Awilda M Rodriguez, D.V.M., C.V.A.

Growing up, Dr. Awilda's dad has always been an inspiration and showed her how to love and care for animals. She remembers, on a few occasions, him bringing a stray cat or dog home to care for, and the happy feelings of having a new pet at home. At one point, they had chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs. Her love for animals grew stronger when one of her favorite family pets, a dalmatian named Shamu, got heartworm disease. A local veterinarian came to see him and he showed her the microfilaria in his mobile microscope in their dining room. What an experience! Shamu survived thanks to the veterinary care and Dr. Awilda was taught how to care for him during his treatment. Throughout her bachelor's degree, she worked as a veterinary technician while following her dream to become a veterinarian.

Dr. Awilda obtained her veterinary degree from St Georges University in Grenada, where she had the opportunity to participate in different international veterinary student conferences in Spain and South Africa. During her career, she's worked in general practices, shelters, high volume spay/neuter clinics and as veterinary medical officer in the army reserve.

Throughout her career, she developed an interest in preventive medicine, dentistry and surgery. While working with animals, she felt the need to integrate other modalities to help improve their quality of life and to strengthen the human-animal bond. Becoming a certified veterinary acupuncturist has been an amazing tool to improve patients’ quality of life. One of the things she loves is the bond created with her patient after each acupuncture session.

"Being part of the team of Loving Touch Animal Center has given me the opportunity to continue practicing integrative medicine while pursuing my goals of getting spinal manipulation certified as well as other skills to help my patients. I am happy to be part of Loving Touch Animal Center, a family oriented veterinary practice and positive team. I am fully committed and it is my pleasure to work with clients and their beloved pets, while bringing lots of motivation and positive energy."