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.
