Joe Jesse Owens, III, DVM, is an accomplished Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, inventor, business owner, and dynamic public speaker with a career dedicated to advancing animal health and inspiring others.

Born in Marlboro, MA, and raised in Durham, NC, Owens grew up alongside three sisters and credits his parents, Joe Owens, Jr, and Sharon Owens, DVM, as his biggest inspirations for pursuing veterinary medicine. He is a proud graduate of Tuskegee University, where he earned a B.S. in Animal Science (2008) and a DVM (2012). During his time at Tuskegee, he excelled academically and served in key leadership roles, including Class President, SCAVMA President, and as Mr. Tuskegee University (2007-2008).

Owens began his veterinary career in Las Vegas, gaining expertise across various fields, including relief work, shelter medicine, emergency care, private practice, and corporate day practice. By 2016, he transitioned into practice ownership, co-owning three successful animal hospitals in Nevada (two day practices and one emergency hospital) with his college colleague, Johnathan Snead, DVM. 

As an innovator, Owens invented Enjoy-A-Bowl, the first appetite-stimulating bowl for pets, helping improve dietary compliance and addressing feeding challenges for pets with medical or dietary needs. In 2017, he pitched Enjoy-A-Bowl on Steve Harvey’s Funderdome, securing $50,000 in seed funding.

In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Owens is the co-founder of Cosmic Development LLC, an investment property company, and contributes to pet welfare through initiatives like Two By Two Pet Venture and But I Love My Pet. A sought-after mentor, Owens travels to veterinary schools to inspire and guide future veterinarians.

Outside of work, Owens enjoys spending time with his wife, Leticia, their 2 toddlers, Mekhi and Nyilah, and their 12-year-old Australian Shepherd mix, Que. He is passionate about fitness, gaming, and exploring the world.

Sebastian Gabor, MBA,  is a dynamic entrepreneur, educator, TED speaker, endurance athlete, and a firm believer in technology for the greater good. After completing business school at 21, he started a software development agency, ITGambit, that served industry giants such as Disney and Hasbro. Along the way, he lectured at Geneva Business School and co-founded Code4Romania, a non-profit organization creating technical solutions to social challenges that now unites 2700+ developers. Gabor's  journey took an unexpected turn when he delved into the world of veterinary medicine while working on a project for a pet vaccine manufacturer. Immersed in the busy routines of dozens of veterinary hospitals, he was astonished by the multitude of administrative tasks that plagued their workflows, diverting precious time away from what veterinary professionals cherish most – caring for their patients. This revelation, coupled with observations of pet parent challenges, sparked the idea of building a software product that would enhance the veterinary care process. Together with his partner Ruxandra Pui, he developed Digitail – an all-in-one operating system for animal hospitals designed to improve efficiencies and provide a modern experience to veterinary teams, clients, and their pets. Launched in 2018, Digitail now serves 1,000+ practices and 1 million pets worldwide. In 2023, Digitail closed an $11 million Series A funding round led by Atomico.

Gabor's is an avid reader and a three-time Ironman finisher. He loves hiking and debating world problems with his friends.

Rachel Siu, DVM, has dedicated over a decade to the specialized field of exotic pet medicine. Her extensive experience encompasses a diverse array of species, including reptiles, birds, small mammals, and amphibians. Siu has a significant following on social media, where she aims to raise awareness and profile of exotic pets, their treatment, and care. 

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Alejandro Bernal, CEO of Wedgewood Pharmacy and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine with over 25 years of experience in animal health. Dr. Bernal shares his journey and insights on industry challenges, and highlights Wedgewood Pharmacy’s approach to connecting veterinary professionals with the exciting innovations transforming veterinary care.

Learning Objectives:

• Hear more about changes expected to impact the veterinary industry within the next five to ten years.

• Learn how veterinary professionals can improve their mental health and establish a better work-life balance.

• Gain insight into the latest technological developments shaping the veterinary field.

