About Lee Pickett

Lee Pickett

Lee Pickett

Veterinarian Lee Pickett, VMD, practices companion animal medicine in North Carolina and writes “Ask the Vet,” a weekly veterinary advice column. In addition, she writes magazine articles on pet health care and volunteers with animal shelters, rescue groups, agricultural organizations and emergency response teams.

Dr. Pickett developed and taught a course on Veterinary Medicine for Pet People and co-founded PetNet to provide foster care for animals affected by domestic violence. She is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Dr. A. Wayne Mountan Memorial Media Award from the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association, the Maxwell Medal from the Dog Writers Association of America, and the University of Pennsylvania Mikus Prize for “proficiency in the practice of veterinary medicine and upholding the principles of veterinary medical ethics.” She was profiled in a Philadelphia magazine cover story on Great Vets and has appeared on television news segments and animal shows.

She graduated from Hartwick College and the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.

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Secure Dog in Vehicle for Safety Jan 15, 2026

Q: My partner and I disagree about whether our dog June should ride loose in the back seat of the car or sit in the front seat, where she's usually on the passenger's lap or between us. What's your advice? A: It's safest for both you and June if she ... Read More

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New Year's Resolutions Help Pets Live Longer, Healthier Lives Jan 08, 2026

Q: I love my dog, Jack, and my cat, Annie. They are important members of my family, and I want to keep them with me as long as possible. What are the best ways to help them live long, healthy, happy lives? A: This is the ideal time to make your New Y... Read More

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Welcome New Puppy After the Holidays Jan 01, 2026

Q: Our daughter, who recently bought her first house, has been talking about getting a puppy. She will be hosting Hanukkah this year, and we'd love to see her face when a cute little puppy sporting a big blue bow springs from the box we give her. How... Read More

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Don't Use Dog Flea Prevention on Cat Dec 25, 2025

Q: I have a nine-pound cat named Beauty and a five-pound Chihuahua named Beast. Is it OK for me to apply half of Beast's monthly flea and tick preventive to his skin and the other half to Beauty's skin? That way, I could cut my monthly cost for flea/... Read More