Darren Ruff, DVM

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Dr. Darren originally grew up in Cincinnati and graduated from Ohio State University. After graduation he moved up to Wisconsin and practiced for 21 years. He owned 3 practices crossing half of the southern part of the state, with 15 veterinarians on staff.  After several years of working in the cold and putting in long hours, he decided with his wife that there are better ways to spend your time. He picked up his family, which includes his wife, Jill and his 2 dogs and they moved south.  He purchased the practice in November of 2017 and it has been on the fast pace of growing ever since. He is thankful for having a practice that had been established for more than 30 years in Panama City, with many great clients already coming here. His interest beside taking care of your furry family like they are his own, are mountain biking, motorcycling, auto racing, and enjoying anything outdoors

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Sydney Howell,

MS, DVM

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Native of Kingston, Georgia, Sydney Graduated from Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2023. As a previous NCAA athlete, she played softball at the University of West Georgia where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Biology. She also has a Masters of Science in Veterinary Biomedical Sciences that she received from LMU. She is married to her best friend, Jillian Witt and they were wed in October of 2023. Together, they have three dogs, Krash, Brody, and Millie and two cats, Patricia and Benny. In her spare time, she enjoys all things outdoors and can frequently be spotted on the river in her kayak with Krash sitting in the front. When not kayaking or hiking, she can be found slurping raw oysters and downing a cold one at her favorite local oyster bar. She is very excited to see your cats and dogs, as well as your chickens, pocket and exotic pets! 

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Gayle Santiago, DVM

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More information coming soon 

Jill, CVT

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Jill grew up in a small town in Wisconsin and graduated from Madison Area Technical College with a degree in Veterinary Technology.  Following graduation she worked at a busy 3 location practice with many doctors and team members for 19 years.  After spending many long winters there with her husband, Dr. Darren and their fur kids they decided to make the move to Panama City.  She is very thankful for the warm welcome they have received from the clients and patients. In June of 2020, they have opened their home to a deaf Boxer named "Kate" who has been quite a handful!

In her free time she enjoys working on stained glass projects, hiking in the mountains and enjoying the outdoors and sunshine of Florida.

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Sophie

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Sophie grew up in Folkestone, England and moved across the pond to Panama City in 2009. A love for animals was instilled in her from a young age, as her mother owned an animal grooming business and pet shop. Her grandmother also rescued and hand raised exotic birds.  In her free time Sophie enjoys SUP, kayaking, and spending time with her husband Greg and their furry canine child "Bailey".

Glenda

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More information coming soon 

Stephanie

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Stephanie grew up in Panama City and has been in the animal care industry for most of her life.  Over the years she has had the amazing opportunity to care for both domestic and exotic species. She's very excited to get back into the medical aspect of pet care and to learn from the staff at Bay Animal Hospital.  In her time off Stephanie enjoys Search and Rescue training and running obstacle course racing with her husband, David and their furry German Shepherds "Ariel, Dexter and a Belgian Malinois mix named Storm and a few kitty's. 

Ashley

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Ashley was born in St. Petersburg, but grew up in Fountain, FL, a small town outside of Panama City. After a few years of going through different jobs and trying to find where she belonged, in June of 2015 she found her calling in veterinary medicine.   She then took a break from her career after finding out she was expecting her second child, which would be another energic little boy. After spending some time at home with her children she decided she wanted to come back to the field and has found a home here with us. Now with 3 little boys at home, she will continue her career here, trying to find that perfect balance of home and work, because she is very excited to be part of the Bay Animal Hospital Family.

Kathleen

 

Kathleen is originally from Eden, a small town in Upstate New York. She attended Niagara University, receiving degrees in Musical Theater and English Literature. She has lived in Panama City since 1994. Kathleen works primarily in the music/entertainment industry, but has worked part-time with animals for the past 20 years. She has enjoyed being a morning receptionist at Bay Animal Hospital since August of 2007, and is excited about the renovations of the practice. Kathleen spends her free time sailing, kayaking, reading and cooking.  

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Jillian

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 Jillian, native of Rockmart, GA, has worked in the veterinary field since 2016. She and her wife, Dr. Sydney Howell, travel with a large pack- including three dogs, three cats, and a tortoise. She earned an Associate of Science degree in 2021 from Georgia Highlands College.

In her free time she enjoys going on hikes and taking her three legged pup, Millie, to roll in the sand. She can’t wait to meet your fur babies

Bri

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Originally hailing from Louisiana, Bri has always had a passion for cooking up delicious Cajun meals. After spending over four years in grooming, she decided to pursue another career in the animal field. Starting off as a veterinary assistant, Bri is now working towards becoming a certified veterinary technician. Her love for animals dates back to her childhood, where she always knew she wanted to work with them.

In addition to her two fur-babies, Hershey (a long-haired dachshund) and Chloe (a Chiweenie), Bri enjoys the great outdoors, embarking on adventures, trying new foods, dancing, and spending quality time with her family. She also loves to online shop and do DIY projects whenever she has some free time.

Gracie

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Gracie was born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama. She graduated from Auburn University at Montgomery in 2022, earning a bachelor’s degree in Biology with a concentration in Pre-Health sciences. She and her husband, Austin, recently moved to Panama City for him to take a great job. They have a sassy shih tzu named Bernadette and a wonderful cat named Penny, who are the best of friends.

She is excited to see what this new chapter brings. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and fur babies.