Pam Hale, DVM,  MBA, JM, has held numerous high level leadership roles within veterinary medicine, from chief of staff to chief medical officer. She is a highly engaged veterinary industry consultant as an operation, start up and firm building subject matter expert.  She is a graduate of the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine. Earning her Master of Business Administration from St. George’s University.  Hale also earned in 2023 a Juris Master’s degree from Florida State University. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and Georgia VMA. She serves on the Dean’s Counsel for Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine and the American Veterinary Medical Association Professional Liability Insurance Trust. She served on the inaugural board of the Wedgewood Pharmacy Advisory Board from 2022-2023. She recently joined the board of the Society of Veterinary Medical Ethics (SVME).  In addition, she is a member of Vet Partners and the CHIEF organization for women executives. She shares her home in Atlanta, GA with 5 pups and husband, Chuck (USAF veteran retired).

George Melillo, VMD,  founder and chief veterinary officer of Heart + Paw, is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.  He has had a long career working in private practice, as a practice owner, and in corporate veterinary medicine.  In addition, Melillo has also been involved in two successful start-ups in human pharmaceuticals.  Melillo started Heart + Paw with a passion for the profession.  His vision was to create a practice where veterinarians and veterinary care providers, who he believes have the noblest of hearts, can practice happy, healthy, and successfully.  In addition, the vision for Heart + Paw was to reimagine pet care for the pet parent and create a new model of care for pets.  Outside of veterinary medicine,  Melillo lives with his wife of 34 years and his 12-year-old Jack Russell rescue, Pancho.       

Keith True, DVM, MBA, chose a career in veterinary medicine because of his love for animals, and a desire to pursue the many entrepreneurial opportunities the field offers. After graduating from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 2014, True became a partner at three hospitals in the Chicagoland area. During that time, he developed expertise in orthopedic surgery and discovered a love for building successful businesses, including the foundational work of developing strong, cohesive teams. His interest in business led True to pursue a Master’s in Business Administration. True founded True Vet Potential in 2023 with a goal focused on removing the barriers to practice ownership and providing the necessary business training and coaching to help veterinarians thrive in the field of entrepreneurship. True and his wife, Lauren, are the proud parents of 4 young children and enjoy traveling the world, whether it be for marathon running or pleasure. 

Jessica Vogelsang, DVM is a veterinarian, international speaker, bestselling author of All Dogs Go to Kevin, and Chief Medical Officer at AAHA. As the founder of Pawcurious Media back in 2009, she was one of the first veterinarians to explore how the internet was going to impact the profession and build community. In that time she reached hundreds of thousands of pet owners around the world, helped launch multiple veterinary brands, and created the Veterinary Telemedicine community in response to COVID-19. In addition to her work at AAHA, she currently sits on the boards of the Mark Morris Institute, Pet Nutrition Alliance, and the Veterinary Virtual Care Association. 

Melani Seymour explains the factors that are driving younger practice owners to sell their business.

Melani Seymour is a serial entrepreneur and veterinary industry change agent, dedicated to revolutionizing practice ownership and transitions. As co-founder of Transitions Elite and DVM Elite, she has worked with over 1,100 veterinary owners, positioning practices as premium assets in the market. Melani's expertise in veterinary practice growth, business strategy, and high-value negotiations has consistently transformed average practices into highly sought-after acquisitions. With a background in psychology and a passion for philanthropy, she ensures her companies contribute significantly to social good, including microfinance initiatives and local charities. Melani holds an M.Sc. from the Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, and combines deep industry insights with innovative business approaches to unlock the full potential of veterinary practices and their owners.

Learn more about Fetch Long Beach and register here today! 

Meghan Solc, DVM, DACVD, grew up on a hobby farm in Brockville, Ontario, Canada. Solc later moved to Prince Edward Island, Canada, where she ultimately achieved her dream of becoming a veterinarian, receiving her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 2012 from the Atlantic Veterinary College. After graduation, Solc relocated to Toronto, Ontario, to complete a rotating and specialty dermatology internship. She was accepted into a residency with Thrive Pet Healthcare Partner Dermatology for Animals. In 2018, she became an American College of Veterinary Dermatology diplomate.

