Today we’d like to introduce you to Roberta Westbrook.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up always knowing that I would work with animals in some capacity. My grandparents had a farm in Elgin, Texas and during the summers, my siblings and I loved nothing more than roaming around the property feeding the chickens, watching the pigs roll around in the mud, and admiring Papa as he worked with his favorite horse named “Red”. Years later, after graduating from Prairie View A&M University with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, I began my childhood dream of working with animals by attending veterinary school. I graduated from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine in 2004 and returned to Houston to begin my career in small animal general practice in the Atascocita/Humble area. It was during those early years that I discovered a deep passion for surgery, especially spay and neuter, and became increasingly aware of the impact pet overpopulation has on our communities. That realization led me into shelter medicine, where I found my calling caring for vulnerable animals, while also working to prevent homelessness before it begins through spay/neuter services. Along the way, I’ve been fortunate to combine clinical practice with the formal education and mentoring of veterinary technology students and veterinary medical students. Helping others grow in their skills has been just as rewarding to me as practicing medicine, and it reinforced my belief that education and collaboration are essential to advancing animal welfare. Today, I’m proud to focus on expanding access to affordable veterinary care through PetSet’s mobile spay and neuter program and by supporting shelters and nonprofit organizations. Serving the community through spay/neuter services is so rewarding. It allows me to use my knowledge of medicine and surgery knowing immediately that I made a difference. Every step of my journey has been guided by the same simple goal: to use my skills to improve the lives of animals, and support the people who care for them.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I feel incredibly blessed that my career path has been a smooth one. I believe that’s because I’ve always tried to let my passion for animal welfare—and my faith—guide my decisions. Each career move has been driven by the desire to be helpful and make a difference, which has brought me a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment.
That doesn’t mean the work has been without challenges. Animal welfare can be emotionally demanding because the need is so great. There are always more animals and families who need help than any one organization can serve. One of the biggest challenges is helping people understand that reducing pet homelessness requires a community-wide commitment through education on responsible pet ownership, accessible preventive care like spay and neuter, and support for the people and pets who need it most.
While there have been obstacles along the way, they’ve only strengthened my commitment to finding collaborative, compassionate solutions that improve the lives of both animals and the people who love them.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Today, my work is centered on expanding access to high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter services through PetSet, where we help prevent pet homelessness by reducing the number of unwanted litters in underserved communities. My days include spaying and neutering between 30 and 35 dogs and cats. I work with a knowledgeable and compassionate team of veterinary technicians and a customer service representative. We strive to make the surgical process smooth and comfortable for our patients and the humans who love them.
Throughout my career, I’ve become known not only for my work in high quality, high volume spay/neuter, shelter medicine and animal welfare, but also for educating and mentoring the next generation of veterinary professionals. One of my greatest joys has been teaching veterinary technology students, veterinary medical students, and aspiring veterinarians about shelter medicine, surgery, and the importance of accessible, preventive care.
What sets my work at PetSet apart is the belief that meaningful change is never accomplished alone. That perspective has taught me the value of humility, collaboration, and investing in others. I believe lasting progress in animal welfare happens when we work together, and I’m grateful to be part of the collective effort that PetSet has championed.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I’m excited about the future of veterinary medicine and animal welfare. Over the next five to ten years, I believe we’ll see an even greater emphasis on understanding the foundational issues that contribute to pet overpopulation and homelessness – particularly in Texas and other southern states – and the most effective ways to combat them.
I’m encouraged by the growing awareness of animal welfare within our communities. As more people become involved with their local shelters and understand the importance of initiatives like spay and neuter, fostering, and adoption, I believe we’ll make meaningful progress in reducing pet homelessness.
Pricing:
- There is a $20 non-refundable fee per pet. Each animal will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated for DHPP/FVRCP and rabies, and microchipped.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pet-set.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petset_tx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/petsettx
