South Kendall Animal Hospital

Meet Our Certified Veterinary Technicians

At South Kendall Animal Hospital, we are proud to have Certified Veterinary Technicians (CVT) as part of our skilled veterinary team. Our CVTs provide a range of services available for urgent and same-day appointments. Read below to learn more!

What is a CVT?

CVTs bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to our hospital. With a rigorous education in veterinary technology and a passion for animal welfare, CVTs embody the highest standards of care and have successfully completed a comprehensive program, demonstrating proficiency in various aspects of veterinary medicine.

Services Available To Book With Our CVTs

The following services can be booked same day with our CVT team:

  • Patient sample collection (urine/blood/fecal)
  • Medication administration
  • Librela injections (given to dogs to relieve pain associated with osteoarthritis)
  • Solensia injections (given to cats to relieve pain associated with osteoarthritis)
  • Ear cleanings
  • Cytopoint injections (used to treat atopic and allergic dermatitis in dogs)
  • Pro Heart Injections (injectable parasiticide that is used in dogs six months of age and older to prevent heartworm disease)
  • Apply Doctor ordered FreeStyle Libre Sensor (a device used to continuously measures your pet's glucose levels)
  • Client Education
  • Administer general vaccination boosters (not rabies, not annual vaccines)
  • Nail Trims
  • Anal glands expression
  • Doctor ordered radiographs/X-rays
  • Doctor ordered subcutaneous fluids
  • Doctor ordered bandage changes

CVT Education and Training:

  • CVTs undergo formal education and training, completing a two-year associate degree program in veterinary technology.
  • CVTs must pass a national or state certification exam to become licensed. They must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years in order to maintain their license.
  • CVT’s education focuses on a broader understanding of veterinary medicine, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and veterinary nursing.

CVT Responsibilities:

  • CVTs are trained to perform a wide range of clinical tasks under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
  • CVTs can administer medications, assist in surgical procedures, take X-rays, conduct laboratory tests, and provide nursing care to animals.
  • CVTs are crucial in educating pet owners about animal care and treatment plans.

Scope of Practice:

  • CVTs have a more advanced scope of practice compared to veterinary assistants.
  • CVTs are qualified to handle more complex medical procedures and can often work more independently in various veterinary settings.

As a client of South Kendall Animal Hospital, you can rest assured that your pet is in the caring hands of our Certified Veterinary Technicians who are not only highly qualified but also deeply committed to fostering the health and happiness of your beloved companions.

Mark Hartmann, CVT

Bio coming soon!

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Erica Daniels, CVT

Erica began her career at South Kendall Animal Hospital (SKAH) in 2001. She was a Senior at Miami Palmetto Senior High and selected SKAH to complete her community service hours. Dr. Pane hired her, and she continued working at SKAH until she graduated. She moved to Vermont to attend college and returned to South Florida in 2004.

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By that time, Miami Dade College had begun its Veterinary Technician program, and in 2006, she enrolled in their second class ever. She graduated from the program in 2008 and worked at several clinics in South Florida until making her way back to where it all began: South Kendall Animal Hospital in 2013. Erica has been a CVT since 2008, and LOVES attending conferences and keeping up with the new developments in her field.

Her passions are disease processes and surgery. "I like to figure out what’s wrong and how to fix it. I particularly enjoy radiography, both full-body and dental," explains Erica. She currently serves as the senior surgical technician at SKAH. She recently tied the knot to her husband, Sunny, and shares her home with "Phin" - a 9-year-old rescue dog, and "Kingsley" her cat. She is an avid fan of Deadpool and Geocaching. On her days off, she enjoys walking (up to 15 miles throughout Kendall) or kayaking through the mangrove trails in Chapman Park. Erica loves pancakes and key lime pies! Her wedding cake was a key lime pie. "I love traveling and can’t wait to see where this year takes me!"

Amanda Johnston, CVT

Amanda joined South Kendall Animal Hospital in May of 2023 and became a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) in December 2023. As an experienced technician, she has stepped into the role of Lead Technician at SKAH with ease, making sure the workflow remains organized and helping other technicians when she is not with her patients. She is known for being amazing at multitasking and being one of the most dependable technicians on the team.

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Before joining SKAH Amanda worked with exotic animals from snakes, and rabbits, to numerous avian species. When she is not busy working and taking care of animals, she reads books, enjoys plant shopping, and visits Disney World every chance she gets. Amanda has recently developed an interest in sonography for internal medicine and is excited to continue to grow within the field.

Dianna Gutierrez, CVT

Dianna is a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) who has been working with South Kendall Animal Hospital since February 2023. She earned her certification from the Miami Dade College Veterinary Technician program in 2023. She is a strongly driven worker who brings her skills, knowledge, and experience to our team daily. These attributes, together with her ability to thrive under pressure, make her an invaluable asset to our team, allowing us to dedicate the best care to our patients. Before joining SKAH, she worked at an urgent care veterinary hospital as well as with exotic animals including but not limited to various reptiles, birds, and rodents.

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In her free time, Dianna loves cooking, baking, and spending time with her four cats. She recently completed an internship with Zoo Miami’s Animal Care team where she assisted in the daily care and husbandry of their African and Asian elephants. Dianna hopes to gain further experience in the world of zoo medicine in the future.

Emy Chirinos, CVT

Emy Chirinos, CVT graduated from the Miami Dade College Veterinary Technician Program in 2017. She started her career as a veterinary technician at South Kendall Animal Hospital the same year.

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She is passionate about the well-being, treatment, and overall care of pets. Over the years as a technician, she has enjoyed the variety of tasks that must be performed – from complicated procedures or treatments for pets to educating clients. She shares her home with 4 furry rescued companions. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family, watching movies, and traveling.

Join the South Kendall Animal Hospital Family Today!

Located Southwest of Downtown Miami, directly off of U.S. Route 1. We are right below the Palmetto Golf Course.

Phone: 305-238-2030

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