HAMMOCKS VETERINARY HOSPITAL
Healthy pets, happy hearts.
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305-388-0880
Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30am-5pm
Saturday 7:30 am-noon, Closed Sunday
Your Veterinarian in the Hammocks
Your Veterinary Team
We have been providing quality pet care since 2001. Meet the doctors, technicians and client care staff that will make your experience with us special.
Veterinarians
Jennifer Hew, DVM
Dr. Hew earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture (Animal and Poultry Science) at the University of Guelph in 1984 and her DVM at Ontario Veterinary College and the Universityof Guelph in Ontario, Canada in 1989. She also received her certification in Veterinary Acupuncture Veterinary Acupuncture at The Chi Institute in Reddick, FL in 2008. She started with Hammocks Veterinary Hospital as a relief veterinarian in 1997, before she purchased the practice in 2002. Her own pets include Blackie, a 6-year-old Lab mix; and Little Missy, a 3-year-old Terrier mix, and Big Boy a boxer mix. She also has many Japanese Koi. When she is not working, she enjoys gardening, hiking (she’s a nature-lover), reading, and traveling.
Karin - Office Manager
Karin Szust has over 20 years’ experience in the field of Small Animal Veterinary Medicine.
She earned her degree in veterinary medicine from the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1985. She moved to Miami in 1986 and worked in general small animal practice as a veterinary technician, clinical supervisor and practice Manager. She’s a member of the American Boxer Club and the Southeast Florida Boxer Club. She spends her free time baking, reading and attending conformation dog shows. Karin’s interest for small animals carries over into her home, which she shares with her husband and two boxers, Lula and Bang-Bang and two funny Frenchie’s, Cha-Cha and Gracie.
Cyrena Rose, DVM
Dr. Rose was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Marine Science and Biology at Jacksonville University, Jacksonville, Florida.
She met and married her husband in Jacksonville while finishing her degree. They moved to
Tampa for her to attain her Master’s Degree in Zoology studying brittlestars in Tampa Bay.
Their first dog, Testarosa, a red headed golden retriever, prompted her to establish a
relationship with a Tampa veterinarian’s office. She was soon employed at the vet and over
several years progressed from receptionist to technician to assistant office manager.
With the encouragement of her husband and family she then pursued her veterinary degree. She graduated from University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine with High Honors in 2002. Upon graduation she returned home to her husband in Tampa and worked at a small animal hospital in Tampa for several years as an associate veterinarian. Dr. Rose currently works as a relief veterinarian in Florida spanning from Key Largo all the way to Jacksonville and Tampa.
She has been working with Dr. Hew, and all of the wonderful staff at HammocksVeterinary Hospital since 2005.
Amy
Amy brings more than 18 years of experience as a technician and holds her Certificate of Veterinary Technology from the Medical Institute of Minnesota. Amy enjoys spending her free time with her three children and her dog Pablo. She also enjoys spending time outdoors and loves the beach.
Tess
Tess is originally from Miami, but lived most of her life in Nicaragua. She graduated from UNAN-Leon in 2017 with a bachelors degree in Veterinary Medicine. She moved back to Miami last year and began her career as a veterinary technician. Tess's 10 year son rocks her world!
Bri
Briana recently graduated from John Ferguson High School, where she obtained her certification in veterinary assisting after completing her internship here at Hammocks Veterinary Hospital. Currently Briana is completing her Bachelors in Biology at Florida International University. She enjoys being part of a team where she is able to contribute to our pet’s health and wellness while learning and advancing each day. Briana has two pets of her own, a Bichon Frise named Coco and a cat named Kitty. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, biking, trail rides, and arts and crafts. An interesting fact about Briana is she a huge Harry Potter fan! (Go Hufflepuffs!)
Maria
Maria joined Hammocks in July of 2017. She is the first person you see when you visit us greeting you and your fur baby by name. She graduated from Robert Morgan High school with many courses in early childhood education. She is the proud dog mom of a 6 year old American bulldog named Lola. When she isn't making clients feel welcome at Hammocks, Maria enjoys traveling and getting to know different cultures and sights around the world.
Black Jack – Hospital Mascot
This handsome tuxedo cat and his equally cute brother were dropped at our hospital in July 2005 as tiny fuzz balls. They were quickly put up for adoption. His brother was adopted, almost immediately, leaving this cute black kitty with a Charlie Chaplin milk mustache all alone. The staff could see there was something extra special about him, so they begged and pleaded with Dr. Hew and the practice manager to keep him. He has become a staple in our hospital and has many followers. He is always there to greet our four-legged guests and their families.