Today we’d like to introduce you to Santiago Diaz
Hi Santiago, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am originally from Colombia but came to the United States in 2004 to pursue my dream of becoming an exotic animal veterinarian. Graduated from the University of Florida in 2011 and worked at an exotic animal hospital in South Florida for 5 years. I decided I wanted to open my own practice, so I moved to Orlando, since there were no animal hospitals catering to exotic animals only. I started at a smaller location near downtown Orlando, with just 1 receptionist and 1 veterinary technician. Our animal hospital grew exponentially as there was a need for an exotic veterinarian in all of Central Florida. In 2021 we moved into our current location. We built a new bigger hospital that would allow us to take care of more patients. Currently, we have 4 doctors and a large number of veterinary technicians and receptionists. We provide medical and surgical care for exotic animals like rabbits, ferrets, skunks, rodents, snakes, lizards, tortoises, primates, frogs and fish.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It is never a smooth road. At the beginning I worked very long hours 7 days a week to establish a clientele and get my name out there. We do have amazing clients and work with many different local rescues, which have made my job enjoyable and rewarding.
In 2021 we had an outbreak of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV-2) in Florida. We were the first clinic in Central Florida to import the vaccine from Europe and performed a few vaccine clinics for the many rabbits that we see. It was a monumental task but all my staff and the local rescues were participating and helped with the process. We ended up vaccinating and protecting around 1,500 rabbits in the first 6 months.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
The Exotic Animal Hospital of Orlando offers regular appointments for the new pet owner. During this initial appointment, we will discuss the regular care, diet and husbandry of each species, their vaccinations (if needed), their need to be sterilized, and answer any other medical questions. In addition, for our clients we offer the following veterinary care hospital services:
– We have regular appointments to address a particular concern/medical condition, and are able to hospitalize patients that require more intensive care and a medical work up at a veterinary hospital.
– We perform soft tissue, orthopedic and microsurgical procedures daily, as well as advanced dentistry, radiology, in-house diagnostic tests (blood work, digital radiographs, CT scans, urine analysis, fecal test, bacterial/fungal cultures and cytologies), laser therapy, water testing for aquatic species, and placement of microchips for identification.
– We offer boarding for pets when their owners need to leave their homes and want expert care.
– We carry food items, supplements, and accessories for small herbivores, birds and reptiles for your convenience.
As a veterinary hospital who solely practices exotic animal medicine, whether your beloved pet is a rabbit, ferret, bird, snake, or any of the other many species of exotic pets within the Orlando area and adjacent cities, The veterinarians extensive expertise and experience allows us to provide specialized exotic pet veterinarian medical care, while exceeding the expectations of our clients. Dr. Díaz and his staff strive to provide clients with an excellent learning experience in order to maximize their skills and knowledge. This focus on client education results in a prolonged quality of life for your pet.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Make sure you feel comfortable with your medicine and surgical skills before starting a business. Create a network of veterinarians and mentors that can help you along the way. Have a great accountant and lawyer as part of your team in order to make the process of starting a new business a lot easier.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.orlandoexoticveterinarian.com/
- Instagram: @orlandoexoticvet
- Facebook: Exotic Animal Hospital of Orlando
Image Credits
All pictures are mine
