Joseph Doles, DVM

My current position is staff veterinarian following transitioning from practice owner.

I was born in Cleveland, and grew up in Euclid. Although my first jobs after Veterinary School were in Baltimore, Maryland and Stowe, Ohio, I moved back to Northeast Ohio and worked for Dr. Grundish as a staff doctor and later purchased the Pet Hospital of Willoughby from him in 1979.

My undergraduate education was at Cleveland State where I was pursuing a degree in Biology with a minor in Social Services. Since I was accepted to The Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine prior to completion of my Bachelor’s degree, I have no undergraduate degree.  I also participated as a research technician in the Anatomy Department at Case Medical School working on a MS research grant. I attended The Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine and earned my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1976. 

The decision to become a veterinarian was influenced by my first job in high school as a kennel cleaner and vet assistant. Although I had many volunteer hours in the emergency room at the local human hospital and had considered human medicine, caring for animals seemed to speak to me...it felt right.

My job description is best summed up as the equivalent of a general practitioner for small animals. Although I volunteer time when the Lake Metroparks Wildlife Center calls for help with wildlife cases, I am primarily involved with care of dogs, cats and pocket pets, both medically and surgically.

I am owned by a rescue cattle dog named Sunchi (means kiss in the Papiamento dialect), 4 crazy wonderful cats, a ball python rescued from a pet store born with atrophic eyes, named Tommy after the Who character, and a 15-year-old pet gecko….and oh yes, my very tolerant wife. 

My interests are varied. I enjoy making furniture/ woodworking. I am a student of the classical guitar, and have a diverse background in martial arts. I also enjoy SCUBA diving, especially cave and technical diving.  

Although during COVID I had considered retirement, a short trial break made me crazy…I missed the pets and their families.  So, I am back on track with my goal of working 4 more years so I can proudly say I was a practicing veterinarian for fifty years.