Thalia Bozeman ’05 practices veterinarian care with compassion and faith. She is a doctor of veterinary medicine caring for dogs, cats and other small animals at the Animal Health Clinic in Lakewood Ranch. She and her parents started the business 23 years ago as one of the first animal hospitals in that area. As her dad and mom are slowly transitioning into retirement, Bozeman is continuing their legacy of care with her new Grace Veterinary Services clinic nearby.

“I’m excited about it,” said Bozeman. “We’re going to be able to provide good care for our clients, like we always have, in a little bit more homey space and a little bit more fear-free environment for us and our clients.”

Bozeman, her parents, older sister and younger brother emigrated from Trinidad to Canada and Canada to the U.S. almost 27 years ago. The family grew up with chickens, ducks, dogs and other animals. Her dad, a veterinarian, and mom, an office manager, worked extremely hard so their children could have a good education and future. Her dad encouraged her to go to college, learn about different career fields, and pursue a profession that she enjoyed. She started her studies at Manatee Community College (now known as State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota), transferred to the University of South Florida, attended veterinary school, and followed in her father’s footsteps in veterinary care. 

“Many times, people think you have to go right away into a four-year program, but why would you go so far when you could come here (SCF) and get probably an even better education?,” Bozeman said. “Higher education gave me the choice of whether I wanted to go the path of my father and make it my path, or do something else. I was able to explore that with all the classes I took at SCF and USF and see where God wanted me to go. I’ve always loved animals and wanted to help them.”

Bozeman learned about SCF through Anthony Gambino, an SCF chemistry professor and longtime church friend. She took classes at SCF for credits toward her four-year bachelor’s degree requirements at USF. In addition to her studies, she worked at her family’s Animal Health Clinic to help pay for her schooling expenses. She valued the convenience, size and education at SCF.

“When I came here, it was smaller class sizes, and the professors cared about you and wanted you to succeed,” she said. They took time to teach you the material; it wasn’t just regurgitation. That laid a solid foundation for me to go on to my post-education at USF and veterinary school.”

Bozeman’s brother, a medical doctor in Naples, also took classes as a transfer student at SCF.  She advises the young people she meets at the clinic to explore SCF as an option for higher education.

“I have kids in middle school, high school and early college-age come in,” Bozeman said. “If they want to stay at home, save money and get one of the top educations in this area, I tell them to look at SCF first. I got a better chemistry education at SCF than I did at a four-year college.”

Working with animals and people brings fulfillment to Bozeman. Being a veterinarian comes naturally.

“My favorite parts about being a veterinarian are spending time with my patients and clients, educating clients about how to best take care of their pets, and giving preventative care so pets can live long, happy lives,” she said.

Bozeman is grateful for career, family and church life. She hopes her new business will prosper and make a difference in her community.

“I see myself hopefully thriving in Lakewood Ranch, providing the best care for my clients and my patients, and enjoying time with my family,” Bozeman said.