About our team

DOCTORS

Martin Rivas, DVM (Owner/Medical Director)

Dr Rivas completed his Bachelors degree in Animal Science, and his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree at the University of Georgia. After finishing school, he moved to Miami, Florida. Dr Rivas has a special interest in surgery, dentistry, and emergency medicine. He has been practicing as a full-time, and as a relief veterinarian for well known small animal practices and specialty centers in South Florida. He performs soft tissue emergency surgery at local ER/Specialty hospitals. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society, and the South Florida Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Rivas is an USDA accredited veterinarian, which among his responsibilities for animal and human health, it allows him to sign health certificates for national and international travel for your pets. As a veterinarian, he is licensed to practice in Florida, Georgia, and California. When not practicing veterinary medicine, you may find him running, playing soccer, or at the local coffee shop.

 

Diana Gonzalez, DVM (Associate Veterinarian)

Dr Gonzalez is a Miami native who completed her Bachelors degree in Biological Sciences and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree at St. George’s University and the University of Georgia. After graduating, she completed a small animal rotating internship at Coral Springs Animal Hospital. She joined the Helpet team in 2022. Dr. Gonzalez has a special interest in oncology, internal medicine, and emergency medicine. When not practicing veterinary medicine, you can find her exploring delicious eats in Miami’s different neighborhoods or traveling to new destinations. She enjoys spending time with her family, friends and adorable Shih-tzu, Mulan (or Mumu, for short).

 

Brian Daubs, DVM, BSEET, DACVS (Board Certified Surgeon)

Dr. Brian Daubs, a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, was raised in the Midwest and received his doctorate in veterinary medicine at the University of Minnesota. He then went to Mississippi State University to complete a small animal rotating internship. He arrived in Florida in 2006 and completed a small animal surgical internship at Veterinary Specialists of South Florida. Dr. Daubs continued on at VSSF (now LeadER Animal Specialty Hospital) to complete a three-year small animal surgical residency. He has been involved in numerous research projects over the years involving osteoarthritis, pain management, bone allografts, humeral fractures, liver disease, hemoabdomens, and urinary stones. After completing his residency, he continued practicing in Southeast Florida. Aside from his affiliation with the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, he holds membership in professional groups such as the Florida Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Daubs collaborates with surgeons across the country to maintain the cutting edge in patient care, advanced surgical procedures, and pain management. After discovering the Florida Keys during his residency, Dr. Daubs has not only made it his home, but made it his goal to provide advanced surgical care to the Florida Keys.  Dr. Daubs also operates other clinics located in Miami. Personal interests include fishing, off shore tournament fishing, did I say fishing?, boating, scuba diving, and other out door activities. Dr. Daubs especially enjoys spending time with his wife, three beautiful children, and his Labrador Tucker.

Valentina Henao, DVM (Relief Veterinarian)

Dr Henao is a Miami native who completed her Bachelors degree in Animal Science and her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree at the University of Florida. After finishing school, she completed a rotating internship at Oradell Animal Hospital and then a surgical internship at Med Vet Cincinnati. Since then, she has been practicing full time as a Emergency Medicine and General Practice relief veterinarian in the area. She has a special interest in surgery, neurology, and emergency medicine. When not practicing veterinary medicine, Dr. Henao loves spending time with her family and friends. She enjoys working out, going out to eat, and relaxing with her cat Spot and her dog Toby.

 

SUPPORT TEAM

 

Yoandy A. (Veterinary Nurse)

Yoandy joined Helpet since 2020. Original from Cuba, He has a bachelors degree in Biology. Once in the US, he has been working in the Veterinary Field, and developing skills in veterinary emergency and critical care.  He will be assisting you and your pet on all aspects of our services. 
Hillary P. (Veterinary Nurse)
Hillary has joined our team as a veterinary technician. She graduated with a Bachelors in Veterinary Medicine from Nicaragua where she is from. She has worked with veterinarians in Nicaragua, California, and Miami. Hillary will be assisting you and your pet on all aspects of our services. 
Jacky O. (Veterinary Nurse)
Jacky has been part of the Helpet team from our early stages. She has grown within our hospital, and now as a veterinary nurse she assists doctors during consultations and procedures. Jacky is attending college, and her goal is to become a veterinarian. We are happy to have her in our team, and looking forward to help her grow in her career goals.
Manuela A. (Veterinary Assistant)
Manuela has joined the Helpet team in 2021 to assist nurses and doctors on all aspects of our practice. Her main focus is patient care. She will be spoiling your pets when they are here at the hospital. Manuela is attending college, and her goal is to develop skills to serve the pet industry.  She brings experience in the pet hospitality industry. We are happy to have her in our team, and looking forward to help her grow in her career goals.
Maria A. (Client Relations/Veterinary Assistant)
Maria joined the Helpet team in 2021. She helps on all aspects of client relations, from booking appointments, to emailing, and processing records and prescriptions. She also helps the entire team in all other aspects of our practice as needed. She brings experience from the pet hospitality industry. We are happy to have her in our team, and looking forward to see her grow within our company.

We love our job, your pets
and we share it