Danielle Tarbert was born in Seattle, Washington. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution from UCLA and received her DVM from Washington State University. She completed advanced training at Coral Springs Animal Hospital (rotating internship) and Cornell University (exotic/wildlife internship and zoological medicine residency). She is board-certified by the American College of Zoological Medicine, with a focus in Zoological Companion Animals (“Exotics”). Following residency Dr. Tarbert worked in specialty private practice (2017-2019) and as a staff veterinarian at the University of California-Davis (2019-2023). She has been training veterinary students, technicians, interns, and residents for more than 10 years. She and her family of human, furry, and scaly creatures are enjoying their new adventure in the Smokies.