About
My Journey, My Passion

Hi there! I’m Dr. Azalia Boyd, and if there’s one thing you should know about me, it’s that my life and passions are driven by love and harmony. I strive to bring this same love and harmony to veterinary care by bridging the gap between professionals and communities.  After graduating and feeling accomplished as a young doctor, I noticed the profession's lack of diversity and understanding of various cultures, including my own. This gap resulted in unintended behaviors or comments that fostered mistrust, hindered meaningful discussions, and created barriers between professionals and clients, leading to poor pet health outcomes. With every diverse client I encountered, I saw echoes of my own family and felt a strong desire to meet their needs. I grew weary of catering only to the privileged few.


I’ve always been drawn to the complexity and beauty of different cultures, and with my extensive travels, I’ve been lucky enough to immerse myself in many of them. These experiences have strengthened my resolve to push for equity in veterinary care. This mission took on a whole new level of urgency as I engaged in nonprofit veterinary care work whose values aligned with my desire to learn about people, too! With roots in the vibrant cultures of Jamaica and Trinidad, my journey is shaped by the legacy of my mother from Jamaica, my father from Trinidad, and the migration of my maternal grandmother from Jamaica in the late 60s. Embracing this rich heritage, I'm on a mission to cultivate a community of empathetic medical professionals through culturally competent retreats. I envision these retreats as a melting pot of cultures and stories, a place where we can learn from one another and build a more inclusive, compassionate world. My journey has been anything but conventional, and I’m excited about the opportunities ahead to connect with others who are also passionate about expanding their knowledge of self and others and truly making a difference.


If you’re interested in speaking engagements, attending one of my retreats, need mentorship, or just want to say hello please don’t hesitate to reach out – I would love to connect and share my experiences with you.

Dr. Azalia Boyd

Dr. Azalia Boyd, DVM

Our Program Service Officer

Alicia Armstead

Alicia Armstead is a dynamic third-year student from the vibrant city of Atlanta, Georgia. Currently majoring in animal science with a concentration in pre-veterinary sciences and a minor in business administration at Tuskegee University, Alicia aims to carve out a career path as a compassionate veterinarian. Beyond her academic pursuits, Alicia finds joy in various hobbies, including indulging in video games, actively engaging in community service events, exploring new destinations through travel, and generously offering advice and assistance to those in need. With a penchant for socializing, Alicia cherishes spending quality time with her friends. Her favorite color, pink, reflects her vibrant personality and warmth. Alicia brings her passion for service and event coordination to her role as Dr. Azalia Boyd’s Program Service Officer, where she facilitates the planning of impactful events, including webinars and speaking engagements, aligning with Dr. Boyd's mission and vision.

About Dr. Azalia Boyd, DVM

Dr. Azalia Boyd, DVM, a distinguished veterinarian, educator, and empathy activist, is a leading advocate for equitable veterinary care and community engagement. A proud alumna of Tuskegee University, Dr. Boyd earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2008, following a Bachelor of Science in Animal and Poultry Sciences in 2004. Her academic excellence was recognized with a Tuskegee University Presidential Academic Scholarship/Grant, marking the beginning of a career dedicated to service and innovation in veterinary medicine.

As the CEO of Boyd Veterinary Services and Consulting, LLC, Dr. Boyd offers career and academic mentorship for youth interested in veterinary medicine and provides a safe space for young minority students navigating the rigors of pursuing a veterinary career. Additionally, she offers support and consultation to organizations looking to integrate more cultural competence and access to veterinary care initiatives into their teams and operations. 

Dr. Boyd's professional journey includes serving as the former Chief Veterinary Medical Officer for Companion and Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE) and Chair of the Veterinary Advisory Board. In this role, she led initiatives to bridge the access gap in veterinary care, focusing on ensuring all pet owners, particularly those from BIPOC and marginalized communities, receive the necessary care for their animals. Her mission was driven by a deep understanding of the cultural and financial barriers that prevent equitable care access, inspired by her family heritage, extensive travels, and immersion in diverse cultures.

Beyond her clinical practice and executive roles, Dr. Boyd is an active member of professional associations such as the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association (GVMA), and the Black Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Network (BDVMN). Her expertise and leadership skills have been further recognized with certifications from the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton Online, and the School of Coaching Mastery.

A sought-after international speaker, Dr. Boyd has showcased her thought leadership at prestigious events, including the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School, the New England Federation of Humane Societies, the National Association of Black Veterinarians, and a long list of other conference engagements. Her engaging presentations cover a range of topics, centered around improving veterinary care, community engagement, One Health, and cultural competency within the medical profession.

Dr. Boyd's contributions to advancing veterinary medicine have also been featured in various publications, including DVM 360, Atlanta Pet Life, and on notable radio and television stations, positioning her as a leading voice in the field.

Through her groundbreaking work, Dr. Azalia Boyd continues to inspire and effect change, making significant strides toward a future where animal healthcare is accessible and compassionate to all, regardless of background or circumstances. Her passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment have helped pave the way for a more empathetic, diverse and inclusive veterinary community.

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