!Side Menu Logo
!Request Appointment Button
!Header Logo
Our Careteam
We put the patients first!
Dr. Arturo Fernandez
Veterinarian
Dr. Arturo Fernandez was born and raised in Lima, Peru. Since an early age, he had a strong interest in animals. Right after high school, he moved to Florida and started his preliminary studies for veterinary school admission. He was accepted at Auburn University, where he obtained his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. He started his career in Tampa, working first at an emergency clinic and then to a general practice. Dr. Fernandez then moved with his family to Fort Myers and has continued to practice his profession with diligence and care. His medical interests include soft tissue surgery, neurology, and oncology.
When Dr. Fernandez is not taking care of your furry kids, he enjoys spending time with his wife and baby at parks, beaches, and visiting family. They have an outgoing dog, Milo, and a shy cat, Chillax.
Yazlyn
Practice Manager
At a very young age, Yazlyn knew she wanted to work with animals. She was very well known for picking up stray and injured animals and sneaking them into her family home to try to nurse them back to health. She started in the veterinary industry as a volunteer kennel technician in back 2016 in Miami and never looked back. In 2018 Yaz became a certified veterinary assistant and cultivated her surgical and technical skills. She began to train and develop other kennel technicians and veterinary assistants who shared the same passions—this has led to her successful career in hospital leadership.
In 2024 she moved to Forth Myers looking for a quieter way of living outside of Miami ‘s hustle and bustle. She is driven by her lifelong passion for the health and wellbeing of animals. Outside of the hospital setting Yaz loves to spend time at dog beach or park with her fiery Chihuahua, Cerbie, or spending time with her 16-year-old cockatiel, Sonny.
Brigitte
Care Provider
Brigitte was surrounded by animals growing up, and she’s always felt an innate passion for their care and well-being. For her, a career in animal medicine simply made sense. Now, Brigitte is living her dream—she gets to care for pets hands-on as a part of a team of animal-lovers just like herself!
Brigitte is originally from New Jersey and worked in the administrative field for more than 10 years. She moved to Florida in 2017 and attended Cape Coral Technical College to study animal care, completing an internship at the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife in Sanibel during her coursework, and was then referred to Small Animal Hospital in the spring of 2018. Brigitte has been a part of the clinic family ever since!
Jennifer
Receptionist & Kennel Assistant
Jennifer always knew she wanted to work with animals and was able to make her goal a reality when she was offered a job. Jennifer started here in 2023 as a kennel tech, and has since grown her skills and knowledge, and is now a receptionist here at the clinic. Jennifer loves getting to care for our clients and their pets and hopes to continue to grow her hands-on experience!
Lea
Receptionist
With over 25 years of experience in veterinary medicine, Lea has devoted most of her adult life to providing exceptional client care. Her passion for animals is evident not only in her work but also in her home, where she shares her life with five frisky felines and two tenacious pups! Lea dreams of one day creating a small hobby farm filled with chickens and goats, further nurturing her love for animals.
A proud native of Fort Myers, Lea has witnessed the transformation of her cherished Southwest Florida over the past 37 years. This deep-rooted connection to the area enriches her work and fosters a sense of community.
Patchez
Clinic Mascot
Patchez came to Small Animal Hospital as a patient but was later surrendered. An employee adopted Patchez and he has been the hospital mascot since! He hangs out in the front office sunbathing, sleeping, and playing with his toys. He loves people and pets but most of all food. If you stop by, you’ll get the chance to meet Patchez, he’ll most likely ask for a treat but he’s currently on a weight loss journey.
“One small cat changes coming home to an empty house to coming home.”
– Pam Brown