Dr. Gerardo R. Vela, was born and raised in Laredo, Texas, on the South Texas/Mexico border along the Rio Grande. Growing up working on ranches with dogs, cattle, and horses among other species, he developed a deep love and appreciation for animals and nature. After earning his Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from Texas A&M University-Kingsville in 2015, he returned to Laredo to work on a cattle ranch. In the fall of 2016 he moved to Houston, Texas, and began a career with the Texas Department of Agriculture, most of which was spent as the Livestock Export Facility Operator at George Bush Intercontinental/Houston Airport (IAH). While working there, he partnered with USDA APHIS veterinarians to inspect and facilitate the international shipment of livestock out of Texas. In addition to working full time, he pursued online graduate coursework through a Masters of Science in Medical Microbiology and Biochemistry program by the University of Florida. In the summer of 2020, Dr. Vela moved to Tucson, Arizona following his acceptance into the inaugural class at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine.

While his passion for veterinary medicine began with mixed animal medicine, he has found through his education that he truly enjoys helping animals that need immediate assistance, leading him to pursue small and large animal emergency medicine. Upon graduation, Dr. Vela and his wife made the decision to remain in Tucson and build roots for the next chapter in their lives.

We are proud to announce that Dr. Gerry accepted a position to join the Civano Animal Hospital and Emergency Center family! Supporting him along his academic journey and career has been his incredible wife and their German/Australian Shepherd mix named Duchess. In their free time Dr. Vela, his wife, and Duchess can be found hiking on the various trails in town or researching their next travel getaway.