Meet the veterinarians
About Dr. Gloria Macias
I was born and mostly raised in sunny Miami, Florida, where I enjoy living close to natural areas, such as the Everglades National Park, and local wildlife. I’ve always had a strong fascination with animals—I can recall being 5 years old and spending hours in my grandparents' yard observing insects, lizards, and birds. I started volunteering at the local humane society at 16 years of age and was soon trained to help prepare animals for surgery. At 17, I landed my first job at an animal hospital.
I went to vet school at the University of Cardenal Herrera in Valencia, Spain, and continued living in Spain for three years after graduating. Valencia provided a positive, life-changing experience and several life-long friends.
I thoroughly enjoy general practice and have a special interest in behavior and making vet visits less stressful for pets and their owners. I also volunteer, helping homeless pets and owners with limited resources.
My family always had pets, and I remember each loss vividly. At 11 years old, I was present for my dog’s euthanasia. I remember wanting to cry, but my grandfather told me to speak to him, telling him he was a good boy and how loved he was. He told me it was important to speak and show our love to pets during their last moments. This impacted me, and I continue this practice during each euthanasia.
When I'm not working, you can find me hiking, biking, or kayaking. I enjoy observing and photographing all types of wildlife. I garden with native plants and advocate to support wildlife in our cities. I'm currently taking the courses from the Florida Master Naturalist Program to help maintain our biodiversity and better understand how to conserve our natural resources.
About Dr. Christa Barrett
I grew up surrounded by beautiful beaches in the small town of Fernandina Beach, Florida. I didn’t always know I wanted to become a veterinarian, but I did know I wanted to work with animals in some capacity. My first job at 15 years old was working as a kennel assistant at a local animal clinic. After graduating high school, I was promoted and worked as a veterinary technician for two and a half years while saving for college.
I earned my bachelor's degree in animal sciences from the University of Florida and then attended UF’s College of Veterinary Medicine. I graduated with my veterinary degree and a professional certificate in aquatic animal medicine.
After graduating, I followed my passion for ocean and species conservation and became a certified aquatic veterinarian, mainly working with stranded dolphins and sea turtles. I transitioned to small animal practice after moving to South Florida. As a veterinarian, I enjoy educating people—clients, students, and the general public—and supporting pets through every stage of life.
Over the years I have learned that providing pets with a peaceful and supportive end of life that is free of suffering is a gift, and helps us give animals the graceful exit we all deserve. I am honored to be able to provide these services to pets and their families with the hope of making a difficult situation a little easier for everyone. If I can bring comfort to families and their pets, then I can feel proud of the job I’ve done.
Outside of work, I enjoy any activity that involves the water. Now that I am back in Florida, I hope to start scuba diving again. However, I spend most of my time hanging out with my house full of animals, including two dogs, three cats, two fish, and four snails!
About Dr. Gloria Macias
I was born and mostly raised in sunny Miami, Florida, where I enjoy living close to natural areas, such as the Everglades National Park, and local wildlife. I’ve always had a strong fascination with animals—I can recall being 5 years old and spending hours in my grandparents' yard observing insects, lizards, and birds. I started volunteering at the local humane society at 16 years of age and was soon trained to help prepare animals for surgery. At 17, I landed my first job at an animal hospital.
I went to vet school at the University of Cardenal Herrera in Valencia, Spain, and continued living in Spain for three years after graduating. Valencia provided a positive, life-changing experience and several life-long friends.
I thoroughly enjoy general practice and have a special interest in behavior and making vet visits less stressful for pets and their owners. I also volunteer, helping homeless pets and owners with limited resources.
My family always had pets, and I remember each loss vividly. At 11 years old, I was present for my dog’s euthanasia. I remember wanting to cry, but my grandfather told me to speak to him, telling him he was a good boy and how loved he was. He told me it was important to speak and show our love to pets during their last moments. This impacted me, and I continue this practice during each euthanasia.
When I'm not working, you can find me hiking, biking, or kayaking. I enjoy observing and photographing all types of wildlife. I garden with native plants and advocate to support wildlife in our cities. I'm currently taking the courses from the Florida Master Naturalist Program to help maintain our biodiversity and better understand how to conserve our natural resources.
About Dr. Christa Barrett
I grew up surrounded by beautiful beaches in the small town of Fernandina Beach, Florida. I didn’t always know I wanted to become a veterinarian, but I did know I wanted to work with animals in some capacity. My first job at 15 years old was working as a kennel assistant at a local animal clinic. After graduating high school, I was promoted and worked as a veterinary technician for two and a half years while saving for college.
I earned my bachelor's degree in animal sciences from the University of Florida and then attended UF’s College of Veterinary Medicine. I graduated with my veterinary degree and a professional certificate in aquatic animal medicine.
After graduating, I followed my passion for ocean and species conservation and became a certified aquatic veterinarian, mainly working with stranded dolphins and sea turtles. I transitioned to small animal practice after moving to South Florida. As a veterinarian, I enjoy educating people—clients, students, and the general public—and supporting pets through every stage of life.
Over the years I have learned that providing pets with a peaceful and supportive end of life that is free of suffering is a gift, and helps us give animals the graceful exit we all deserve. I am honored to be able to provide these services to pets and their families with the hope of making a difficult situation a little easier for everyone. If I can bring comfort to families and their pets, then I can feel proud of the job I’ve done.
Outside of work, I enjoy any activity that involves the water. Now that I am back in Florida, I hope to start scuba diving again. However, I spend most of my time hanging out with my house full of animals, including two dogs, three cats, two fish, and four snails!
About Dr. Gloria Macias
I was born and mostly raised in sunny Miami, Florida, where I enjoy living close to natural areas, such as the Everglades National Park, and local wildlife. I’ve always had a strong fascination with animals—I can recall being 5 years old and spending hours in my grandparents' yard observing insects, lizards, and birds. I started volunteering at the local humane society at 16 years of age and was soon trained to help prepare animals for surgery. At 17, I landed my first job at an animal hospital.
I went to vet school at the University of Cardenal Herrera in Valencia, Spain, and continued living in Spain for three years after graduating. Valencia provided a positive, life-changing experience and several life-long friends.
I thoroughly enjoy general practice and have a special interest in behavior and making vet visits less stressful for pets and their owners. I also volunteer, helping homeless pets and owners with limited resources.
My family always had pets, and I remember each loss vividly. At 11 years old, I was present for my dog’s euthanasia. I remember wanting to cry, but my grandfather told me to speak to him, telling him he was a good boy and how loved he was. He told me it was important to speak and show our love to pets during their last moments. This impacted me, and I continue this practice during each euthanasia.
When I'm not working, you can find me hiking, biking, or kayaking. I enjoy observing and photographing all types of wildlife. I garden with native plants and advocate to support wildlife in our cities. I'm currently taking the courses from the Florida Master Naturalist Program to help maintain our biodiversity and better understand how to conserve our natural resources.