Dr. Maria Cardona

Dr. Maria Cardona

Dr. Maria Cardona is a licensed Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), who graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, guided by a deep passion for animal welfare, service, and lifelong learning. Her academic and professional journey reflects a strong commitment to compassionate, high-quality veterinary care across species, with particular interests in small animals, equines, and shelter medicine.

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Equine Science from Colorado State University and completed her clinical year at Purdue University. Her academic dedication has been consistently recognized, including placement on the Dean’s List at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. She has complemented her formal education with specialized training through Loop Abroad, completing coursework in animal rescue, companion animal management, suturing techniques, prosthetics and biomedical engineering.

Dr. Cardona is Fear Free Certified, with training focused on small animal practice, shelter medicine, and equine handling, reinforcing her commitment to minimizing fear, anxiety, and stress while promoting positive experiences for both animals and the people who care for them. She continues to expand her skill set through ongoing education, including holistic animal studies and a canine massage certification, reflecting her interest in integrative and patient-centered approaches to veterinary medicine.

A strong advocate for service and teamwork, she has been deeply involved in volunteer work throughout her career. At Ross University, she served as both Junior and Senior Medical Coordinator for the Kennel Companions Club, where she worked closely with veterinarians to provide routine medical care, manage records, coordinate teams, and ensure the well-being of kennel dogs. Her volunteer experience also includes therapeutic riding programs and equestrian training centers, where she assisted with animal care, handling, and lesson support, as well as social service work with children—experiences that shaped her values of empathy, leadership, and service.

Outside of her academic and professional life, she is the proud human mom for a beautiful American Pitt bull terrier mix named Honey, who serves as a constant reminder of the importance of patience, trust, and compassionate care. She loves spending time outdoors, traveling, and exploring new foods, always eager to learn from the cultures and people she encounters. Looking ahead, she aspires to become a certified physical rehabilitator and to help as many animals as possible while continuing to grow through collaboration and global experiences.