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, 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 is a respected veterinarian, educator, and empathy-driven consultant with over 16 years of experience in general practice and emergency medicine. A proud graduate of Tuskegee University, she has served as a medical director and associate veterinarian across diverse clinical settings, bringing both medical excellence and heart to every role.
As the founder of Boyd Veterinary Services and Consulting, Dr. Boyd is known for her powerful voice at the intersection of animal care, culture, and community. She works with organizations and veterinary professionals to strengthen cultural intelligence, expand access to care, and reimagine what compassionate veterinary medicine looks like in today’s world.
Previously the Chief Veterinary Medical Officer for CARE (Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity), Dr. Boyd has led national initiatives to address the social and cultural barriers that prevent families—especially those from BIPOC and marginalized backgrounds—from receiving quality veterinary care.
A sought-after speaker, Dr. Boyd has presented at the University of Pennsylvania, National Association of Black Veterinarians, Animal Care Expo, Humane Canada, and many others. She is also the creator of the Critters and Cultures podcast, where she explores global perspectives on animals, bias, and belonging.
From mentoring the next generation of veterinarians to helping teams navigate cultural challenges with clarity and compassion, Dr. Boyd is building a future where animal healthcare is more inclusive, informed, and humane—for everyone.
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