If your dog or cat has been diagnosed with cancer, or you suspect cancer, having the right specialist matters. Veterinary Cancer Care is a privately owned, integrative oncology practice in Santa Fe, NM, founded in 2004 by Dr. Jeannette M. Kelly, the only board-certified veterinary oncologist in the Santa Fe region. We provide diagnostics, treatment, and ongoing cancer management for all types of cancer in dogs and cats, with a focus on comfort and quality of life.
No referral is required, to ensure our care remains accessible to all who need it. Our mission is to combine advanced cancer treatment with compassionate, family-centered care, giving families clear information and meaningful choices at every step.
Quick Takeaway
- Board-certified veterinary oncologist: Dr. Jeannette M. Kelly, one of the few board-certified veterinary oncologist in the Santa Fe region
- Integrative treatment plans: conventional therapies combined with nutritional, herbal, and holistic care
- No referral required: schedule directly, whether you have a diagnosis or are seeking a second opinion
- Clients stay with pets: open-concept clinic designed for family-centered care
- Phone access 12 hours per day, five days per week: direct communication with your care team
What Does a Veterinary Oncologist in Santa Fe, NM Do?
A veterinary oncologist is a veterinarian with advanced training in diagnosing and treating cancer in animals. Board certification requires additional residency training and passing a rigorous specialty exam.
At our clinic, Dr. Kelly diagnoses and treats all types of cancer in dogs and cats, including lymphoma, mast cell tumors, osteosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, soft tissue sarcomas, mammary tumors, and oral tumors. Each treatment plan is individualized based on tumor type, stage, your pet’s overall health, and your family’s goals. Cancer care may include:
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Targeted therapies
- Surgical coordination
- Nutritional and integrative therapies
- Palliative care and remission monitoring
Every recommendation is personalized. We focus on extending quality time, not just prolonging life. Summary: Cancer treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Our role is to explain options clearly and help you make informed decisions.
What Is Integrative Veterinary Oncology?
Integrative oncology combines conventional cancer treatments with holistic and supportive therapies. The goal is to treat the disease while also strengthening the patient’s overall health.
At Veterinary Cancer Care, we individualize every treatment plan and focus on the root cause of illness rather than addressing only symptoms. This approach gives families more options and greater flexibility in how they manage their pet’s cancer care. Our integrative approach may include:
- Conventional chemotherapy protocols
- Nutritional strategies
- Herbal or complementary therapies when appropriate
- Pain management strategies
- Lifestyle adjustments
- Immunotherapy
Some of the most effective treatments in veterinary oncology were originally developed for human patients or for other conditions in animals. When a medication is used outside its original FDA-approved indication, it is considered off-label. In veterinary medicine, this is common, legally permitted, and often supported by published research and clinical experience.
This connection between human and veterinary cancer research, sometimes called One Health, is central to how we approach treatment planning and why we stay current with advances in both fields.
When we recommend an off-label treatment, we explain the reasoning, available evidence, potential benefits, and possible risks so you can make a fully informed decision before proceeding.
Why This Matters Integrative care treats the whole patient. By combining conventional and supportive therapies, we can often improve comfort, tolerance, and outcomes beyond what a single approach offers.
What Happens During Your First Oncology Consultation?
Your first visit is a detailed consultation and exam. We review your pet’s medical records, imaging, biopsy results, and lab work. Dr. Kelly performs a physical examination and discusses diagnostic recommendations or treatment options based on her findings.
Some families begin treatment the same day, while others prefer a consultation only. There is no obligation to proceed with therapy.
Step-by-Step: First Visit Process
- Medical record review
- Physical exam
- Discussion of diagnosis
- Explanation of treatment options
- Cost overview
- Decision-making at your pace
First visits typically last 60 to 90 minutes. We emphasize education so you feel confident in your choices, and we provide a written summary of recommendations to take home and review.
Summary: Expect clarity, options, and time to ask questions.
Do You Need a Referral to See a Veterinary Oncologist in Santa Fe?
No. You do not need a referral to schedule an appointment with us. Many clients come directly after receiving a diagnosis from their primary veterinarian. Others are referred by local veterinary clinics. We welcome both self-referred and veterinarian-referred patients, including families seeking a second opinion before making treatment decisions.
We also coordinate care with your regular veterinarian for follow-up appointments. This is especially helpful for families traveling from outside Santa Fe. We regularly work with pet owners from across New Mexico and neighboring states, and we structure shared-care plans so that routine monitoring can often be handled closer to home while we continue directing the overall treatment protocol.
What Makes Veterinary Cancer Care Different from Corporate Specialty Clinics?
We are privately owned. That allows flexibility in treatment planning and scheduling.
Our clinic environment is open-concept and home-like. Clients stay with their pets through most appointments and treatments, because we believe families should be together during care.
Here is a simplified comparison:
| Feature | Veterinary Cancer Care | Corporate Specialty Clinic |
| Ownership | Privately owned | Corporate-owned |
| Treatment Approach | Integrative and individualized | Often protocol-driven |
| Client Access | Phone access 12 hours/day, five days per week. Weekend and holiday messages monitored throughout the day. | Limited call-back systems |
| Appointment Speed | Rapid scheduling when possible | May require longer waits |
| Environment | Open-concept, family-centered | Hospital-style setting |
Pricing is generally comparable to other specialty clinics, though it may be slightly higher due to individualized care.
