Dr. Ermel Shrode is the founder of Hickory Hill Veterinary Services, a mixed animal practice serving Tampa bay and central FL with a personalized, relationship-centric approach to medicine.  Providing care for companion animals, horses and livestock, Dr. Shrode is dedicated to delivering thoughtful, high quality veterinary care to the unique needs of each patient and family she serves.  With a depth of experience in small animal emergency medicine and surgery, and experience deep in the trenches of large animal medicine, Dr. Shrode combines advanced diagnostics and evidence based medicine with practical knowledge gained through years of hands-on work with animals and agricultural operations.

In addition to veterinary practice, Dr. Shrode raises Angus-Simmental cattle in Central Florida for high quality locally produced beef.  This firsthand involvement in production gives her a deeper understanding of herd health, nutrition, management and the everyday challenges faced by farmers and ranchers in the region.  Known for taking her time with clients and her desire to build lasting relationships, Dr. Shrode believes veterinary medicine should feel personal, compassionate and accessible. Her mission is to provide trusted care that supports both the animals and the people who depend on them - from beloved family pets to performance horses, to dairy and beef producers, to rodeo showstock, to 4H show steers and heifers, to the many hobby farms owning beloved pet livestock.