Dr. Kristen Dienst graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2019. Prior to this, she completed three years of a Bachelor of Science in Animal Biology at the University of Guelph. She has always loved animals and science, and after completing a high school co-op placement at a veterinary clinic, she knew that veterinary medicine was the career for her! 

Dr. Dienst has a particular interest in avian and exotic medicine, and is excited to be treating all types of furry, feathered and scaly friends at the Animal Hospital of High Park. She also has a passion for international veterinary medicine, and has spent time volunteering with wildlife and companion animals in Southeast Asia, Africa and Australia throughout vet school.

Originally from Ajax Ontario, Dr. Dienst now lives in downtown Toronto with her dog Lyra, cat Oliver, and bearded dragon Matilda. Lyra is a scruffy terrier mix rescued from Texas, and she accompanies Dr. Dienst to the clinic every day, where she gets lots of treats and belly rubs from the staff! In her spare time, Dr. Dienst volunteers with the veterinary team at the Toronto Wildlife Centre. She also enjoys traveling, being outdoors in nature, reading, yoga, cooking, thrift shopping, and spending time with friends and family.