Dr. Amy Haarstad grew up in Maple Grove, Minnesota. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. After undergrad, she attended veterinary school at North Carolina State University and received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree in 2001. The following year, she completed a rotating internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at Purdue University. Dr. Haarstad then returned to the Twin Cities to work at a small animal practice.

While working as a primary care doctor, Dr. Haarstad grew more interested in allergies and dermatology. Additionally, she enjoyed the opportunity to develop relationships with pets and their owners, providing expertise and support in their ongoing care. As a result, Dr. Haarstad decided to combine these passions and become a veterinary dermatology and allergy specialist.

After nine years in general practice, Dr. Haarstad participated in a three-year veterinary dermatology residency at McKeever Dermatology Clinics. She was board certified by the American College of Veterinary Dermatology (ACVD) in 2014, and officially started Haarstad Veterinary Dermatology in the fall of 2017.

Outside of her veterinary work, Dr. Haarstad enjoys playing volleyball and spending time with her husband, Steve, and their three daughters. She also loves playing with her own pets, which include two dogs (Levi and Sakari), a cat (Luna), and four gerbils. One of Dr. Haarstad’s favorite activities is the annual trip she and her family take to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA).

Dr. Emily Claire Strzok grew up in Duluth, MN. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN. Dr. Strzok attended veterinary school at the University of Minnesota and received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree in 2013. The following year, she completed a Small Animal rotating internship at Iowa State University.

Dr. Strzok worked as a small animal veterinarian in various Minnesota locations including St. Paul and Duluth. During this time, Dr. Strzok developed a strong passion for dermatology and allergies. Dr. Strzok enjoyed the relationships she formed with her patients and their families along with improving animals' comfort and quality of lives.

After 5 years in general practice, Dr. Strzok embarked on her veterinary dermatology career. Dr. Strzok completed a one-year dermatology specialty internship at the University of Georgia in Athens. Dr. Strzok then participated in a three-year dermatology residency at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Hospital in St. Paul. She was board certified by the American College of Veterinary Dermatology (ACVD) in 2022 and started with Haarstad Veterinary Dermatology that same year.

Outside of her work, Dr. Strzok enjoys spending time with family and friends along with exploring the outdoors on foot, cross country skis and snowshoes. Dr. Strzok has 2 little dogs, Diesel and Theodore, that she loves to spoil.

Photo by Tammy Taylor Photography