Owner / DVM
Hi, I’m Dr. Ingrid Rhinehart, owner of Briar Patch Veterinary Hospital. I’m originally from Western New York, but Ithaca has long been my favorite place to call home. After practicing veterinary medicine in both Western New York and Western Pennsylvania, I made my way back here and took over Briar Patch in 2016. I’m so grateful to be part of this incredible community, and I plan to be here for a very long time.
Over the years, I’ve become a strong advocate for aggressive preventive care, which entails using all the tools we have not only to treat illness, but also to help pets avoid it entirely.
To offer all of my patients the best care possible, I became certified in Veterinary Acupuncture through the Chi Institute in 2011. Since then, I’ve continued to study Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, completing additional training in Chinese Herbal Medicine and Chinese Food Therapy. I’m deeply committed to lifelong learning and keep up with the latest advancements to offer the best care possible to my patients. I am also a proud member of several professional veterinary associations, including the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), New York State Veterinary Medical Society (NYSVMS), American Holistic Veterinary Medicine Association (AHVMA), and the Feline Veterinary Medical Association (FVMA).
When I'm not in the exam room seeing pets at Briar Patch, I serve as a Regional Thought Leader for IDEXX Laboratories, helping other veterinarians elevate their preventive care practices. I also teach an acupuncture and Chinese food therapy elective for vet students at Cornell, which has quickly become one of the most rewarding things I do.
Why I Chose This Profession
Before veterinary medicine, I was on a completely different career path. I earned my BA in Economics from Oberlin College and my MS in Applied Economics from Cornell, and worked in development economics in East Africa for a few years, helping farmers improve their livelihoods. While that work was meaningful, I realized I wanted to help people in a more direct, everyday way. That realization led me back to school, first for my pre-vet coursework at Minnesota State University Moorhead, and then to Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, where I earned my DVM in 2011.
My Favorite Part of My Job
The variety that comes in this line of work is one of my favorite parts of my job. There are always new patients, people, and problems to solve. No two days are ever the same, and I love the challenge and excitement that it brings to my work day. I also love pet dentistry. There’s something incredibly satisfying about relieving mouth pain and seeing how much better a pet feels afterward.
Personal Hobbies & Interests
Outside the clinic, I’m a bit of a homebody and a hobbyist. I enjoy refinishing antique furniture, quilting, crocheting, and caring for my many houseplants. I’m also a huge Buffalo Bills fan — season ticket holder and all (Go Bills!). My husband and I love to spend time traveling.
My Personal Pet Crew
At home, we share our lives with:
- Three Great Danes
- A Hermann’s tortoise
- Two budgies
- Around 30 chickens (who even have their own Instagram: @thebreakfastclubchicks).