Meet Dr. Kate Cheeseman

Dr. Kate Cheeseman and Ivy

Vet at Your Door is pleased to welcome Dr. Kate Cheeseman, who will begin seeing patients in early April 2026, as part of our growing team of in-home veterinarians.

Dr. Cheeseman will lead a Vet at Your Door One-Team, working alongside Deanna Marriott, LVT, and Client Liaison Mel Bonney to provide personalized veterinary care directly in the comfort of your home. Her team will serve pet families across Southern Maine - from Greater Portland to Wells - in locations served by Vet at Your Door.

Through the Vet at Your Door One-Team model, clients receive coordinated care from the same veterinarian, technician, and client liaison who truly get to know their pets and their families over time.

From New England Roots to Veterinary Medicine in Scotland

Dr. Cheeseman’s journey into veterinary medicine began with a lifelong love of animals.

Growing up, she spent as much time as possible around pets and horses, and she credits the classic television series All Creatures Great and Small, which she watched with her father, as an early inspiration. 

After graduating from Bates College in Lewiston, Dr. Cheeseman initially pursued work in medical and clinical research before returning to follow her longtime dream of becoming a veterinarian.

That journey eventually brought her to the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, one of the world’s leading veterinary programs.

“It was an incredible place to study,” she says. “The program emphasized practical experience, which meant we were getting hands-on exposure to cases very early.”

Early Career in the Scottish Highlands

Following graduation in 2015, Dr. Cheeseman began her veterinary career in mixed practice in the Highlands of Scotland, treating both small animals and livestock.

Those early years included late-night calls to farms, emergency visits, and the kinds of real-world situations that shape young veterinarians.

“You’d get a call in the middle of the night to help a calving cow or treat a sick animal,” she recalls. “You’re driving there thinking through every possible scenario, and then you arrive and realize, okay… I can do this.”

The experience strengthened her confidence and reinforced the importance of thoughtful, hands-on care.

The Detective Work of Veterinary Medicine

In addition to clinical practice, Dr. Cheeseman spent several years working at BioBest Laboratories, a veterinary diagnostic laboratory in Scotland.

That experience deepened her appreciation for the investigative side of veterinary medicine.

“I really enjoy analyzing lab results and building the full picture,” she explains. “You take the pet’s history, the clinical exam, the diagnostic testing, and piece together what’s happening. It’s like solving a medical puzzle.”

This diagnostic mindset continues to inform her approach to patient care.

Why She Chose Vet at Your Door

Dr. Cheeseman says she was immediately drawn to Vet at Your Door’s relationship-focused approach to veterinary medicine.

“I love the idea of slowing things down and spending time getting to know people and their animals,” she says. 

In-home veterinary care allows veterinarians to see pets in a familiar environment, which often means less stress for the animal and more meaningful conversations with families.

And because clients work with a consistent One-Team, including a veterinarian, technician, and client liaison, care becomes more personal and coordinated over time.

The Most Meaningful Moments in Veterinary Care

For Dr. Cheeseman, one of the most rewarding parts of veterinary medicine is helping diagnose and treat pets that are sick.

“Taking a case where you don’t know what’s wrong, figuring it out, and seeing the animal get better is incredibly satisfying.”

She also values the opportunity to support families during difficult moments.

Helping pet owners navigate end-of-life care decisions is something she approaches with empathy and care.

“It’s one of the hardest decisions people face,” she says. “Being able to guide them through that and help them feel confident they’re doing the right thing for their pet is very meaningful.”

Advice for Pet Owners

Dr. Cheeseman highlights two key principles for keeping pets healthy:

1. Preventative care matters. Vaccinations, parasite prevention, and routine wellness care can prevent many illnesses before they begin.

2. Mental and physical activity are essential."Walks, training, puzzle toys, or activities that keep pets mentally engaged and physically active make a huge difference in their overall health," she says. "There are some dogs I say need a 'job', but others, and cats, can benefit from a novel toy or game, or a walk in a new place."

Life in Portland

After nearly a decade living in Scotland, Dr. Cheeseman and her husband returned to New England in 2019 to be closer to family in Vermont. They eventually settled in Portland, where they enjoy walking around the city, exploring restaurants, skiing in the winter, and reading.

“I read a lot,” she admits with a smile.

While she doesn’t currently have a pet of her own, she spends plenty of time caring for everyone else’s.

The golden retriever pictured with her is Ivy, a beloved dog owned by a colleague from a previous practice.

A Dedicated Team for Southern Maine Pets

Dr. Cheeseman’s Vet at Your Door One-Team consisting of Dr. Kate Cheeseman, Deanna Marriott, LVT, and Client Liaison Mel Bonney will provide in-home veterinary care for pets across Southern Maine from Greater Portland to Wells.

When asked what she hopes pet owners feel after a visit, Dr. Cheeseman’s answer is simple: “I hope they feel confident in the care their pet received and supported in making decisions for their pet’s health.” 

Together, her team is excited to build lasting relationships with pets and their families throughout the region.