The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine has welcomed Dr. Mary Songster as an assistant clinical professor in the UGA Pet Health Center, a Stanton Spectrum of Care Clinic. Originally from western New York, Dr. Songster earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from North Carolina State University. She brings experience in both academia and clinical practice ownership and will use her expertise to support and expand services within the College’s growing Pet Health Center.
Get to know Dr. Songster:
Where is your hometown?
Frewsburg, NY — a tiny town approximately an hour and a half southwest of Buffalo, New York
What was your Undergraduate Degree?
State University of New York College at Cortland, B.S. in Biology and Chemistry
What are your veterinary interests?
Companion animal dentistry, behavior and low stress handling, dermatology, client education, collaborative care, anesthesia and pain management
Any special licensing or degrees?
M.A.Ed in Educational Psychology from Virginia Tech in December 2025
UGA CVM Teaching Certification Program 2023-2024
Previous veterinary/animal care experiences?
I came to UGA from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine where I was an Assistant Clinical Professor of Community Practice for nearly three years. Prior to entering academia, I owned my own small animal veterinary practice, Pioneer Paws Veterinary Clinic, in Chaffee, NY, a clinic that I started from scratch in 2009. Prior to practice ownership, I worked in several veterinary practices around western New York state as an associate for several years after graduating from veterinary school.
Do you have any pets?
My family and I own three cats and three horses currently. However, we have had lots of pets over the years!
The three cats are Lindsay, a nearly 20-year-old black and white long-haired matriarch that has chronic kidney disease and nasal lymphoma but still has a good quality of life and rules the roost; and the two babies of the family – Edit (Eddie) and Jamie are both nearly 7-year-old littermate brother and sister that we still call the kittens. They are named after the characters on the TV show “Blue Bloods”.
Our horses are Joey, a 23-year-old Standardbred retired harness racehorse; Kaine, an 18-year-old Morgan; and Brave, a 40-ish year old POA (Pony of the Americas) which looks like a miniature version of an Appaloosa horse.
Hobbies?
I enjoy horseback riding, taking care of my horses, hiking, biking, swimming, and reading. I also enjoy spending time with my husband of 32 years and my adult kiddos.
Anything else you’d like to share about yourself?
I completed a Ironman triathlon in 2017! To celebrate I obtained my first, last, and only tattoo that says, “If you believe in yourself, anything is possible”. And I have used that saying to sum up how I feel about teaching and mentoring veterinary students. I never dreamed I would be this lucky in life, but I truly believe I have the three best jobs in the world: being a mom, a wife, and a teacher and mentor to our exceptionally talented veterinary students. I feel blessed to be welcomed into the Bulldog family!
