Commissioner Diaz calls for new veterinary college at FIU

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY – Miami-Dade County soon could be home to only the second college of veterinary medicine in Florida. 

Miami-Dade County Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz is sponsoring legislation to partner with Florida International University to help create a veterinary college at the school.  The legislation is scheduled for a vote at the County Commission’s Tuesday, Nov. 3 meeting.

The University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine in Gainesville is currently the only veterinary college in the state university system.

“Considering all the resources we have here in South Florida, Miami-Dade residents who want to pursue a career as a veterinarian shouldn’t have to go more than 300 miles to attend the nearest veterinary college,” Commissioner Diaz said. “Opening a veterinary college at Florida International University will help meet a critical need while boosting our local economy by keeping veterinary students here, hopefully not only during their studies but also after graduation.”

The resolution calls for the Mayor’s office to coordinate with FIU, the Florida Board of Governors and the Florida Legislature on efforts to establish the veterinary college.

Commissioner Diaz has been a strong pets advocate. Earlier this year, he sponsored legislation to explore a partnership with UF’s College of Veterinary Medicine to expand spay and neuter services in Miami-Dade County.