Karina Ballester-Martinez
Hello, my name is

Dr. Karina Ballester-Martinez

DVM, MPH

Professional information

Designation
  • Veterinarian, DVM, MPH
About Vet

Dr. Karina Ballester grew up surrounded by beloved family dogs and cats in Puerto Rico which sparked her interest in small animal veterinary medicine. She graduated from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2007 and has advanced degrees from the University of Minnesota and from North Carolina State University.

She brings to our team over 14 years’ experience as a small animal veterinarian. Dr. Ballester enjoys internal medicine, senior pet care, dentistry and being able to help new generations of veterinarians develop additional skills and build confidence in their practice. But mostly loves being able to build trusting, caring life-long relationships with pets and their families.

Dr. Ballester lives in Raleigh North Carolina with her husband Walter. They have 4 pets: “India” (a lovable senior female basset hound mix), “Carmen” (an energetic female pit bull terrier who is full of wiggles and kisses), “Rosa Linda” (a very opinionated, but also extremely loving 2 year old female chihuahua), and “Pito Pío” (whose official name is Che but he has had many nicknames throughout the years and this is his family’s current favorite name for him) an extremely clingy and lovable male, grey tabby cat.

During their free time, Dr. Ballester and her husband enjoy traveling, especially exploring new cultures and cuisines. They have been known to travel just to try exotic foods. They also enjoy working out together and she loves to paint. Dr. Ballester is looking forward to meeting you and helping you keep your pets healthy!

Location
  • Raleigh, NC, US
Spoken languages
  • English
  • Spanish
Species treated
  • Cats (Feline)
  • Dogs (Canine)
  • Small Mammals
Areas of interest
  • End of life/Hospice care
  • Dentistry
  • Animal Welfare
  • Immunology
  • Dermatology
  • Behavior
  • Parasitology
  • Microbiology
  • Nutrition
  • Preventive
  • Endocrinology
Licenses
  • North Carolina, US
Capabilities
  • Consult on diet, nutrition & exercise
  • Consult on general health & wellness
  • Consult on behavioral issues
  • Navigating nutrition from the new baby to the senior pet
  • Optimizing your new puppy or kitten experience
  • Tips and tricks on pet grooming techniques
  • Pet training, house training and litter box training