Our series on “Champions for Change” features people of any gender in any role who are making a difference and creating positive change for women in the veterinary sector – enabling aspirations, inspiring and supporting others to grow and follow their passions, and empowering our community.
Dr Donita McCants DVM is the founder and medical director of Veterinary Concierge Services, a mobile vet practice based in Florida, USA. She is also a member of the Editorial Advisory Board for Today’s Veterinary Practice, and runs her “Ask Dr. Donita” social media pages, raising awareness about pet health and care. Donita speaks at many events and is passionate about balancing business ownership and mental health, inspiring future veterinary leaders and showing others that we are in control of the lives we want to live. Dr Donita was nominated by an industry professional, who said: “Donita has faced every challenge in her life with positivity and strength and is truly inspiring. A mum, vet, business owner and champion body builder – there is nothing that can slow Donita down; not even hurricanes in her home of Florida or racially charged tension during the recent US elections. Donita is a key pillar in her community and a wonderful role model to young women coming into the pet health industry.”
Read on to find out more about how Donita inspires and encourages other women in the veterinary sector:
I graduated in 2015 from vet school. I had a slow start because I struggled to pass my boards because of undiagnosed ADHD and anxiety. Once I overcame that obstacle, I was able to start working as a general practitioner at corporate facilities. After a few years I decided I wanted to go back to becoming a boarded surgeon, but that dream didn’t pan out so I starting working at a private practice until I was ready to start my own business. I stumbled upon starting a mobile veterinary practice which we opened in 2021 out of my personal vehicle and grew to a full-service Sprinter van in Florida, USA. Now, as well as working in my business, I also speak at veterinary conferences and webinars and assist with publications to bring more awareness to path of veterinary business ownership and the veterinary community as a whole.
Please summarise how you are working towards change in the veterinary professions and why do you feel this is important?:
Speaking at veterinary conferences and raising awareness about business ownership and maintaining homeostasis or “balance” is what brings me the most joy. I want to help other business owners push forward regardless of the obstacles that they face to do with their sex, gender, race, beliefs or circumstances. I want other aspiring business owners and entrepreneurs to understand that it may be a difficult journey but you have support and it is possible. I feel the plight of a business owner can be lonely and most people see the glitz and glamour of success, but don’t understand the hard times it took to get to the other side.
I want the veterinary community to also understand that it’s okay to choose yourself and pivot as many times as necessary in your career to find your place and be at peace with your life and future.
How do you feel this is making a difference?
I feel this is making a difference because it can greatly impact how we view ourselves and our careers. I’m also a very big advocate for mental health and ensuring that it stays intact. I’ve spoken about our failing mental health and how it leads to growing suicide rates. Instead of being sad about it, I want us to have more solutions and ways to combat our mental health struggles without feeling like we have to give up.
What motivated you to want to change things?
My personal mental health was fading while working in private practice and I wanted to find a way to continue to give back to myself. I started the business originally for this reason; I wanted to have more control over my schedule. Eventually difficulties of business ownership made it hard to have control over those choices, which caused me to have to pivot my service location to accommodate my needs for life and finances.
How have you encouraged other people to get on board with your ideas?
I encourage others often on social media platforms, at speaking engagements and through webinars. By being transparent and honest it helps others understand that the road will never be perfect, but you can achieve your dreams.
What are the biggest challenges you have encountered in this journey and how have you overcome them?
My biggest challenge has been dealing with unconscious bias in my service areas. We tried hard to give 100% of ourselves and provide top notch service to our community. But unfortunately, sometimes when clients make choices about who they want to service their pet, they make that decision based on what you look like. Being a black woman and owning a business places added strain that I didn’t realize would be so impactful. That is a battle I cannot overcome in certain places, which is why we have made the difficult decision to change locations to have a more positive experience.
What has most helped and motivated you along the way?
My husband who helped me start the business. He has always supported me and quit his job to help get the business off the ground. I am so grateful for his sacrifice, which pushes me to never give up on the dream!
What is the best advice you’ve been given, or that you would give to someone else, about driving positive change?
Keep pivoting until it feels right. If you have to change career paths from one thing to the next it’s OK. That’s the beauty of veterinary medicine; there is a way for us all to be happy with our choices and live fulfilling and happy lives. That includes giving to yourself and your hobbies as well. We cannot let our careers be our only identity.
What are your next steps to continue creating change for the better?
I am excited to have been selected at one of the general practice advisory board members for Today’s Veterinary Business. This is a publication under the NAVC (North American Veterinary Conference) umbrella. This opportunity will allow me to continue to bring knowledge and keep the veterinary community updated on how we can continue to create change.
In honour of International Women’s Day on March 8th, 2025, we assembled a collection of ‘Champions for Change’ profiles into a free eBook. Explore exclusive stories highlighting inspirational figures driving positive change for women in veterinary.
Our thanks to Dr Donita for sharing her inspiring story of how she is championing change. If you would like to nominate a Champion for Change or share your story, please let us know.
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