DVM, ABVP
Dr. Emily Velez
DVM, ABVP
Dr. Emily Velez
Our exotics service is growing! Meet our new Exotics Specialist, Dr. Emily Velez!
We are pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Emily Velez, ABVP (Reptile & Amphibian) to our West Springfield Exotics team, starting the first week of August!
Dr. Velez is one of just 30 ABVP Reptile & Amphibian Diplomates in the world and currently the only one practicing in Massachusetts.
Dr. Emily Velez is originally from Florida where she discovered her passion for exotic animal medicine through wildlife rehabilitation. She also spent many summers with family in Western Massachusetts, making her move to join the team at VESH especially exciting.
Dr. Velez earned her undergraduate degree from Colorado State University before receiving her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Auburn University. Following veterinary school, she relocated to Ohio to complete an exotics specialty internship and residency at Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital, where she remained for several years as a board-certified exotics specialist. During her time in Ohio, Dr. Velez worked closely with a variety of wildlife, conservation, and educational organizations, including Wild4Ever, the Greater Cleveland Aquarium, Stark Parks Wildlife Conservation Center, Noah’s Lost Ark Exotic Animal Rescue, Operation Orphan Wildlife Rehabilitation, Fox Tale Sanctuary, and the Herps Alive Foundation. She also served as an intern and resident mentor, helping guide and educate future veterinarians pursuing careers in exotic animal medicine.
Dr. Velez is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Association of Wildlife Veterinarians, Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians, Association of Avian. When not at work, she enjoys hiking, kayaking, reading, and spending time with her family and personal zoo at home.
With the addition of Dr. Velez in early August, our Exotics department will be available Monday through Saturday!
To schedule an appointment, please contact our West Springfield office at (413) 665-4911. Join us in welcoming Dr. Velez!