Solc has continued her work with Dermatology for Animals in Akron, Ohio, and recently moved to Catonsville, Maryland. She has trained two dermatology specialty technicians and continues to work with residents through the ACVD. In 2024, she received the dvm360 Veterinary Heroes Award for dermatology.

She resides in Baltimore with her wife, Katie, and their fur kids, Bruce, Iris, and Max. When she's not promoting the field of veterinary dermatology, Solc can be found traveling, hiking, rowing, and exploring new foodie spots.

Check out our 2025 Fetch Conferences for a Wicked savings here. 

CJ Burnett, CExP, is an owner and financial advisor with The Next Step Planning Group & Florida Veterinary Advisors. He also hosts a podcast that discusses a wide range of financial topics for veterinarians called "The Smarter Vet Podcast." In 2024 he authored a book: "Unleashed: The Financial Clarity Every Veterinarian Needs."

In 2022 Burnett was invited to join a board of a dozen advisors that produces the educational content for financial advisors across the United States. When speaking at financial advisor conferences, he reaches nearly 1,700 financial advisors per year to educate them on unique planning concepts, financial market conditions, and rarely known business owner strategies. He also gives talks to financial advisor firms throughout the year. 

Although he is an analyst at heart, Burnett enjoys working directly with people. In 2011, he started his business, The Next Step Planning Group. Over the years, Burnett, who is a Certified Exit Planner, has had success working with business owners on structuring a financial plan that gives them the most control over the results they are after. Burnett does not want to only help people with their financial plans; he wants to change what’s possible for them; to show them how to master the “short game” for them to win the “long game.” Burnett also enjoys working with clients on their charitable giving goals. He works with them to structure a plan to minimize the tax impact on them and maximize the impact they can make when giving money to 501(c)(3) entities.

Tom Seeko,CExP, is a financial advisor and business financial guide who works with veterinarians, owners, and veterinary teams. His experience in the financial industry started in 2011 but his desire to support the veterinary industry began in 2014. He is the co-host of The Smarter Vet Financial Podcast, co-owner of Florida Veterinary Advisors, national speaker, publication writer, and book author of Unleashed: The Financial Clarity That Every Veterinarian Needs. 

Sponsored by Elanco.

Novel targeted therapies can provide rapid relief for canine allergic and atopic dermatitis. In this podcast, Andrew Rosenberg, DVM, and Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, react to the availability of a once-daily oral JAK inhibitor, highlighting it as an advancement in managing difficult skin conditions in dogs.

Zenrelia is indicated for control of pruritus associated with allergic dermatitis and control of atopic dermatitis in dogs at least 12 months of age.

For Full prescribing information call 1 888 545 5973 or visit www.elancolabels.com/us/zenrelia

Based on results of the vaccine response study, dogs receiving Zenrelia are at risk of fatal vaccine-induced disease from modified live virus vaccines and inadequate immune response to any vaccine. Discontinue Zenrelia for at least 28 days to 3 months prior to vaccination and withhold Zenrelia for at least 28 days after vaccination. Dogs should be up to date on vaccinations prior to starting Zenrelia. Do not use in dogs less than 12 months old or dogs with a serious infection. Monitor dogs for infections because Zenrelia may increase susceptibility to opportunistic infections. Neoplastic conditions (benign and malignant) were observed during clinical studies. Consider the risks and benefits of treatment in dogs with a history of recurrence of these conditions. The most common adverse reactions were vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy. Zenrelia has not been evaluated in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs and concurrent use with glucocorticoids, cyclosporine, or other systemic immunosuppressive agents has not been tested. For full prescribing information see package insert.

Zenrelia, Elanco, and the diagonal bar logo are trademarks of Elanco or its affiliates. PM-US-24-1648 (2).