Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Ori And Dr. Jordan Eizenberg Weinger.
Hi Dr. Ori and Dr. Jordan, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
About seven years ago, we made the decision to open an animal hospital that truly reflected our vision of what veterinary care could, and should, be. After working in a variety of practices, we realized that something essential was often missing: a genuine partnership between the veterinary team and pet parents. We envisioned a hospital dedicated to comprehensive, individualized care that blends the best of Eastern and Western medicine, while also serving as a place where pet parents could learn, ask questions, and feel confident in the care their pets receive.
We set out to build that “missing” place in the heart of a community, one that was accessible, welcoming, and surrounded by amenities that would enhance both patient care and the overall experience. A place built on trust. Bringing that vision to life was anything but easy. From construction and marketing to daily operations, challenges appeared at every turn. We were a true start-up, opening our doors without a single established client. But with persistence, intention, and an unwavering commitment to quality care, the community responded. In a true “Field of Dreams” moment, we built it, and they came.
What began as a one-doctor practice with three support staff and zero patients has grown into a thriving hospital with four doctors, 14 support team members, and approximately 3,000 active patients. Today, we offer far more than routine preventive care. Our hospital features a full in-house laboratory and digital radiography, allowing blood, urine, fecal, and internal assessments to be completed in about 15 minutes. We provide soft tissue and dental procedures using a fully equipped surgical suite and digital dental X-rays, as well as Eastern medicine services such as acupuncture and Chinese herbal therapy to complement traditional Western treatments.
All of our doctors are USDA-APHIS certified, enabling us to assist pet families with both domestic and international travel documentation. Following our most recent expansion, the hospital now includes six exam rooms, including a dedicated feline-only room, a pharmacy, and dedicated triage and treatment areas. Located on Brickell Key with easy access and free parking, our hospital reflects the vision we set out to create years ago: a trusted, community-centered space offering the level of care pets deserve, exactly when they need it most.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When we opened our doors, we quickly learned that starting a new animal hospital is about far more than practicing good medicine. From day one, everything had to be created from the ground up: the physical space, medical equipment, operational systems, protocols, and team culture, often before a single patient walked through the door. The upfront financial investment was significant, and it came long before there was predictable revenue to support it.
We also faced the challenge of building trust without an established client base. Every relationship mattered, and earning the confidence of pet parents required consistency, transparency, and time. Marketing and community engagement weren’t optional; they were essential just to introduce ourselves and share our vision. At the same time, recruiting and retaining a skilled veterinary team in a competitive field required thoughtful leadership and long-term commitment.
All of this unfolded while maintaining high medical standards, meeting regulatory requirements, and putting in long hours to keep the hospital running smoothly. Those early days demanded resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to learn quickly. Looking back, those challenges didn’t just shape our hospital; they shaped us as leaders and ultimately laid the foundation for the growth we’ve experienced since.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
In addition to our medical services, Wags Animal Hospital is guided by five core values that inform every decision we make: Teamwork, Knowledge, Kindness, Fun, and Gold Standard Medicine. These values shape our culture, our client relationships, and the level of care we provide our patients.
Teamwork
Veterinary medicine is demanding, and no one succeeds alone. At Wags, collaboration is essential, not only among our team but also with our clients. When a day becomes challenging, our team instinctively steps in to support one another. The same philosophy extends to pet parents. Some medical situations require additional explanation, guidance, and time. At Wags Animal Hospital, we never rush an appointment. If a 30-minute visit isn’t enough, we take the time needed to ensure clients leave with a clear, thoughtful, and actionable medical plan, even if it takes far longer than expected.
Knowledge
Advancing knowledge, both internally and externally, is a cornerstone of our practice. Each morning begins with educational rounds, where our team discusses common conditions, medications, diagnostics, and emerging medical insights. Our goal is for every team member to confidently explain not just what we do, but why we do it. For clients, this commitment to education translates into detailed explanations, extended time in the exam room when needed, comprehensive written discharge instructions, and curated educational resources. We want pet parents to feel informed, empowered, and confident in the care their pets receive.
Kindness
We believe in treating others as we would want to be treated ourselves. Whether interacting with colleagues, clients, or patients, we approach every situation with empathy and understanding. Pet parents come to us during moments of stress and concern, and those emotions can sometimes manifest in unexpected ways. Our team is trained to recognize this and respond with patience and compassion, always keeping the pet’s well-being at the center of the conversation. Kindness extends equally to our patients. Because they cannot communicate verbally, we are mindful of our body language, energy, and approach, recognizing that fear and anxiety can easily be mistaken for aggression. Our goal is to foster trust and build lasting relationships between our team, our patients, and their families.
Fun
Veterinary medicine can be emotionally and mentally taxing, and we believe joy plays an important role in resilience. At Wags, we make a conscious effort to keep the atmosphere light and positive. We share laughter, enjoy good music when appropriate, and remind ourselves not to take everything too seriously. Our team genuinely loves what we do, and we believe that sense of enjoyment carries through to our clients and patients. Sometimes, laughter truly is the best medicine.
Quality Medicine
We are committed to practicing the highest standard of veterinary care, the gold standard. Medical knowledge evolves rapidly, and staying current requires ongoing education and investment. Our team is encouraged to pursue continuing education not only in veterinary medicine but also in personal and professional development. We intentionally seek advanced tools and technologies, such as digital dental radiography and cold laser therapy, that go beyond the scope of traditional general practice. By offering a full range of evidence-based treatment options, our ultimate goal of helping our patients enjoy the best possible quality of life for as long as possible is often easily attainable.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wagsbrickellkey.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wagsanimalhospital/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wagsanimalhospital
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wags-animal-hospital/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WagsAnimalHospital
- Other: https://www.wagsbrickellkey.com/blog/
Image Credits
1) First image –> Dr. Ori and Dr. Jordan – Co-founders of Wags Animal Hospital
2) Three images of the hospital (two of the lobby and one of the exam room)
3) Patient wrapped in a blanket –> Dr. Lili helping comfort a patient recovering from a procedure. Love and patient comfort are at the core of Wags Animal Hospital
4) Golden retriever puppy –> Dr. Laura supporting her patient after his last set of vaccines. Love and patient comfort are at the core of Wags Animal Hospital
