Dr. Lauren Thielen, a celebrated avian and exotic animal veterinarian, has captivated audiences through her work on Nat Geo Wild’s “Dr. K’s Exotic Animal ER” and her spin-off “Dr. T, Lone Star Vet.” Born on August 3, 1987, in Fort Worth, Texas, she is 38 years old in 2025. Her estimated net worth surpasses $300,000, built from her veterinary salary, TV appearances, and ownership of Texas Avian & Exotic Hospital. Currently not married, she is reportedly dating exotic vet Nicola Di Girolamo. Standing at 5 feet 4 inches in height and maintaining a healthy weight through active hobbies like jiu-jitsu, Thielen is a role model for exotic pet care.
Early Life and Education: Foundations of an Exotic Vet Career
Growing up in Fort Worth, Texas, Dr. Lauren Thielen developed a unique passion for exotic animals, setting her apart from peers focused on traditional pets. She graduated from Fossil Ridge High School in 2005 and pursued a Bachelor of Science in Biology-Chemistry at Midwestern State University, completing it in 2009. Her veterinary journey culminated with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from Texas A&M University in 2013, where she gained hands-on experience at zoos like Nashville Zoo and Fossil Rim Wildlife Center.
A defining moment came during a trip to Peru, where Thielen worked with macaws in the Amazon rainforest. “Exotic animals teach you to adapt—each species is a puzzle,” she shared, reflecting on how these experiences shaped her approach to avian and exotic medicine. This global exposure, rare for many vet students, fueled her drive to specialize in underrepresented fields.
Career Milestones: From TV Fame to Academic and Clinical Leadership
Thielen’s career took off in 2014 when she joined “Dr. K’s Exotic Animal ER” as an intern at Broward Avian and Exotic Animal Hospital in Florida, treating diverse species under Dr. Susan Kelleher. The show’s October premiere showcased her skill with emergencies, from parrots to primates. By 2016, she completed a two-year avian residency at the Veterinary Center for Birds & Exotics in New York, earning certification as an avian specialist.
In 2019, Thielen launched Texas Avian & Exotic Hospital in Grapevine, Texas, and starred in “Dr. T, Lone Star Vet,” highlighting cases like repairing a turtle’s fractured shell. By 2020, she achieved Diplomate status with the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in avian practice. Now a Clinical Assistant Professor at Cornell University in 2025, she also consults at the University of Miami’s Avian & Wildlife Laboratory, balancing academia with her Texas practice.
Her salary, around $77,000 annually for exotic vets, is boosted by TV earnings of $1,500 per episode and hospital revenue. Thielen’s mentorship is notable: “Exotic vet care must reach beyond zoos to everyday pet owners,” she emphasizes, addressing the specialist shortage in rural areas.
Net Worth, Salary, Height, and Weight: Financial and Physical Profile
Dr. Thielen’s net worth exceeds $300,000, driven by her veterinary practice, TV roles, and hospital ownership. Her salary aligns with the U.S. average for exotic vets at $77,000, though academic positions and media work likely increase this. At 5 feet 4 inches in height and a fit weight maintained through hiking and jiu-jitsu, she promotes wellness for both herself and pet owners, noting that obesity in rabbits and birds is a growing issue.
Her financial success mirrors a trend where TV exposure can double clinic revenues, a unique insight into how media elevates specialized veterinary practices. Thielen’s active lifestyle also informs her patient care, advocating for enriched environments to reduce stress in exotic pets.
Personal Life: Married Status, Dating, and Hobbies
Dr. Thielen is not married but is reportedly dating Nicola Di Girolamo, an exotic vet and professor, a relationship sparked by shared professional passions after her 2014 split with Sean Samaniego. As the only child of Steve and Gretchen Thielen, she remains close to her Texas roots.
Her household includes pets like Theo (cat), Evie (parrot), and rabbits Livvy and Benjamin, reflecting her expertise. Hobbies such as jiu-jitsu, hiking, skiing, and rock climbing keep her balanced. “A clear mind helps me tackle complex cases,” she’s said, offering a relatable perspective on managing vet burnout.
Case Studies and Unique Contributions: Impact in Exotic Veterinary Medicine
Thielen’s work shines through real-world cases, like treating Sammie, a Timneh African grey parrot with respiratory issues, using diet adjustments to achieve full recovery—a solution addressing the 70% of exotic birds affected by poor nutrition. Another case involved Nala, a hedgehog with quill loss, where Thielen’s environmental enrichment led to regrowth, now a teaching tool at Cornell.
Her innovative use of sedatives like midazolam reduces handling stress in birds by up to 50%, per her hospital’s data, improving outcomes. Thielen’s advocacy for accessible exotic care stands out: “Owners shouldn’t drive hours for a specialist,” she argues, pushing for more training programs to bridge gaps in care.
Explore more on her Facebook, Instagram @dr.laurenthielen, Twitter @DrTexotics, or visit Texas Avian & Exotic. See Wikipedia on Dr. T, Lone Star Vet for show insights.
| Biography Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dr. Lauren Thielen |
| Birth Date | August 3, 1987 |
| Age (2025) | 38 years old |
| Birthplace | Fort Worth, Texas, USA |
| High School | Fossil Ridge High School (2005) |
| Undergraduate | Midwestern State University, BS Biology-Chemistry (2009) |
| Veterinary Degree | Texas A&M University DVM (2013) |
| Internship | Broward Avian and Exotic Animal Hospital, Florida (2013-2014) |
| Residency | Veterinary Center for Birds & Exotics, New York (2014-2016) |
| Certification | Diplomate ABVP Avian Practice (2020) |
| Key TV Shows | “Dr. K’s Exotic Animal ER” (2014-present), “Dr. T, Lone Star Vet” (2019) |
| Hospital Founded | Texas Avian & Exotic Hospital, Grapevine, TX (2019) |
| Current Role | Clinical Assistant Professor, Cornell University |
| Adjunct Position | University of Miami Avian & Wildlife Laboratory |
| Net Worth Estimate | Over $300,000 |
| Annual Salary | Approx. $77,000+ |
| Marital Status | Not married |
| Dating | Nicola Di Girolamo (exotic vet) |
| Height | 5 feet 4 inches |
| Weight | Slim build (fit via active lifestyle) |
| Pets Owned | Cat (Theo), Parrot (Evie), Rabbits (Livvy, Benjamin) |
| Hobbies | Jiu-jitsu, hiking, skiing, rock climbing |
| Social Media | Facebook, Instagram @dr.laurenthielen, Twitter @DrTexotics |
| Unique Contribution | Mentoring in exotic medicine, sedation techniques for birds |
