We provide exceptional veterinary care through the expertise of our dedicated and compassionate team. Our doctors and staff bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, ensuring that every patient receives personalized treatment and the highest standard of care.
Dr. Brett Darrow is a board-certified veterinary surgeon and certified rehab practitioner. He obtained a BSE in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering degree from the University of Iowa and worked in the field before following his passion to the University of Wisconsin to become a veterinarian. Following a one-year internship and two years as a general practitioner, Dr. Darrow attained a highly competitive academic surgery residency at the University of Tennessee.
Professionally, Dr. Darrow continues to contribute to the current literature and the latest technologies, from 3D printing to setting standards for blood transfusions. He has authored (or co-authored) many national and international publications, including two manuscripts in 2023 with two currently in-progress. He has also written two book chapters, one of which all veterinary surgery residents must read to achieve board certification. He maintains active membership in five professional associations on local and national levels. Dr. Darrow thoroughly enjoys mentoring those interested in surgery, from pre-vet to surgical residents.
Dr. Darrow has ranked #1 or #2 in every academic class, from high school through vet school (see CV). Hard-work and meticulous attention to detail goes into every surgery. He has performed 10,000+ orthopedic, soft tissue, and neurological procedures as one of Jacksonville’s busiest veterinary surgeons. Nevertheless, he is most proud of his patient’s successful outcomes and low complication rate.
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Dr. Janina Bartels is a board-certified diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Radiologists (DACVR). She completed her radiology residency at the University of Tennessee following a rotating internship at a referral center Coral Springs Animal Hospital and a specialty imaging internship at the Veterinary Imaging Center of San Diego. Dr. Bartels is from Germany, where she graduated from the Veterinary Medicine University of Hannover and received her doctor medicinae veterinariae degree summa cum laude. For her veterinary degree she completed a neurology research project involving neuroimaging in cooperation with the Veterinary Medicine University of Hannover and a specialty clinic in Santa Fe, NM. Her focused interests are ultrasonography, echocardiography, radiology and neuroimaging. Dr. Janina Bartels owns Veterinary Imaging Services in Jacksonville, Florida and provided mobile ultrasonography, echocardiography and Teleimaging to local clinics for the last six years.
In her spare time, Dr. Bartels enjoys being outdoors with her family running, biking, surfing and camping. She has a 4-year-old and 2-year-old son, both of which are already involved and excited about rescuing wildlife with their parents. Another family member is their little Jack Russel Terrier Ruby enjoying all outdoor activities with them.
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Dr. Leo Londoño was born and raised in Colombia and moved to the United States where he obtained his degree in Biology in 2006. He then received his veterinary degree from University of Florida in 2011. After completing a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Hollywood Animal Hospital (2012), he pursued a residency in emergency and critical care at University of Florida (2015) and became a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (DACVECC) in 2016. During his residency he discovered his passion for nephrology, hemodialysis and other forms of blood purification. He then completed the hemodialysis academy from UC Davis and received the certification in veterinary extracorporeal blood purification.
In 2015, Dr. Londoño joined the faculty at University of Florida where he worked as a professor of emergency and critical care, and director of the hemodialysis unit until April 2021. He joined Capital Vet Specialists in 2021 where he worked as a critical care specialist. He is a founding member of the American College of Veterinary Nephrology and Urology (ACVNU), established in 2022. His clinical interests include recognition and management of acute kidney injury, extracorporeal blood purification techniques, endothelial and glycocalyx dysfunction in critical illness. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling and lecturing internationally, fishing and spending time with his family.
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Kennedy Padgett is the Lead Surgery Technician at ECoVets Veterinary Specialists and Emergency. She holds two degrees in marine biology from the University of North Florida (UNF) and has always known that working with animals is her true calling. Kennedy feels incredibly fortunate to do what she loves every day, providing top-quality care to the animals that need it most.
Her journey in the veterinary field began with a deep passion for animal care. In 2018, she started as a volunteer under Dr. Darrow and quickly advanced to her current role as his Surgery Manager, where she plays a crucial role in ensuring the best surgical outcomes for her patients.
Outside of work, Kennedy is an avid outdoors enthusiast. She enjoys fishing, hunting, going to the beach, and reading in her free time. At home, she shares her life with three dogs and three cats, all of whom she has rescued. Her love for animals extends beyond the clinic, making her a dedicated advocate for their well-being both professionally and personally.
We are a comprehensive multi-specialty veterinary hospital dedicated to the well-being of our patients and their caretakers, preserving the human-animal bond. We offer advanced veterinary diagnostic and therapeutic options. We are members of the local community and appreciate the relationships we keep with our referring network of primary care veterinarians.
