I, Dr. Kevin H. Collins, was born and raised on Long Island near Port Jefferson, New York. My mother had always told me that I wanted to be a veterinarian since I was 5 years old. She never had the heart to tell me that many of the little critters that I attempted to save had died and was very proud of me when I graduated from Kansas State University’s, College of Veterinary Medicine Class of 1995.

I started at KSU taking night classes while I was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas. I worked at Irwin Army Community Hospital for 2 ½ years while active duty, as the Non Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC) of the Internal Medicine Clinic and Dermatology Clinic. Upon my separation from active duty I became a full time student at KSU working on my undergraduate requirements and was assigned to my U.S. Army Reserve Unit 410th Evacuation Hospital since I enjoyed being a soldier. My unit was activated and served in Kuwait and Iraq during Desert Storm. I interviewed for veterinary college shortly after returning from combat and graduated with my DVM from KSU in 1995.

Prior to graduating from vet school I had always worked in human medicine. I did not know anything about the everyday aspects of a veterinary hospital and decided to go to Las Vegas. One of my professors told me that I would work hard with long hours but I could become familiar with daily operations. Since I did not have a family it was perfect for me and began working as an associate veterinarian in Viva Las Vegas.

The first two years of my career was an education but the experience was well worth it. It prepared me for my future and strengthened my confidence. I became familiar with the daily operations and was able to improve my skills as a veterinarian. During the next five years of my career I managed different successful veterinary practices which gave me access to a wide range of medications and treatment protocols. After working 60 to 70 hours a week for more than 8 years I decided to work as a relief veterinarian. This gave me the ability to work less and spend more time with my son Kyle. Unfortunately much of my employment was out of town and once again reduced my time with my son.

By the way I haven’t mentioned the rest of my family. Spock is a M/N, 7 year old, Siberian Husky. Rommy is a F/S, 11 year old, Shiba Inu and Rock is a M German Shepard that is 1.5 years old

Finally I landed at Island Pet Hospital with my good friend Dr. Toby Goldman. Working at this practice has improved my quality of life considerably. I enjoy working with everyone and we have a lot of fun caring for our patients.

My next goal is to learn acupuncture, and become proficient in the practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine. I feel that this is the only way that I will become a true healer.