November 27, 2016 will always be an unforgettable day for me! On this day, Cruz Veterinary Services opened its’ clinic doors with a mission to provide high quality pet care and ethical treatment services in Fajardo, Puerto Rico and the islands of Vieques and Culebras. As a proud born and raised Cariduro, I am extremely proud for the opportunity to service my community.
In 2003, after many years of sacrifice efforts and books, but always with the support and motivation of my wife Rosita and family, I graduated Doctor in Veterinary Medicine from the University Pedro Henriquez Ureña in the Dominican Republic.
Coming from a family of educators, my mother Gloria Rivera (known as Professor Tata Cruz) and my father Jose Herminio Cruz (known as Mr. Cruz)- the importance of education and social responsibility was emphasized greatly. However, my love for the veterinary field was influenced by watching my father taking care of his “Paso Fino” horses; as well as, the efforts of my grandfather, Aleman, to create and maintain a “HomeZoo”. Fortunately my passion for education and science goes beyond my generation as both my sons have chosen a career in the sciences. My son Armando is a microbiologist, and Jonuel became a veterinarian.
Cruz Veterinary Services’s goal is to improve the health of our animals and the well-being of our society. As a community leader we promote the importance of social responsibility in controlling animal reproduction. In our “clinic on wheels” we have performed over 8,000 sterilization surgeries across our beautiful island. Our community efforts is a group initiative. They are the result of the collaboration of many organizations, citizens and friends with a passion for creating a positive environment for animals. Some of the organizations involved in these efforts are:
ARF of Rincón 
Fundación por los Animales
Tikoso Inc.
Alianza por los Animales
I am very grateful from the recognitions Cruz Veterinary Services has received by organizations such as ASPCA – Presidential Service Award 2015, Pet SOS and Project Animal Worldwide 2012. In addition to these recognition, nothing compares to the appreciation from the animal’s themselves and their owner. Nothing compares to the look of a cured animal or the words of gratitude from a pet owner. To be a source of that kind of change is what the veterinarian field is about.
I hope this page becomes a source of information to keep your pets healthy and happy. Remember wandering animals is a problem that affects many communities in our island.
Please be responsible and demonstrate your love to animals by Spaying/Neutering and adopting them.
