Meet Dr. Rick Gonzalez

Rick Gonzalez has worked with animals his entire life, both as a child growing up in El Paso, TX with a large variety of pets and as a professional.  After graduation from high school he moved to Tempe, AZ to attend Arizona State University for undergraduate work.  He was accepted into the College of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University after 3 years of undergraduate classes and readily moved to Pullman, WA to begin his doctorate education. 

He graduated in May 2000 and after a memorable backpacking trip through Europe he was eager to start his profession.
Dr. Gonzalez chose to move to Florida for our beaches, fishing and year round warm weather.  He practiced in Ft. Myers for 8 years before succumbing to the desire to open his own hospital.  On June 15th, 2009 his dream came true and Best Friends Animal Hospital opened its doors to pet owners.  

Dr. Gonzalez considers membership in the veterinary profession and continuing education critical to providing superb care to his patients.  He maintains membership in the following organizations:

AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association)
FVMA (Florida Veterinary Medical Association)
BCVMA (Broward County Veterinary Medical Association)
VIN (Veterinary Interactive Network)

Aside from his passion for veterinary medicine he is an avid fisherman, photographer, plant enthusiast, scuba diver and bike rider.  He also enjoys catch and release shark fishing from the beaches of Sanibel and Captiva islands.  His photographs can be seen throughout the hospital as well as his love for plants. 

His greatest desire is to use his medical experience and knowledge to provide each of his patients with quality, personalized veterinary care.