Hello! I’m Dr. Shantavia Hayes, a small animal veterinarian with a deep passion for surgery—both orthopedic and soft tissue. I earned my DVM from Tuskegee University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2021, where I first discovered my love for small animal surgery and set my sights on becoming a board-certified surgeon.

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After completing a rotating internship, I joined a small animal general practice that offered strong surgical mentorship. There, I gained extensive hands-on experience with routine, elective, and emergency procedures, refining my tissue-handling skills and building confidence in the OR under the guidance of senior clinicians.

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I have served as a clinical research fellow at Kansas City Canine Orthopedics, where I was immersed in advanced orthopedic surgical techniques, minimally invasive procedures, and the medical management of orthopedic disease. 

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Currently, I am a small animal surgical intern at Carolina Veterinary Emergency Trauma and Specialty. 

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Outside of veterinary medicine, I enjoy gardening, traveling, and spending time with my family. My home is happily shared with my dog, Mr. Peanut, and my cats—Cashew, Beautiful Bob, and Mr. Beanz.

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I am excited to continue my journey by pursuing a small animal surgical residency, with the ultimate goal of advancing the field and providing exceptional surgical care to patients.