Veterinarian Overview
Dr. Don J. Harris came to Florida in 1980 following his graduation from Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. Although his Cajun background in the swamps of Louisiana did nothing to prepare him for life in Miami, it did provide for him a wealth of experience in handling wildlife and exotic animals. After several years in mixed animal practice Dr. Harris became so busy with exotics that he felt he was unable to devote appropriate time to dogs and cats. His practice became exclusively avian and exotic in 1990, and he opened Miami's first exotics-only veterinary hospital, Avian & Exotic Animal Medical Center, in 1996. A major factor that allows Dr. Harris's hospital to excel in exotic pet care is the extensive professional network that Dr. Harris has established with international leaders in exotic animal medicine. Avian & Exotic serves as a throughput between the hospital's clients and the worldwide authorities on practically any situation involving exotic pets. The quality of Dr. Harris' practice is reflected in his international reputation. He receives numerous invitations to speak at veterinary conferences both nationally and internationally every year. He has received many commendations over the years from various institutions and associations. He served as president of the South Florida Veterinary Medical Association, president of the worldwide Association of Avian Veterinarians, and is past-president of the North American Veterinary Conference, the largest veterinary conference in the world. Additionally, his clinical experiences have been featured on major television networks including NBC, CBS, ABC, CNN, Animal Planet, and Ripley's Believe it or Not. One special case even made it as far as the National Enquirer. Beyond his veterinary career, Dr. Harris has various other interests- fishing, sailing, skydiving, music, and, most importantly, his children. Being a father is Dr. Harris's most serious commitment. Meredith is off and on her own in Austin, TX. Married to Jamie Knight with whom she has one son, Nash, (and another on the way!), she and her husband are successfully navigating the commercial real estate world. One thing that sets Meredith apart from most: she is entirely a self-made woman. Her success is her own doing, and all Dr. H can do is sit back and thank God for such a blessing. Adam is Dr. Hs 21-year-old musical prodigy. While fishing, camping, surfing, and music are activities that the guys enthusiastically share, music is where Adam will make his mark. At one time Adam had hopes of becoming the drummer in his dad's rock band. Now, the real question is whether or not Adam will allow Dad to play in HIS band. For a while, Dr. Harris and Adam maintained a hobby of beekeeping that grew into a highly profitable little business of honey production. Adam is quite the salesman and had actually persuaded neighboring businesses to carry his product, "Adam's Honey". It was his "summer job" and a reliable source of income for him... until drumming took center stage, so to speak. Adam now resides in Boulder, CO. His focus is music; all music, only music. He has become an accomplished and respected percussionist. He once received the highest ranking in the state of Florida for his performance of "Rain Dance" on the marimba. Now in college, he is planning his future built upon a foundation of music modulated by business. His sheer determination will get where he wants to ultimately be. Music is a passion of Dr. Harris. His guitar, vocal, and video production skills allowed him to assemble and perform a tribute to September 11, which was featured as an opening performance for first "Huey Lewis and the News", then "Trisha Yearwood". These performances became the inspiration for the all-veterinarian band, "Projectile", which Dr. Harris founded in 2003. Projectile's performances include openings for the legendary "Chicago", "Hootie and the Blowfish", "Clint Black", and "REO Speedwagon", in addition to several headliner appearances. Now, Dr. Harris participates in the band at his church, the Miami Vineyard Community Church; it's his way of giving back to The One who provided so many blessings in the first place. Ultimately, Dr. Harris is a dedicated individual. He cares as much about his clients as he does his patients. He devotes himself 110% to anything and everything he takes responsibility for. Clients rest assured that nothing will be spared when Dr. Harris cares for their beloved pets
