About Us

Our Mission

Partnering with dogs for the health and safety of people, animals, and the environment

Our Vision

To be a center of excellence for working dog-driven science and education

Our Goals

To serve as a consortium to unite programs that employ detection dogs to benefit society throughout the US and around the world.
To collect and analyze genetic, behavioral and physical data; and integrate the latest scientific information in order to optimize the success and well-being of detection dogs.
To meet future demands and advance research with a breeding and training program for detection dogs that actively applies, tests, and shares the knowledge gained.

Meet Our Team

What makes the Penn Vet Working Dog Center a very special place is our team — a unique combination of people with a broad range of expertise.

Leadership Team

Cynthia M. Otto, DVM, PhD, DACVECC, DACVSMR

Professor of Working Dog Sciences & Sports Medicine

Additional Titles: Executive Director, Penn Vet Working Dog Center Graduate Group Member, Graduate Group in Pharmacological Sciences Cynthia M. Otto, DVM, PhD, a tenured Professor of Working Dog Sciences and […]

Vicki Berkowitz

Associate Director

Annemarie DeAngelo, MAS

Training Director

Bob Dougherty

Law Enforcement Program Director

Emma Gaalaas Mullaney, PhD

Detection / Search & Rescue Director

Medical Team

Meghan T. Ramos, VMD

Medical Director, Lecturer in Sports Medicine & Working Dog Sciences

Meghan Ramos, VMD ’18 integrates her clinical expertise with a commitment to advancing veterinary education and research. She possesses a strong academic background, having earned a Veterinary Medical Doctor (VMD) […]