Tara Lipinski, the Olympic gold medallist and prominent pet enthusiast, has recently embraced the role of Chief Pet Officer for the pet telehealth service, Dutch. In a candid interview with PEOPLE, Lipinski reflects on her journey as a devoted dog owner, stating with a smile, “I am a crazy dog mom.” This new position has allowed her to deepen her commitment to pet care, an area she views as vital to her lifestyle.
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For Lipinski, the timing of this partnership couldn’t have been more significant. The figure skater, now 43, faced the daunting experience of being displaced by the wildfires in Los Angeles. Navigating this challenge without her regular support system — including her vet — became particularly difficult while caring for her flat-coated retriever, Sullivan. Amidst this upheaval, the services provided by Dutch became a lifeline for both her and her pet.
Recent statistics from Dutch’s Pet Care Gap Report reveal that approximately 75 million pet owners in the UK have forgo veterinary treatment due to financial constraints or accessibility issues. Lipinski highlighted the importance of virtual care in bridging these gaps, stating, “It was life-saving for us. It was a way that we could keep pet care going for Sullivan at a time when otherwise we wouldn’t have been able to.” This reliance on telehealth has given her confidence in managing her pet’s health, saving her time and concern.
The convenience of Dutch’s service has greatly enhanced Lipinski’s understanding of Sullivan’s needs. She notes that any questions regarding his health or behaviour are now just a quick inquiry away. “They make it too easy,” she says, laughing about the frequency of her calls. This accessibility has enabled her to address Sullivan’s anxiety, and she has seen improvements since initiating medication to help calm him.
Lipinski’s passion for pet care runs deep, largely influenced by her beloved dog Dublin, who was a source of emotional support during challenging times, including her journey with infertility. Unfortunately, Dublin faced a tragic battle with aggressive cancer, which led Lipinski through a prolonged period of treatment that eventually culminated in heartbreak when he passed away. Reflecting on that difficult experience, she expressed a longing for the telehealth tools that could have provided immediate guidance and reassurance.
As a busy professional balancing a career in entertainment with mothering duties and travel commitments, Lipinski relies on the support offered by Dutch, especially during unexpected crises. While filming a recent reality show, an alarming incident occurred when her husband discovered that Sullivan had ingested chocolate. “What do I do?” he exclaimed, prompting her to advise him to contact Dutch immediately. Fortunately, the situation resolved without serious consequences, reinforcing the peace of mind that comes from having on-demand access to veterinary professionals.
Despite her full schedule, Lipinski still cherishes the jubilance that comes with being a pet owner. This affection often translates into lavish gestures of love for her dogs. In what she describes as “a full-scale photoshoot,” she orchestrated an elaborate photo session for Dublin before his surgery, capturing striking images of him in a picturesque wine country setting. “We have these crazy, like, wedding portrait photos of him,” she recalls fondly.
For Lipinski, such moments are emblematic of her deep bond with her pets. She maintains, “I don’t think it’s that over the top,” adding with a smile that every pet owner should embrace their unique form of love. Her enthusiasm underscores her conviction that being a “crazy dog mom” is not just a title; it encapsulates a vibrant identity that many pet owners can relate to.
With her role at Dutch, Lipinski is not just celebrating her own experiences as a pet parent; she is advocating for greater access to pet care services that can support millions of other dog owners. Her journey highlights the profound connection between pets and their owners, illustrating the importance of accessible, reliable veterinary support during both joyful and challenging times.
As Tara Lipinski continues to thrive in her roles, both as a pet owner and a public figure, she stands as a testament to the enduring bond that exists between humans and their furry companions.