Dr. Baker's Biography

Dr. Paula Baker has practiced medicine at Allandale Veterinary Clinic since 1985. She became the practice owner in 2002. This new role fulfills a lifelong dream to have an enriching career practicing high quality veterinary medicine as well as having a positive impact on the local community. She knew from an early age that she wanted to work with animals. Growing up in Houston, she spent her early teen years pet sitting neighbors pets until she was old enough to get a job at a veterinary hospital at age 16. She learned veterinary medicine from the ground up, working in the kennel and as a receptionist, assistant and technician.

Dr. Baker did her undergraduate and graduate studies at Texas A&M, graduating from the College of Veterinary Medicine in 1985. She continues to maintain a high standard of practice by participating in over 30 hours of continuing education programs throughout the year both locally and nationally. Dr. Baker is a proud member of several veterinary organizations including the Texas Veterinary Medical Association, The American Veterinary Medical Association, the Association of Veterinary Practitioners, and is a past-president of the Capitol Veterinary Medical Association.

Dr. Baker has a special interest in internal medicine and cancer therapy. She stays up to date on new advances and treatments by participating in the Veterinary Information Network, a network of online veterinarians and specialists who share ideas and cases. Her chief concerns are with the well being of the pet and improving their quality of life when dealing with aging and chronic illness problems. She is also a skilled surgeon who enjoys a challenging case.

Dr. Baker, in addition to serving the health care needs of the pets in the Allandale area is a recognizable face at many school and neighborhood functions. Having 2 children active in sports, she has sponsored many athletic teams and events at McCallum, Lamar and the Northwest Little League. She frequently is asked to speak to local elementary and preschool students on the importance of responsible pet ownership. In addition to being a Girl Scout herself for over 20 years, she was a Girl Scout leader to daughter Alyssa's troop for 10 years. Dr. Baker has enjoyed seeing her troop develop from young first graders to fine young women. She believes the high adventure activities of camping, rock climbing, caving and rappelling her troop participated in, help establish an "I can do or be anything" attitude in the girls and they are all following their dreams. Her own daughter is attending Texas A&M studying in Ocean Engineering and is an officer in the scuba club as well as being active in other leadership organizations and concert band.

Son, Bradley, is a talented football player for the McCallum Knights, making varsity as a sophomore, he will graduate from McCallum High School in 2010. Husband, Steve, is a Lieutenant with the Austin Police Department and is also very active with the neighborhood schools and has coached many baseball teams at Northwest little league.

As a family, the Bakers enjoy several outdoor activities like camping, hiking, traveling, skiing, and scuba diving. They have a variety of pets including one dog, two cats and an Amazon parrot who is over 24 yrs old.

Dr. Baker loves the Austin area and looks forward to staying in the Allandale community serving both its pet and people population through continued involvement in her many activities.