-- Shalako’s Story --
Get To Know Us
Dr. Kaci Merk, DVM is the owner of Shalako K | Vet Med. She is dedicated to the service of her patients and always striving to learn for the benefit of animals in need of veterinary care.
Shalako K | is a primarily mobile-based veterinary practice that focuses on providing sports medicine for equines and canines, chiropractic care, and acupressure. The name, Shalako K |, comes from Dr. Kaci’s childhood love of Louis L’Amour’s Sackett book series and incorporates her name initial with the vertical bar in her brand.
This Website
Dr. Kaci is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and is certified in animal chiropractic by Options for Animals College of Animal Chiropractic. Dr. Kaci is not board-certified in an animal specialty as defined by the AVMA.
This website is where you can learn about the services offered by Shalako K |, get in contact with us to make appointments, find our official social media links, and read reliable resources.
-- Timeline --
How It All Got Started
The Beginning
When I was 10 years old, I started showing Australian Shepherds in the AKC conformation ring, agility, herding trials, and obedience. I have worked with dogs of all breeds, shapes, sizes, and disciplines. I’ve always had a soft spot for working dogs and canine athletes.
Ironman
It all started with a washed-up, previously injured, off-the-track Thoroughbred named Ironman.
Ironman was my first horse, my inspiration to become a veterinarian, the fuel of my love for the Thoroughbred breed, and my passion for sports medicine. Ironman was also how I met the most influential person in my life, Layce Sheets.
Unfortunately, my time with Ironman wasn’t to be long-lived, he passed away at 14 of gastrointestinal lymphoma. Dr. Rob Thoni was the vet that helped me and Ironman through this difficult time. Dr. Rob was my veterinary mentor through undergrad, helped me through vet school, and set me up to start once I had graduated from vet school. He was a great vet and a better friend to me.
Hank The Cowdog ‘Hank’
Hank The Cowdog ‘Hank’ was Dr. Kaci’s most successful herding dog. Hank was the bridge from equine sports to canine athletes. He would accompany me on every ride I took and would gather cattle in the pasture while I waited by the gait on my horse. His work ethic made my horses look lazy.
Veterinary School
My vet school career was a very challenging experience since it took place during the height of covid-19, but looking back I would not trade it for anything. Throughout it all, I got to travel and work with vets from all walks of life and see all kinds of animals.
From South Africa where I worked on wildlife and did conservation work, to Alaska where I worked on sled dogs and working military dogs, to Kentucky at Churchill Downs where the racehorses are, to Florida and their show horses, to all over Texas where there are performance horses in every discipline. I mentored under 31 different veterinarians in 3 different countries, and across 5 different US states.
Veterinary Medicine Graduation
Dr. Kaci is a graduate of Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine Class of 2022.
Dr. Kaci is a proud Alumni and goes back to visit Oklahoma frequently. Go Pokes!
Shalako K | Veterinary Medicine
My goal is to focus on the areas of sports medicine and chiropractic for both horses and dogs. This is my passion; I love to work with the animals whose owners not only have a passion to improve their animal’s performance but also themselves.
-- Our Team --
Meet Our Expert and Compassionate Team
Dr. Kaci Merk, DVM
Owner & Sole Practitioner
Layce A. Sheets
Business Associate and Practice Manager
