuge. Her professional interests include exotic animal medicine and surgery.

Outside of work, Dr. Peña enjoys running and hiking. She shares her home with her two dogs, Kalika and Tank, several fluffy Silkie chickens, and her pet tarantulas.