September 16, 2024— The Colorado Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) is proud to recognize Dr. Amy Estrada as the 2024 CVMA Veterinarian of the Year. Delivered during the annual member meeting in Westminster, Colorado on September 5, 2024. This prestigious community-nominated award honors her dedication, innovation, and outstanding service to the veterinary profession, particularly in the field of emergency care for exotic animals in the Colorado Springs area.
Dr. Estrada’s journey is a testament to her passion for animals of all shapes and sizes. As a forward-thinker in veterinary medicine, she recognized a critical gap in emergency care for exotic pets in Colorado Springs. While traditional emergency services existed for cats and dogs, owners of small mammals, reptiles, and birds often struggled to find adequate care for their unique pets. Dr. Estrada took this challenge head-on, establishing an emergency exotics department within Animal ER Care Central of Colorado Springs.
Her work in this department has revolutionized care for exotic pets, building a robust program that provides much-needed emergency services for animals who were previously turned away in emergency situations, especially when visiting other practices. Dr. Estrada’s commitment didn’t stop at simply offering a service. She pursued continuing education, building her expertise and forming connections with exotic specialists nationwide. As a result, her program now treats a wide variety of species, from guinea pigs and rabbits to snakes and parrots, ensuring all animals receive the highest level of care when they need it most.
Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Estrada has become a trusted figure in the community. Pet owners speak with heartfelt appreciation for the compassion and expertise she brings to each case. From saving the life of a beloved parrot to providing lifesaving treatment for an ill rabbit, Dr. Estrada’s impact is deeply felt by the families she serves.
Dr. Estrada’s work has not only set a new standard for veterinary care in Colorado but also inspired a broader movement toward improving services for exotic pets across the country. Her ability to balance compassion with cutting-edge care embodies the very best of the veterinary profession.
As the 2024 CVMA Veterinarian of the Year, Dr. Estrada is recognized for her unwavering commitment to innovation, her determination to address unmet needs, and her compassionate approach to both animals and their owners. Her contributions have strengthened the bond between people and their pets, particularly those often forgotten in traditional veterinary settings.
At CVMA, we are honored to celebrate Dr. Estrada and her incredible accomplishments. Her work is not only a point of pride for our veterinary community but also a reminder of the difference one person can make when they see a need and work tirelessly to address it.
Congratulations to Dr. Estrada on this well-deserved recognition! Her pioneering, joyful spirit and dedication to improving the lives of exotic species inspires us all in Colorado and beyond.
