Dr. Kiersten Ellis brings a deep commitment to thoughtful, evidence-based veterinary care to the Tampa community. Originally from Pensacola Beach, Florida, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from the University of Mississippi in 2020 (Hotty Toddy), where she was also a member of the Ole Miss Equestrian Team.
She went on to earn her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Long Island University’s Lewyt College of Veterinary Medicine as part of its inaugural graduating class in 2024. During veterinary school, Dr. Ellis pursued extensive clinical training through externships in specialty and general practice, as well as avian and exotic medicine, wildlife sanctuaries, and with the Wildlife Conservation Society at the New York Aquarium.
Dr. Ellis has long held a special interest in avian and exotic species, as well as terrestrial and aquatic wildlife—particularly reptiles and elasmobranchs (sharks and rays). Her passion for diverse species reflects her belief that every animal, regardless of size or species, deserves knowledgeable and compassionate medical care.
Following graduation, Dr. Ellis completed a rigorous small animal rotating internship at BluePearl in Tampa, Florida. There, she received advanced training in cardiology, radiology, internal medicine, surgery, neurology, oncology, emergency and critical care. She also completed additional externships with the Florida Aquarium and in avian and exotics medicine, further strengthening her clinical depth.
Dr. Ellis is especially passionate about preventive care and proper husbandry. She believes that education empowers pet owners to make informed, confident decisions about their pets’ health, and she is dedicated to staying current with the latest research and advancements in veterinary medicine to provide the highest standard of care.
Outside of the hospital, Dr. Ellis enjoys life in sunny Florida with her fiancé, her rescue Border Collie/Great Pyrenees mix, Evie, and her rescue chinchilla rabbit, Thumper. In her free time, she can often be found at the beach, exploring local trails, reading, playing volleyball, watching Ole Miss football, or pursuing her creative side through painting, drawing, and sewing.
