Today we’d like to introduce you to Michel Gutierrez.
Hi Michel, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey with Similia Veterinary Services began long before I even envisioned opening this clinic. It started in Placetas, a small town in Cuba, surrounded by poverty and scarcity of essentials like food and medical supplies. Although school wasn’t always my favorite, I found myself excelling in chemistry and biology, which surprisingly led me to a veterinary medicine path I hadn’t initially imagined for myself.
After earning my Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Medicine and a master’s degree in Veterinary Homeopathy from the Central University of Las Villas (UCLV) in Cuba, I dedicated several years to teaching veterinary clinical disciplines, microbiology, and homeopathy. Eventually, life offered me an opportunity not just for myself but also for my family: pursuing the “American Dream.” This meant leaving behind everything familiar and relocating alone to the United States in 2016, arriving in a new country with no connections and limited English proficiency.
I began my journey from scratch, working as a kennel assistant, gradually advancing to veterinary technician roles as my English improved through intense study and dedication. With determination, I revalidated my veterinary license, becoming a licensed veterinarian in Florida. Since then, I have worked at several esteemed clinics, specialty hospitals, and emergency facilities, including Leader Animal Specialty Hospital (2022-2023), and I currently serve as a relief veterinarian at Kendall Point Animal Hospital (2024-present).
My deep-rooted passion for homeopathic medicine began in Cuba, out of necessity due to limited medication availability. This sparked my belief in holistic medicine, inspiring me to pursue and nearly complete the Professional Master’s Course in Veterinary Homeopathy. My passion for continued education led me further to obtain certifications in echocardiography and ultrasound.
These experiences culminated in the establishment of Similia Veterinary Services, a clinic dedicated to integrating conventional and homeopathic treatments. Our goal is to provide compassionate, comprehensive care, including surgery, dentistry, echocardiography, ultrasound, and homeopathic treatments tailored specifically for each pet’s unique health needs.
Today, I am immensely proud of how far we’ve come. Each day brings the invaluable reward of healthier pets and relieved pet parents. The continued growth and support from the Miami Springs community motivate us to serve with compassion, innovate continuously, and positively impact many lives in the years ahead. From our Similia family to yours, we welcome you into a caring, supportive, and safe environment.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Has it been a smooth road? Certainly not. Arriving alone in a new country was daunting. The language barrier posed significant challenges I started from square one, working as a kennel assistant while learning English, determined to rebuild my professional life. There were moments of frustration and doubt, times when the path forward seemed unclear. However, perseverance and unwavering dedication drove me to gradually advance to veterinary technician roles. Eventually, through intense study and effort, I successfully revalidated my veterinary license, becoming a licensed veterinarian in Florida.
Since then, I have worked at several esteemed clinics, specialty hospitals, and emergency facilities, including Leader Animal Specialty Hospital (2022-2023).
My deep-rooted passion for homeopathic medicine began in Cuba, out of necessity due to limited medication availability. This sparked my belief in holistic medicine, inspiring me to pursue and nearly complete the Professional Master’s Course in Veterinary Homeopathy. My passion for continued education led me further to obtain certifications in echocardiography and ultrasound.
Building Similia Veterinary Services presented additional unique challenges. First, defining our concept was complex. We aimed to seamlessly integrate homeopathic medicine with cutting-edge modern veterinary medicine, drawing from extensive experience at top-tier emergency hospitals. Second, we envisioned a veterinary clinic built around Fear Free principles, minimizing fear, anxiety, and stress for pets, treating cats separately from dogs. With few local examples to guide us, we collaborated closely with Trabear Architecture and Design Studio and Animal Arts, leading global innovators in Fear Free veterinary design based in Boulder, Colorado. Lastly, securing building permits from the city of Miami Springs was a significant hurdle, resolved after two challenging years and legal intervention.
Today, these foundational struggles are behind us, but the journey continues. Maintaining Similia Veterinary Services involves continually making the best decisions for our pets and clients without sacrificing our core values of transparency, empathy, and honesty. Although the path may be long, we cherish the process, knowing it brings peace of mind and satisfaction to our clients.
Today, I am immensely proud of how far we’ve come. Each day brings the invaluable reward of healthier pets and relieved pet parents. The continued growth and support from the Miami Springs community motivate us to serve with compassion, innovate continuously, and positively impact many lives in the years ahead. From our Similia family to yours, we welcome you into a caring, supportive, and safe environment.
We’ve been impressed with Similia Veterinary Services, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Similia Veterinary Services uniquely integrates homeopathic and conventional veterinary medicine, specializing in comprehensive and personalized pet care. Our clinic is recognized for its commitment to Fear Free principles, providing an anxiety free environment by separately treating cats and dogs, significantly reducing stress for pets and their families. We offer diverse, high-quality services, including advanced surgical procedures, echocardiography, ultrasound, dental care, and specialized homeopathic treatments.
What sets Similia apart is our unwavering dedication to empathy, honesty, and transparency, along with our ability to combine holistic and advanced medical care. We’re immensely proud of the trusting relationships we build with our clients, creating a community driven environment where every visit is comforting and supportive. Our brand represents compassion, innovation, and excellence in veterinary care, ensuring healthier, happier pets and satisfied pet parents every day.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
We feel happiest and most fulfilled when our core goals are met: firstly, when we successfully restore our patients’ health quickly, gently, permanently, in the shortest and least damaging way, causing minimal stress and ensuring lasting results. Secondly, when our clients are genuinely satisfied and experience clear, transparent communication and support throughout their pet’s care journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://similiavets.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/similiaveterinary/?next=%2F
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569599681296&ref=pl_edit_xav_ig_profile_page_web_bt#
- Other: https://g.page/r/CR1PpJLyuPYfEAE/review
Image Credits
Claudia Colom
