Dr. Tanya Paukner Joins Hudson Highlands Veterinary Medical Group
Dr. Tanya Paukner recently joined Hudson Highlands Veterinary Medical Group, bringing more than 13 years of experience in general and urgent care veterinary medicine—along with specialized training in acupuncture and pain management—to the community.
Growing up in the Hudson Valley, Dr. Paukner says her path to veterinary medicine was clear early on. “I was always the kid picking up injured wildlife and trying to help them,” she says. “I think I was destined for this career.”
INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE
She earned her undergraduate degree in biology and chemistry at SUNY Purchase, where she worked at several veterinary hospitals, including both a traditional general practice and an integrative clinic in South Salem. That experience introduced her to integrative veterinary medicine, which blends conventional care with complementary therapies. “We do everything you would expect from your regular veterinarian, but we also incorporate acupuncture, herbal medicine, laser therapy, and a strong focus on nutrition and overall wellbeing,” she explains.
Dr. Paukner attended St. George’s University in Grenada for veterinary school, completing her clinical year at North Carolina State University and earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from St. George’s. Her first position after graduation was at a fast-paced walk-in clinic in the Bronx, where she gained extensive hands-on experience.
She later worked in general practice in Boston before returning to the Hudson Valley in 2019, where she has primarily practiced urgent care medicine. She’s thrilled with her new role, including being able to focus on preventive care and long-term patient relationships at Hudson Highlands. “It’s a beautiful, well-equipped hospital with a very patient-focused approach,” she says. “We also perform a lot of orthopedic surgery, and I have a strong interest in chronic pain management and acupuncture.”
A certified veterinary acupuncturist through Chi University in Florida, Dr. Paukner completed additional coursework focused on pain management, along with 30 internship hours with local acupuncturists.
As an associate veterinarian, Dr. Paukner sees both wellness and sick appointments, with particular attention to identifying pain. “Even during routine visits, I’m always assessing how pets are moving and functioning at home,” she says.
At her own home, Dr. Paukner cares for her 14-year-old mixed-breed dog named Lana, her favorite hiking companion, and two cats: Ada Lovelace, known as “the Countess,” and Alan Purring, a formerly injured street cat she recently adopted.
PREVENTATIVE CARE
She is especially passionate about preventive care, including making sure our pets maintain a healthy weight. “Obesity is a serious and underrecognized problem in pets,” she says. “It directly contributes to inflammation and arthritis, so keeping pets at a healthy weight is one of the most important things we can do for their wellbeing.”
Dr. Paukner encourages regular, low-impact exercise and emphasizes year-round flea and tick prevention, especially during milder winters. She sees patients on Mondays and Tuesdays at the Hopewell Junction and Beacon locations and welcomes pet owners interested in acupuncture or chronic pain management. Call 845-221-2244 for an appointment or visit hudsonhighlandsvet.com.
