Karen Perry graduated from The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Edinburgh in 2005. Following a short period in mixed practice, she completed an internship in small animal orthopedics and neurosurgery at Fitzpatrick Referrals in Surrey prior to undertaking a residency in small animal surgery back at the R(D)SVS. Following completion of this in 2010 and achievement of ECVS status in 2011, she joined the Royal Veterinary College, London as a lecturer in small animal orthopedics.

Following four years there she moved to Michigan State University where she is currently an Assistant Professor in Small Animal Orthopedics. She has published widely in the veterinary literature with her main research interests being feline orthopaedics, traumatology and the correction of limb deformities associated with medial patellar luxation.