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Dr. Harris poses with "Hootie and the Blowfish"
after opening for them in Las Vegas.
Biography
 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 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 point of contact 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 received the
Outstanding Service Award from the Association of Avian Veterinarians, the
Speaker of the Year Award from the North American Veterinary Conference, and
many other 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 currently 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 three serious
interests- fishing, music, and, most importantly, his son, Adam.
Fishing is something that, due to other demands, Dr. Harris had to
temporarily put on a back burner. Now however, that Adam is becoming
an accomplished 14-year-old angler, things
are getting back to normal. Adam recently caught a mangrove
snapper that made it onto a local club's record board. The world is
once again spinning on greased grooves.
 Music is Dr. Harris' passion. 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.
 Being a father is something Dr. Harris takes most
seriously. Everything he does is designed to create a better environment
in which his son, Adam, can grow. Fishing, camping, surfing, and music
are activities that the guys enthusiastically share. When possible, Adam accompanies Dr.
Harris to meetings, lectures, and, most importantly, musical appearances.
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. Additionally, Dr. Harris and Adam began a hobby of beekeeping that has grown
into a highly profitable little business of honey production. Adam is
quite the salesman and has actually persuaded neighboring businesses to
carry his product, "Adam's Honey". It's become
his "summer job" and a reliable source of income for him.
Ultimately, Dr. Harris is a dedicated individual. He
devotes himself 110% to anything and everything he takes responsibility
for. Clients rest assured that nothing will be spared when Dr. Harris
takes the responsibility of caring for their beloved pets.
Professional Achievements
(click on links to explore further)
President, Eastern States Veterinary Association,
(Organizers of the North American
Veterinary Conference), current
Consultant, Animal Planet,
Animal-Cops,
current
President-Elect, Eastern States Veterinary Association, 2007
Vice-President, Eastern States Veterinary Association, 2006
 Director, Eastern States Veterinary
Association, (Organizers of the North American
Veterinary Conference), 2000-2006
Speaker of the Year, Exotics; North American Veterinary Conference, 1997
Program Chair, Avian & Exotic Animals, North American Veterinary Conference;
Orlando, FL, 1995-2001
Avian Lab Coordinator, North American Veterinary Conference,
1994-2003
Session Chair, Avian, North American Veterinary Conference; Orlando, FL, 1992-95
President, South Florida Veterinary Medical Association, October 1993 - December 1994
Member, Board of Directors, South Florida Veterinary Medical Association; Miami,
Florida 1990-1992
Conference Chairman, AAV Annual International Conference; Chicago, Illinois, 1991
Review Board, Journal of the AAV, 1990-2006
Member, Board of Directors, AAV, 1988-1990
Chairman, Stewardship Funding, AAV, 1988-1990
Chairman, Autotutorial Committee, AAV, 1987-1990
Conference Practical Lab Coordinator, AAV, 1986-1990
Outstanding Service Award, AAV, 1986
Local Labs Chairman, AAV International Conference; Miami, Florida 1986
Consulting Veterinarian, Miami
Seaquarium; Miami, FL, 1985-present
Consulting Veterinarian, Miami
Metrozoo; Miami, FL, 1983-present
Regular contributor to several professional and lay publications including AFA
Watchbird, Bird Talk, Bird Times, Journal of the Avian Medicine and Surgery, Exotic DVM,
Veterinary Clinics of North America, Seminars in Exotic Animal Medicine and
Surgery, DVM NewsMagazine, and others
Frequent speaker at Local, Regional, National, & International Veterinary Medical
Conferences
Greatest Blessings to Date
Meredith; daughter
Adam; son
(Click picture.)
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