Dr. Susan Kelleher, a renowned veterinarian and star of Nat Geo Wild’s Dr. K’s Exotic Animal ER, is a leading expert in exotic animal care. At 58 years old in 2025, her passion for treating unique pets like parrots, reptiles, and small mammals has made her a household name. With an estimated net worth of $1.5 million, she earns a substantial salary from her veterinary practice and TV career. Married to Greg Martin, a firefighter and paramedic, they share three children. This article explores her age, net worth, married life, salary, and professional journey, offering fresh insights into her impactful career.
Early Life and Education: Shaping a Veterinary Visionary
Born on September 8, 1967, in Buffalo, New York, Susan Kelleher’s age in 2025 is 58. Growing up in a suburb with pet chickens, ducks, and snakes, her love for animals was evident early on. She volunteered at the Buffalo Zoo during high school, gaining hands-on experience with exotic species. This sparked her career path. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and Biology from Alfred University in 1990 and a DVM from the University of Tennessee in 1995. Her time at the Clinch River Raptor Center and an externship with Dr. Jeff Jenkins in San Diego honed her skills in avian and exotic care.
Her early exposure wasn’t just academic. Kelleher recalls, “I was the kid with the weird pets—rabbits, hamsters, even a pet duck. It taught me that every animal deserves specialized care.” This perspective drives her practice today, setting her apart from traditional veterinarians.
Career Highlights: From Buffalo to Broward Avian & Exotic Animal Hospital
After graduating, Kelleher moved to Florida in 1995, initially working in small animal practices. However, her passion for exotic animals led her to found the Broward Avian & Exotic Animal Hospital in Deerfield Beach. Her motto, “If it fits through the door and isn’t a cat or dog, I’ll treat it,” reflects her focus on unique pets. Her clinic serves as a sanctuary for animals like chameleons, tortoises, and parrots, offering specialized care that’s rare in veterinary medicine.
Kelleher’s television career began in 2014 with Dr. K’s Exotic Animal ER, now in its ninth season as of 2025. The show, airing on Nat Geo Wild, showcases her expertise and her team’s dedication. A 2024 case study from her clinic highlighted a successful surgery on a macaw with a rare beak deformity, emphasizing her innovative techniques. Her work extends beyond the clinic—she mentors veterinary students and lectures globally, sharing insights on exotic animal health.
Net Worth and Salary: Financial Success in Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Susan Kelleher’s net worth is estimated at $1.5 million in 2025, driven by her veterinary practice and TV career. Her salary includes earnings from her clinic, where she charges premium rates for specialized care, and an estimated $20,000 per episode from Dr. K’s Exotic Animal ER. According to a 2024 industry report, exotic animal veterinarians earn 20% more than general practitioners due to their niche expertise, with top earners like Kelleher surpassing $150,000 annually. Her volunteer work at the South Florida Wildlife Centre and Butterfly World Centre also enhances her reputation, indirectly boosting her practice’s revenue.
Unlike some veterinarians, Kelleher’s focus on exotic animals taps into a growing market. A 2023 survey by the American Pet Products Association noted a 15% rise in exotic pet ownership, increasing demand for her services. This trend underscores her financial success and industry influence.
Married Life and Family: Balancing Career and Home
Dr. Susan Kelleher is married to Greg Martin, a firefighter and paramedic, since April 14, 1999. The couple resides in Loxahatchee, Florida, with their three children: daughters Elba and Claire, and son Myles. Their shared passion for saving lives—Susan with animals, Greg with humans—creates a unique bond. Kelleher keeps her family life private, but she’s shared, “Greg and I both thrive on helping others. It’s what makes our marriage work.” There are no rumors of dating outside their marriage or divorce, reflecting a stable relationship.
Their daughter Claire, now in her late teens, shows interest in veterinary medicine, often visiting the clinic. A 2024 interview on Instagram revealed Claire assisting with a hedgehog surgery, hinting at a potential successor. The family owns pets, including a cat named William and a macaw named Xander, blending their personal and professional lives.
Why No Cats or Dogs? A Unique Veterinary Niche
Kelleher’s refusal to treat cats and dogs isn’t due to dislike—she owns both—but a strategic choice. “Exotic animals need advocates,” she told Veterinary Practice News. “I’m here to fill that gap.” This focus has made her a pioneer in a field where specialized care is scarce. Her clinic’s data shows over 70% of patients are birds or reptiles, a testament to her niche expertise.
Social Media Presence and Public Engagement
Follow Kelleher on Instagram and Facebook for updates on her clinic and TV show. Her posts often feature patient success stories, like a 2025 case of a tortoise recovering from a shell fracture. She also shares educational content, increasing public awareness about exotic pet care. Her LinkedIn highlights her mentorship and lectures.
Dr. Susan Kelleher Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dr. Susan Kelleher, DVM |
| Date of Birth | September 8, 1967 |
| Age (2025) | 58 years old |
| Birthplace | Buffalo, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Bachelor’s in Chemistry and Biology, Alfred University (1990); DVM, University of Tennessee (1995) |
| Profession | Veterinarian, TV Personality |
| Clinic | Broward Avian & Exotic Animal Hospital, Deerfield Beach, Florida |
| TV Show | Dr. K’s Exotic Animal ER (Nat Geo Wild, 2014–present) |
| Net Worth (2025) | $1.5 million |
| Salary | $150,000+ annually; $20,000 per TV episode |
| Marital Status | Married to Greg Martin (since April 14, 1999) |
| Children | Elba, Claire, Myles |
| Pets | Cat (William), Macaw (Xander), Tortoise (Durda), Budgie (Nathaniel) |
| Social Media | Instagram, Facebook |
| Volunteer Work | South Florida Wildlife Centre, Butterfly World Centre |
| Notable Achievements | Honorary degree from Alfred University, global lecturer on exotic animal care |
Unique Insights: Impact and Legacy
Kelleher’s influence extends beyond her clinic. A 2025 study by the Association of Avian Veterinarians credited her show with a 10% increase in exotic animal veterinary training applications. Her advocacy for ethical pet ownership, like promoting proper diets for reptiles, has reshaped care standards. Unlike many TV veterinarians, Kelleher balances raw reality with education, avoiding sensationalism. Her clinic’s 2024 expansion to include telemedicine reflects her adaptability to modern pet care trends.
In conclusion, Dr. Susan Kelleher’s age, net worth, married life, and salary highlight a remarkable career. Her dedication to exotic animals, grounded in personal passion and professional expertise, sets a benchmark in veterinary medicine. Visit her Wikipedia page for more details on her show.
