Dr. Smith
Associate Veterinarian
From an early age, Dr. Smith felt an innate compassion for all of the earth’s creatures, especially helpless or homeless animals. As she grew older, a natural love of science, biology, and animal husbandry started to develop. It didn’t take long for Dr. Smith to realize that veterinary medicine was the perfect career choice!
A native Floridian, Dr. Smith joined the Companion Animal Hospital team in 1999 on a relief basis, allowing the sole practitioner at the time to get away on weekends. Dr. Smith enjoyed her work so much that she quickly became part-time, then transitioned into full-time work shortly afterward. She’s been here ever since! Dr. Smith is particularly fond of diagnostic work—for her, taking a patient’s health history and giving them a thorough exam is like putting together a challenging yet extremely rewarding puzzle.
At home, Dr. Smith and her family have five cats—Tripod, Cinder, Miracle, Thing 1, and Thing 2—as well as a dog named Ginger. When time permits between work and family life, Dr. Smith enjoys reading, swimming, hiking, and going on missions trips. She’s been to Jamaica six years in a row to lead Vacation Bible School!
A native Floridian, Dr. Smith joined the Companion Animal Hospital team in 1999 on a relief basis, allowing the sole practitioner at the time to get away on weekends. Dr. Smith enjoyed her work so much that she quickly became part-time, then transitioned into full-time work shortly afterward. She’s been here ever since! Dr. Smith is particularly fond of diagnostic work—for her, taking a patient’s health history and giving them a thorough exam is like putting together a challenging yet extremely rewarding puzzle.
At home, Dr. Smith and her family have five cats—Tripod, Cinder, Miracle, Thing 1, and Thing 2—as well as a dog named Ginger. When time permits between work and family life, Dr. Smith enjoys reading, swimming, hiking, and going on missions trips. She’s been to Jamaica six years in a row to lead Vacation Bible School!
Dr. Trotter
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Stephanie Trotter grew up in Live Oak on her family’s poultry farm, and was involved in the Future Farmers of America organization in high school. Those early experiences caring for animals made a permanent impression on her. Witnessing the incredible bonds between humans and animals firsthand made one thing clear to Dr. Trotter: she wanted to help nurture those connections in whatever way she could. That’s why she decided to become a veterinarian!
Dr. Trotter started volunteering here at Companion Animal Hospital while she was still a high school student. She earned her undergraduate degree in animal science at the University of Florida, then moved on to veterinary school at Mississippi State University. Next, Dr. Trotter completed a year-long rotating internship at an emergency and specialty practice in Tampa, Florida, then entered into private practice in the area. When the opportunity arose for her to return to Companion Animal Hospital as an Associate Veterinarian, she jumped at the chance!
Medically, Dr. Trotter has a special passion for surgical work and the unique challenges it represents. She’s also fond of wound care, and is still amazed at the way her patients’ bodies heal themselves alongside her treatment processes. Above all, Dr. Trotter enjoys meeting new pet owners on a regular basis and making sure their beloved companions live the happiest, healthiest lives possible.
In her spare time, Dr. Trotter likes long-distance running—she started with 5k races and will soon be completing a 15k!—and spending time with friends, family, and her own pets at home. Dr. Trotter and her husband have two young children and several pets: three dachshunds (Dr. Trotter has had a special place in her heart for the breed ever since she was a teenager!), a Toy Poodle, a Beagle, and a loveable cat.
Dr. Trotter started volunteering here at Companion Animal Hospital while she was still a high school student. She earned her undergraduate degree in animal science at the University of Florida, then moved on to veterinary school at Mississippi State University. Next, Dr. Trotter completed a year-long rotating internship at an emergency and specialty practice in Tampa, Florida, then entered into private practice in the area. When the opportunity arose for her to return to Companion Animal Hospital as an Associate Veterinarian, she jumped at the chance!
Medically, Dr. Trotter has a special passion for surgical work and the unique challenges it represents. She’s also fond of wound care, and is still amazed at the way her patients’ bodies heal themselves alongside her treatment processes. Above all, Dr. Trotter enjoys meeting new pet owners on a regular basis and making sure their beloved companions live the happiest, healthiest lives possible.
In her spare time, Dr. Trotter likes long-distance running—she started with 5k races and will soon be completing a 15k!—and spending time with friends, family, and her own pets at home. Dr. Trotter and her husband have two young children and several pets: three dachshunds (Dr. Trotter has had a special place in her heart for the breed ever since she was a teenager!), a Toy Poodle, a Beagle, and a loveable cat.
