Dr. Michelle Oakley Biography, Education, Height and Net Worth
Dr. Michelle Oakley Biography | Wikipedia
Dr. Michelle Oakley is a renowned American-Canadian wildlife veterinarian and the star of the hit Nat Geo Wild series Dr. Oakley, Yukon Vet. With a fearless approach to animal care and a deep love for wildlife, she is the only all-species vet for hundreds of miles in the rugged Yukon Territory. Dr. Oakley also operates her veterinary clinic out of her home in Haines Junction, Yukon, and has appeared in other television shows such as 10 Animals That Can Kill You and Wilderness Vet.
Education Background
Michelle Oakley graduated from Munster High School in Indiana in 1987. She later earned a bachelor’s degree in Zoology from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Pursuing her dream of becoming a wildlife vet, she attended the Atlantic Veterinary College at the University of Prince Edward Island in Canada, graduating with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree in 2001.
Age and Birthday
Born on September 16, 1969, in Munster, Indiana, Dr. Oakley is 55 years old as of 2025. She celebrates her birthday each year on September 16. Her zodiac sign is Virgo.
Dr. Michelle Oakley Nationality and Ethnicity
Dr. Oakley holds dual citizenship—American and Canadian. She was born and raised in the United States and later acquired Canadian citizenship after marrying her husband. She is of White-American heritage.
Height and Physical Appearance
Dr. Michelle Oakley stands at 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters) tall and maintains a healthy weight of around 58 kilograms (128 pounds). She has blue eyes and light brown hair.
Family Background
Michelle was born to Steve and Georgia Plantinga and raised in a supportive family in Indiana. Her parents currently reside in Schererville, Indiana. Information regarding her siblings has not been publicly disclosed.
Marriage and Husband
Dr. Oakley is married to Shane Oakley, a deputy conservation officer for Yukon’s Wildland Fire Management. The couple met in southwest Yukon and tied the knot in December 1992. They have shared over three decades of marriage and continue to live in the Yukon with their family.
Dr. Michelle Oakley Children
Dr. Oakley and her husband Shane are proud parents to three daughters:
Sierra Oakley (born 1998) – Currently studying criminology in Nova Scotia.
Maya Oakley (born 2000) – Pursuing a pre-veterinary degree in London.
Willow Oakley (born 2005) – The youngest, often seen on the show and active in family life.
Dr. Oakley and Divorce Rumors
Despite occasional speculation, Dr. Michelle Oakley is not divorced. She remains happily married to Shane Oakley, and their family continues to live together in the Yukon.
Career and Dr. Oakley, Yukon Vet
Since its debut in 2014, Dr. Oakley, Yukon Vet has chronicled Michelle’s adventures as she treats a wide array of animals—from domestic pets to wild bears and moose—in one of the most remote regions in North America. The show highlights the adrenaline, challenges, and compassion that come with her work, earning her widespread recognition.
Michelle has expressed that while her job can be risky, it’s never about the thrill. “There’s definitely a fear factor and a lot of adrenaline, but that’s not why I do it. It doesn’t stop me. It’s what needs to be done,” she shared in an interview.
Dr. Michelle Oakley New Clinic and Practice
Beyond her television work, Dr. Oakley runs her veterinary clinic from her home in Haines Junction. She also conducts regular mobile clinics in remote areas, including Haines, Alaska (148 miles away) and Whitehorse, Yukon.
Office Building and Expansion
Dr. Oakley and her husband are currently working on developing new veterinary office buildings to accommodate more animals and expand her clinical services. Some of these facilities will also support her ongoing work featured on Nat Geo Wild.
Residence
Michelle and her family live in a spacious and serene home in Haines Junction, Yukon, surrounded by the nature and wildlife that inspire her work. The home reportedly features over eight bedrooms and bathrooms, making it an ideal base for both family life and veterinary care.
Dr. Michelle Oakley Net Worth
With a successful veterinary career and a long-running TV show, Dr. Oakley has built a solid professional reputation and an estimated net worth of approximately $1 million.
Filmography and TV Shows
Dr. Oakley, Yukon Vet (2014–present)
Wilderness Vet (2016)
Yukon Vet: Northern Lites (2019)
The Wild World of Dr. Oakley
10 Animals That Can Kill You (2021–present)
