Our Veterinarians At Barker Animal Hospital

At the age of five, Dr. Sarah Barker learned what a veterinarian is and what they do. Having grown up around dogs, cats, and horses, she knew instantly that it was her true calling. From that point on, Dr. Barker vowed to make a difference in the lives of animals through the power of medicine. Now, her journey has come full circle: she’s the proud owner of Barker Animal Hospital!

Dr. Barker’s first employers included her hometown’s veterinary clinic and the local horse barn, where she worked as a stable hand throughout high school. She attended Arizona State University to earn her undergraduate degree in pre-veterinary medicine and agribusiness, continuing to expand her skill set and knowledge by working as an Assistant at nearby veterinary hospitals during her time away from classes. Next, Dr. Barker attended Ross University’s School of Veterinary Medicine in the Caribbean and completed her final clinical year at Texas A&M University to obtain her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine.

After working as a veterinarian for nine rewarding years, Dr. Barker was ready to make a change and expand her ability to help pets and their loving owners. That’s when she decided to pursue her longtime dream and open her very own clinic—that’s when Barker Animal Hospital was born. Her favorite part of her work every day is the relationship-building she gets to do with her clients and patients; nothing beats providing the support they need to lead full, happy lives together.

When she’s not here at the hospital, Dr. Barker enjoys camping and spending time with her family and pets. She and her husband, Michael, have two wonderful children named Ethan and Sadie, as well as multiple animal companions: Kitty, a domestic shorthair cat who loves to steal a nap in any visitor’s lap; Phoenix, the playful Boston Terrier; and Goldendoodle puppy named Brownie who puts up with anything the kids drag him into.

Growing up in southwest Pennsylvania, Dr. Aimee Shields has always been fascinated by physiology and medicine. She also has a profound passion for animals. What better way to combine those interests and passions than in veterinary medicine? Today, Dr. Shields is thrilled to be able to use both science and compassion to truly make a difference in the lives of pets and their human companions!

Dr. Shields attended veterinary school at The Ohio State University and focused on mixed animal practice. She always loved New England (and the skiing and hiking there), so she began her job search there, landing in NH, where she practiced for many years. In 2020, she decided it was time to move closer to her family. She ultimately decided to join the Barker Animal Hospital team because she felt the doctors and staff practice quality, compassionate medicine with a sincere focus on the patients and clients as well. Dr. Shields earned her certification in Acupuncture (CVMA) in April 2024.

Professionally, Dr. Shields has a particular interest in dentistry and surgery cases. She is continuously inspired by the improvement in patients’ lives after treatment – especially when owners see a sudden, marked improvement. And, of course, she has a special affinity for puppy and kitten wellness visits. After all – who doesn’t love a chance to snuggle with a cute pup or kitten?

Outside of the clinic, Dr. Shields lives with her husband, their daughter, and a sweet Chihuahua named Lucy, whom they rescued from a hoarding situation in January 2020. Dr. Shields had been planning to work on Lucy’s lack of socialization, however, the pandemic altered her training plan. Fortunately, Lucy really enjoys 6 feet of social distancing and sees no need to do anything differently.

When she’s not practicing medicine, Dr. Shields enjoys biking, hiking, training and working with her dogs, spending time with her family, and cooking.