Prioritizing Quality of Life in Veterinary Cancer Treatment
Quality of life guides every recommendation we make. Our goal is to maintain comfort, appetite, mobility, and engagement with family.
We assess:
- Pain levels
- Energy and activity
- Appetite
- Emotional well-being
- Side effect tolerance
We also pay attention to how our clients are doing personally. A pet’s cancer journey affects the whole family, and we take that into account throughout treatment.
Cancer therapy in pets is generally administered at more conservative doses than in human oncology. Many dogs and cats tolerate chemotherapy well, with fewer severe side effects.
If treatment decreases quality of life, we adjust protocols promptly.
Summary: We measure success by how your pet feels, not just by test results.
Schedule a Consultation at Veterinary Cancer Care
If your pet has been diagnosed with cancer or you suspect cancer, scheduling a consultation is the first step.
Bring:
- Medical records
- Lab results
- Imaging reports
- Biopsy findings, if available
We will review everything and outline realistic options.
Clear Next Steps
- Call our clinic to schedule an appointment
- Submit records in advance
- Prepare questions about goals and budget
No referral is needed, and there is no obligation to proceed with treatment. At Veterinary Cancer Care, we provide expert oncology care with honesty, clarity, and compassion at every step. If you are seeking a veterinary oncologist in Santa Fe, NM, contact us at (505) 982-4492 or schedule online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you treat my pet’s specific type of cancer?
Yes. We diagnose and treat all types of cancer in dogs and cats, including lymphoma, mast cell tumors, osteosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, soft tissue sarcomas, mammary tumors, oral tumors, lung tumors, and many rare malignancies. Your pet’s cancer type, stage, and overall health determine the treatment options we recommend.
Cancer is not one disease. It behaves differently depending on tumor biology, grade, location, and whether it has spread. During your consultation, we review all available diagnostics and discuss prognosis, realistic timelines, expected response rates, and quality-of-life considerations so you can make informed decisions.
Do I need a referral from my regular veterinarian?
No. You do not need a referral to schedule an appointment with our board-certified veterinary oncologist in Santa Fe, NM. You can contact Veterinary Cancer Care directly, whether your pet has just received a diagnosis or you are seeking a second opinion before making treatment decisions. While referrals from primary veterinarians are common, they are not required. We welcome both self-referred and veterinarian-referred patients.
What is chemotherapy like for dogs and cats?
Most dogs, and many cats, tolerate chemotherapy well. Approximately 75 to 85 percent of canine patients experience only mild, temporary side effects such as decreased appetite, mild nausea, or low energy for one to three days after treatment. Serious complications occur in a small percentage of cases and are monitored through routine bloodwork.
Veterinary chemotherapy uses lower, carefully calculated doses than human oncology. Treatment is typically administered as an injection or infusion at our clinic, with visits scheduled every one to three weeks. We monitor comfort closely and adjust doses as needed. Our goal is remission or tumor control without making your pet feel consistently unwell.
What are signs my dog or cat might have cancer?
Common warning signs include unexplained lumps or swelling, sudden weight loss, persistent loss of appetite, lethargy, difficulty breathing, changes in bathroom habits, wounds that do not heal, and unusual bleeding or discharge. In some cases there are no obvious symptoms, and cancer is discovered during routine bloodwork or imaging.
Not every lump or behavioral change indicates cancer, but early detection improves treatment options. If you notice anything unusual, contact your primary veterinarian for an initial evaluation. If cancer is suspected or confirmed, you can schedule a consultation with us directly. No referral is needed.
I live far away. Will you work with my local veterinarian?
Yes. We regularly coordinate care with local veterinarians for families who travel to Santa Fe for oncology services. Once your pet’s treatment plan is established, routine bloodwork, some monitoring exams, and oral medications can often be handled by your primary veterinarian under our written guidance.
We provide detailed treatment summaries including drug names, dosing schedules, and monitoring parameters. We remain available by phone during business hours if your veterinarian has questions. Each shared-care plan is individualized to balance medical oversight with practical travel considerations.
Do you offer radiation therapy?
We do not provide radiation therapy at our Santa Fe facility. When radiation is part of a recommended treatment plan, we refer families to established regional specialty centers with the appropriate equipment and remain involved in your pet’s overall oncology care throughout that process.
During your consultation, we explain when radiation may be beneficial, expected outcomes, and travel considerations so you have the information you need before making a decision.
How much does cancer treatment for pets typically cost?
Cost varies based on cancer type, stage, required diagnostics, and the selected treatment plan. During your first visit, we provide a detailed written estimate for each recommended option so you understand the financial commitment before proceeding.
Initial costs typically include the consultation, exam, and treatment planning. Chemotherapy costs depend on the drug protocol, your pet’s size, and treatment frequency. We also discuss palliative care options when appropriate. Our goal is transparency — realistic ranges and clear explanations so you can make informed decisions.