Theriogenology is an exceedingly specialized field, with fewer than 400 board-certified theriogenologists worldwide. Dr. Christensen is a respected authority within this elite cohort and among the canine breeder industry, recognized for his clinical expertise and his academic achievements. He’s received numerous awards and honors, authored dozens of articles in peer-reviewed veterinary research journals, trained hundreds of veterinarians and veterinary students, and has served in professional specialty organizations.
Dr. Christensen founded Kokopelli in 2017, giving the Northern California breeder community a level of specialized knowledge and skill in assisted reproduction that was previously unavailable in this region.
“We understand the canine and equine reproductive systems from a cellular level on up,” he says. “I believe that if Kokopelli can’t get puppies or foals for you, no one can. And we don’t just produce puppies and foals; we also help improve our clients’ programs so that they’re breeding healthier dogs and horses.”
Prior to founding Kokopelli, Dr. Christensen held posts as senior veterinarian at an Australian equine hospital and clinician at large- and small-animal hospitals at the University of Florida. On the academic side, he has served as an assistant professor at both UC Davis and Iowa State University, and is currently an honorary professor at the Veterinary University in Budapest, Hungary.
He received his DVM degree from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University, completed his residency in theriogenology at the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine, and became a Diplomate of the American College of Theriogenologists in 2006. He earned a Master of Science degree in reproductive physiology from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine and his undergraduate degree in conservation/wildlife biology from Brigham Young University.