Undergrad: University of Texas at Austin
Veterinary School: Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Aziz graduated with a Bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Austin before pursuing a DVM at Tufts. She received multiple scholarships during her undergraduate studies and a four-year scholarship for veterinary school.
Dr. Aziz completed an internship at the ASPCA Animal Hospital before securing the only shelter medicine residency available in the U.S. at the time through UC Davis' Koret Shelter Medicine Program. Her impressive career trajectory includes roles as an outreach veterinarian at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Shelter Medicine Program, Medical Director at the Austin Humane Society, and Senior Director of Shelter Medicine at the ASPCA. Dr. Aziz currently serves as an outreach veterinarian at UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program.
As one of only 37 board-certified shelter medicine specialists in the country, Dr. Aziz has become a leader in advancing the field, speaking internationally from Alaska to Bhutan, and contributing to research, guidelines, and textbook chapters on topics ranging from feline wellbeing to veterinary vaccinology. She served on the Association of Shelter Veterinarians' board for five years, completing her term as Board President. Her professional interests include supporting shelters in keeping pets and families together, managing infectious disease outbreaks, and performing spay/neuter surgery.
Dr. Aziz’s current work as a UC Davis shelter medicine consultant emphasizes creating collaborative, client-focused solutions for shelters and communities. Her approach prioritizes open dialogue and tailored support, whether she’s advising shelter staff, policymakers, or neighborhood volunteers.
Beyond her professional roles, Dr. Aziz dedicates significant time to mentoring college students, guiding them through veterinary school applications and balancing academics with personal challenges, and securing unique hands-on veterinary experiences. Her insights into admissions criteria inform her mentorship, as she emphasizes the importance of both clinical competencies and interpersonal skills valued by veterinary programs. Dr. Aziz’s goal for each student is to empower them to recognize and hone their strengths while building the confidence needed to overcome any challenges they face.