Dr Ballou graduated from University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine in 2000. In 2017, she combined her knowledge gained from endurance sports and dog sports by completing her Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP) at the University of Tennessee. Her special interest is pain management. Dr Ballou works at Willow Animal Hospital in Vint Hill.
She has competed in agility, flyball, lure coursing, and combined events like the Canine Biathalon. Her dogs also hold titles in trick training, canine fitness, and CGC.