Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Alaska vet offers realistic view of treating sick animals.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Dr. Oakley Yukon Vet
What's the Story?
DR. OAKLEY YUKON VET is a reality series about the day-to-day life of Michelle Oakley, a practicing veterinarian in the Yukon territory. As the only all-species vet within a 100-mile radius, Oakley keeps busy making house calls, running her satellite clinic in Haines, Alaska, and meeting her patients at her home clinic. When she's not vaccinating sled dogs, healing injured bald eaglets, or trying to cure a yak's eye infection, she tries to spend time with her husband and three daughters.
Is It Any Good?
Dr. Oakley Yukon Vet highlights the challenges that come from being a veterinarian practicing in remote areas, including being prepared to work with any species of animal in need, and having to drive hundreds of miles in order to meet clients. It also reveals some of the common reasons animals require emergency attention, including getting hit by cars, getting blown out of nests, and falling victim to a predatory or defensive attack.
It's interesting, but sensitive viewers might struggle with some the bloody (and clearly painful) injuries shown here, as well as the procedures and surgeries necessary for the animals' well-being. But animal lovers will enjoy the range of wild and domesticated species featured here, and folks thinking about veterinary career can also learn a few things, too.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about veterinarians. How does a vet learn how to take care of so many animals? How do they do so without putting themselves at risk of getting hurt by frightened or injured animals? Do you think this series offers a realistic portrayal of what most vets do every day?
Is Dr. Oakley a role model? What makes her admirable?
TV Details
- Premiere date : April 4, 2014
- Cast : Michelle Oakley
- Network : NatGeoWild
- Genre : Reality TV
- Topics : Animals ( Wild Animals ) , STEM
- TV rating :
- Last updated : December 8, 2025
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