Dr. Sheridan Lathe - Sailing the World to Deliver Veterinary Care to Remote Communities

In this inspiring episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we set sail with Dr. Sheridan Lathe, aka Dr. Sheddy — a wildlife veterinarian, sailor, YouTuber, and passionate advocate for both animal and human wellness. After years of working with domestic and exotic animals in Australia and rescuing bears in China, Dr. Sheddy took her expertise to the seas. Now based on her 37ft sailboat Chuffed, she delivers free veterinary care to animals in remote coastal communities across Central America and Mexico — reaching places where traditional care simply doesn’t exist. She funds her work independently through Patreon and YouTube while living full-time on the water with her partner Jim. In 2024 alone, Vet Tails helped over 450 animals across 13 communities, offering everything from vaccinations to life-saving surgeries. From sailing storms to working on polar bear rescues, dealing with typhoid, and building a life outside of convention — Dr. Sheddy is redefining what it means to live a life of purpose and impact. If you’ve ever dreamed of combining adventure, service, and personal freedom — this episode is for you.  Tune in to hear her story, the lessons she’s learned, and how you can support her mission — or maybe even start your own.  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x Show notes Dr Sheddy Veterinarian and living on her sailboat in Mexico Delivery veterinary care to remote communities  Growing up in a small beach town in rural Australia  Having an affinity for animals Wanting to be a vet from a young age  Vet school in Australia  Graduating high school at 17 Becoming a vet at 23 Being interested in birds Wanting to specialist in the animals that no one else is seeing Wanting to focus on exotic animals Getting into sailing later on  ‘Chuffed’ the boat 37ft mono hull, only 8 boats, made in 1990 Paying for everything Patreon and YouTube  Funding via social media  Animals on the boat Working with local veterinarians Sailing over the past few years Sailing for 8 months of the year Doing a major refit of the boat which took 2 years Buying the boat in Panama  Meeting her partner - Jim The covid years Working on a Polar Bear! (Mixed with a bit of grizzly - a golden bear!) Living and working in China at a bear rescue centre Where to next? Working with local communities and setting up a longer term solution Work life balance  Working at a rural town in Australia  Starting off as a new vet and the hours worked…. Superhero culture Moral injury Giving the best care available  Eating animals Getting typhoid fever in Mexico Not being able to gain the weight back Heading to small remote islands Wifi and keeping connected  VHF Radio for emergency Starlink on boats and in remote communities  How to support the work Dr Sheddy is doing Final words of advice for other women who want to follow their passions and interests Wanting to live life on your terms Using a Purpose Venn diagram The plan for the next few years Dreaming big Wanting to expand    Social Media Website www.vettails.com Instagram @dr.sheddy_the.sailing.vet Patreon - www.patreon.com/ChuffedAdventures