Meet Our Staff

Dr. Dan earned his bachelor’s degree in biotechnology at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, known for its work in veterinary biomechanics. Prior to veterinary school, he performed research in AIDS-related diseases at Harvard Medical School. This included several months in Costa Rica studying dental infections in squirrel monkeys. He then received his doctorate from Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, where he is still active as president of the Alumni Board. While general practice remained his goal, he still elected to complete a one-year internship in advanced small animal medicine and surgery at Veterinary Specialists of Connecticut in 2002. During that time, he received additional training in a large number of advanced surgeries and diagnostics, which he put to use at a large emergency and referral clinic outside of Providence, Rhode Island, before taking over as Chief of Staff at a private hospital in 2005. He purchased Duxbury Animal Hospital in 2013 and has taken it through several upgrades and expansions during that time.

During the past several years, Dr. Dan has continued to expand his skills in advanced veterinary medicine. This includes ultrasound, digital imaging, dental surgery, laser surgery, endoscopy, critical care, and echocardiography. He continues to bring in specialized equipment, doctors, and staff to help provide more advanced care to local pets without the need to leave Duxbury.

His parents are still on the Cape and his sister has lived with her family in Plymouth for almost 20 years. A self-proclaimed history nerd, he loves the idea of walking the same ground as the Pilgrims and revisiting the many historic sites from his youth. He is heavily involved in alumni organizations that help guide young, aspiring veterinarians. Locally, he volunteers his services with the Standish Humane Society and NEADS, an organization that trains service dogs for people with physical disabilities. He is a regular supporter of many local organizations such as the Duxbury Rural and Historical Society and many student groups.

For fun, his activities reflect that of a true New Englander: skiing, hiking, golfing, tennis, kayaking, boating, swimming, scuba diving, fishing, and cycling. He also has a severe travel bug and has visited places around the globe. His favorites include Alaska, the Azores, and Ecuador, including the Amazon and the Galapagos.

For furry friends, he has a black Lab, Joe. Joe was retired early from the NEADS Prison Pups program due to a short attention span. He enjoys swimming, walking in the town forest, and sleeping.

Dr. Shepard had the privilege of growing up in the beautiful green mountains of Vermont. She spent her childhood hiking and biking through the mountains, and fishing and boating at her family camp on Peacham Pond in the northern part of that state.

Her exposure to the wild outdoors and curiosity about animal biology led her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science at the University of Vermont. While at UVM she applied and was selected for the Cooperative Real Education in Agricultural Management (CREAM) program which allows students to manage and participate in running a fully operational dairy herd. It was at UVM while milking cows at sunrise that she decided she loved animals and medicine, and would become a veterinarian.

Dr. Shepard attended the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in 2007 and completed her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2011. She also completed a small animal rotating internship at New England Animal Medical Center in 2012. The level of her excellence in care was such that she invited to remain there as a doctor in their advanced General Medicine division. During that time she received addition training and experience in many areas, particularly dental surgery, critical care, advanced internal medicine, and laser surgery. 

Dr. Shepard and her husband bought a home in Duxbury in 2013 knowing that this was a town where they wanted to raise their new family. She is thrilled to have many years ahead practicing medicine and caring for the animals in this progressive community that she has quickly grown to love. She actively participates in the Duxbury Newcomers Club, and is also an involved room parent at her daughters’ school.

For fun, she loves taking her daughters to Duxbury Beach in the summer, and skating on the ponds in the winter time. She and her husband enjoy playing tennis, dinners on the beach, and walking on the Duxbury bogs during the cranberry harvest. She has a sweet black lab named Jedi, and an adorable wirehaired dachshund named Jyn Erso. 

Dr. Danielle Martin grew up right here in Duxbury! She attended Colby College for her undergraduate degree and went on to receive her doctorate from St George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine. After living and working in the Caribbean and Hawaii for a number of years, she has come back home to be closer to family and friends. She has done a lot of work with rescues and shelters throughout her career and still volunteers her services in Puerto Rico whenever possible.

When not working, she enjoys outdoor activities with her 3 dogs and exploring all the beaches and trails that Massachusetts has to offer.

Dr. Baker received his undergraduate degree from the University of Miami before pursuing his Doctorate at St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine with clinical training at the North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. He completed an Internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at the New England Animal Medical Center where he remained to train future classes of interns while practicing Emergency and Critical Care medicine for the next 10 years. He also has a heavy interest in research and care in aquatic medicine where he has been published for his work at some of the most prestigious aquariums around the US, including the New England Aquarium and the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago.  

While much of his free time is dedicated to his wife and 4 children, Dr. Baker also enjoys skiing, scuba diving, golf, and playing the drums. His extended family includes a golden retriever, a Havanese, a rabbit, and tropical fish.