Jerry Klein, DVM

For more than 30 years, Dr. Jerry Klein has been a veterinarian in the emergency room at Chicago’s largest veterinary emergency and critical care hospital, treating thousands of cats and dogs when they are most in need. In addition to his role as Emergency Department Head, Emeritus at MedVet Chicago, Dr. Klein is also the Chief Veterinary Officer of the American Kennel Club (AKC).

A leader in emergency veterinary medicine, Dr. Klein was at ground zero during the initial outbreak of the canine influenza virus H3N2 in Chicago in spring of 2015 when thousands of dogs were sickened. He played an instrumental role in identifying the disease and alerting the public to help minimize the spread of this highly-contagious illness. That year, he was also named America’s Favorite Veterinarian by the American Veterinary Medical Foundation

A thought leader in veterinary topics and in purebred dogs, Dr. Klein has served as chief spokesperson for the Chicago Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center, MedVet Chicago, and the American Kennel Club.

Dr. Klein obtained his first dog, a Wire Fox Terrier, from a pet shop when he was nine years old. He soon began showing his dog at AKC sponsored events. He eventually began to exhibit and breed generations of champion and best in show winning Afghan hounds, including Westminster Kennel Club and National breed winners. As a breeder, owner, handler and judge of purebred dogs. Dr. Klein has judged dog shows worldwide, including the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Show and the AKC National Championship.

Dr. Klein credits his passion for show dogs for his career in veterinary medicine.