Meet Our Team
At Paws Bay Animal Hospital, we have a dedicated team of professionals who are passionate about providing the best care for your pets. Each member of our team plays a vital role in creating a stress-free experience for both pets and their owners.
Our veterinary team is committed to continuing education and staying current with advances in veterinary medicine to ensure the highest standard of care for our patients.
Dr. Heather Highbrown, DVM
Dr. Heather Highbrown is a dedicated veterinarian serving the Tampa Bay community. Originally from upstate New York, she moved to Tampa to be closer to her family, who have lived in the area for over 20 years. Dr. Highbrown earned her bachelor's degree in Pre-Med and Environmental Sciences from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry and went on to receive her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from Ross University, completing her clinical year at the University of Minnesota.
After graduating in 2009, she spent over 11 years in a small-town animal hospital in upstate New York where Dr. Highbrown developed a strong commitment to personalized, compassionate care while expanding her surgical skills and knowledge through extensive continuing education.
After working in corporate veterinary hospitals in Florida, she recognized the importance of reconnecting with clients and the community. Together with her husband, she founded Paws Bay Animal Hospital to create a welcoming environment where pets receive expert care and owners are supported and informed every step of the way.
At home, Dr. Highbrown enjoys life with her two rescue small terrier mixes, Finn and Rye, and her Persian cat, Miles. The family embraces Tampa's vibrant lifestyle, engaging in activities that enrich and entertain their toddler son while exploring everything the area has to offer.
Meet our team
Veterinary technician
Danielle
Hi, I'm Danielle — a proud mom of three, lifelong animal lover, and dedicated veterinary technician with over 26 years in the field, 14 of those as a tech. I've always had a passion for animals, and I truly value the relationships I build with both clients and their pets.
At home, life is full of love and wagging tails thanks to my three dogs: Bam Bam and Vegeta, both Boxer mixes, and Daisy Dakota, my spunky Mini Australian Shepherd. Outside of work, you'll usually find me spending time with my kids, riding horses, or off on some kind of family adventure.
Whether it's a first visit or a familiar face, I can't wait to meet you and your amazing fur babies!
Reception/Assistants
Mariah
Hi, I’m Mariah! I’ve loved animals for as long as I can remember , so getting to work somewhere I’m surrounded by them all day is pretty much the dream . I’m the person who immediately drops everything to say hi to your pet , reassure them , and probably fall a little bit in love with them. I also genuinely love meeting new people , so getting to know both the pets and their humans is one of my favorite parts of the job .
At home, I’ve got Rambo, my adventure buddy who loves being outside as much as I do , and Marble, my very calm, very judgmental snake who supervises my life from his tank . When I’m not here, you can usually find me exploring new places with Rambo , getting fresh air , or discovering yet another trail we weren’t planning on taking .
And if it were allowed, yes… I would absolutely try to take every animal home with me . Apparently that’s “frowned upon,” but I’m still hoping for a loophole
Practice Manager
Matthew Entwistle
Originally from Mohawk, New York, my wife, Dr. Highbrown, and I moved to the Tampa Bay area in 2021 to be closer to family so our son, Liam, could grow up alongside his younger cousins. The move not only brought a welcome change of scenery (goodbye snow!) but also opened the door to new opportunities—most notably the chance to open Paws Bay Animal Hospital, a dream built on compassion, care, and community.
I’ve always had a passion for science and learning, which led me to earn a degree in Secondary Education and Earth Science from SUNY Oneonta. That same curiosity drives many of my hobbies today, from collecting fossils and gems to exploring new places while traveling. In my free time, I also enjoy golfing, fishing, cooking, and playing video games as ways to relax and recharge.
At home, our lives are happily shared with our two dogs, Finn and Rye, and our cat, Miles. As we settle into this new chapter, I’m excited about the opportunities ahead—not only as a business owner but also as a member of the Tampa Bay community we now call home.
Paws Bay Animal Hospital is located in Tampa, FL and serves dogs and cats throughout Upper Tampa Bay, including Oldsmar, Westchase, Town ‘n’ Country, and surrounding communities.
Address
8983 Racetrack Rd
33635 Tampa
(Next to Publix)
Opening Hours
Mon, Wed, Fri: 8:30am - 6pm
Thurs: 9am-4pm
Social media