Animal General Hospital
Animal General Hospital
Small animal veterinarian
Origin Story / Overview
Introduce yourself.
I am Diana Gonzalez-Edmonds 5th gene from the Vidal and Ana line. In 2004 I opened a small animal veterinary hospital in a small plaza in Fort Myers Florida with one doctor and one employee. We have since expanded to a stand alone building with 6 doctors and 21 support staff.
What inspired this venture?
At the age of 8 I wanted it be a veterinarian and began volunteering at 14 and working at a clinic part time at 16. I had an obvious passion for animals as well as science based mind and no fear of poo or other dirty things!
What do you hope younger family members learn from your story?
Not everyone knows what they want to be when they grow up but if you find something you love and stick to it you will make it great.
How can our family best support your business?
My business grows by word of mouth but is obviously very local. I just enjoy helping out family members who have questions about heir fur babies.
Lessons & Advice
What do you wish you'd known earlier?
A long time ago my accountant told me to enjoy my vacations. What’s the worst thing that could happen, she said, so you lose money, maybe have to file bankruptcy, but you are still a veterinarian, you will always have a job so go on vacation and don’t think about work. That’s the best and only way to reset.
What principle has shaped your success?
Being honest with my clients has gotten me very far. I am straightforward with them and I also admit my mistakes. It shows character and I am better understood and forgiven that way when needed.
Advice for the next generation.
Take small steps toward your dream and don’t go the easy route. Use help when it’s offered, I originally had a partner when I opened my practice, he just wanted to give me a leg up, and he did . I bought him out within 2 years. Keep going and be the owner whenever possible.
Image Gallery (click to zoom)
Speed Round
Walk us through a slice of your routine.
Being the owner of the practice has finally paid off, on Thursdays, for example, I am able to wake up and play tennis and go into the office at 9 to begin my surgery day. I perform 3-5 procedures and return phone calls and see drop off appointments and then head home by 5 pm.
Share a challenge you've overcome.
The biggest challenge of owning a veterinary practice is dealing with clients that are going through hard times. They may be scared for their pet, feel embarrassed or lack the finances to tend to their animal and then become very rude and difficult to work with. This along with seeing neglected pets is the hardest thing to deal with.
Share a small win.
Every time a 5 star google review comes in saying that we are the most compassionate hospital in town my heart melts, there is nothing better than knowing that you can be trusted.
Image Gallery (click to zoom)
Origin Story / Overview
Introduce yourself.
I am Diana Gonzalez-Edmonds 5th gene from the Vidal and Ana line. In 2004 I opened a small animal veterinary hospital in a small plaza in Fort Myers Florida with one doctor and one employee. We have since expanded to a stand alone building with 6 doctors and 21 support staff.
What inspired this venture?
At the age of 8 I wanted it be a veterinarian and began volunteering at 14 and working at a clinic part time at 16. I had an obvious passion for animals as well as science based mind and no fear of poo or other dirty things!
What do you hope younger family members learn from your story?
Not everyone knows what they want to be when they grow up but if you find something you love and stick to it you will make it great.
How can our family best support your business?
My business grows by word of mouth but is obviously very local. I just enjoy helping out family members who have questions about heir fur babies.
Speed Round
Walk us through a slice of your routine.
Being the owner of the practice has finally paid off, on Thursdays, for example, I am able to wake up and play tennis and go into the office at 9 to begin my surgery day. I perform 3-5 procedures and return phone calls and see drop off appointments and then head home by 5 pm.
Share a challenge you've overcome.
The biggest challenge of owning a veterinary practice is dealing with clients that are going through hard times. They may be scared for their pet, feel embarrassed or lack the finances to tend to their animal and then become very rude and difficult to work with. This along with seeing neglected pets is the hardest thing to deal with.
Share a small win.
Every time a 5 star google review comes in saying that we are the most compassionate hospital in town my heart melts, there is nothing better than knowing that you can be trusted.
Lessons & Advice
What do you wish you'd known earlier?
A long time ago my accountant told me to enjoy my vacations. What’s the worst thing that could happen, she said, so you lose money, maybe have to file bankruptcy, but you are still a veterinarian, you will always have a job so go on vacation and don’t think about work. That’s the best and only way to reset.
What principle has shaped your success?
Being honest with my clients has gotten me very far. I am straightforward with them and I also admit my mistakes. It shows character and I am better understood and forgiven that way when needed.
Advice for the next generation.
Take small steps toward your dream and don’t go the easy route. Use help when it’s offered, I originally had a partner when I opened my practice, he just wanted to give me a leg up, and he did . I bought him out within 2 years. Keep going and be the owner whenever possible.
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