Dr. Karin Schmidt obtained her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Texas A&M University. Upon relocating to Alaska, she first practiced veterinary medicine in Fairbanks for several years before moving to Anchorage and was actively involved in sled dog racing. She organized veterinary services for the inaugural Yukon Quest and was head veterinarian for the Iditarod for three years. Dr. Schmidt has completed several mid and long-distance sled dog races with her own dog team, including the Copper Basin, Yukon Quest, and Iditarod. She also served a term as vice president of the International Sled Dog Veterinary Medical Association. 

In May of 1996, Dr. Schmidt and Dr. Ecklund opened Southside Animal Hospital and Wellness Center in south Anchorage. Dr. Schmidt has completed the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society course and is a member of the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture. She enjoys caring for her patients from pediatrics to geriatrics, with special interest in orthopedic surgery. When not taking care of her patients at Southside Animal Hospital, Dr. Schmidt enjoys taking care of her small farm and many pets, as well as hiking and snowshoeing with her dogs.