Our Veterinary Review Board
Meet some of our Veterinary Review Board members below.
Nick Saint-Erne
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Nick Saint-Erne is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) with 35 years of experience treating dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, rodents, reptiles, fish, exotic pets, and zoo animals. Nick currently practices at the Arizona Exotic Animal Hospital and is a consulting veterinarian for several zoos and aquariums in Arizona.
In addition to his veterinary work, Nick has owned pet stores and has been involved in the pet industry as a technical writer for the training materials and customer pet care handouts for a major pet store chain. He has worked with the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in drafting programs to improve the care of pets in pet stores and to reduce the risk of spreading zoonotic diseases.
Specialties: Aquatic Species, Zoo and Aquarium Animals
Dr. Nick Saint-Erne, DVM, is a dedicated veterinarian with more than 35 years of experience, who is passionate about pets, exotic animals, and aquatic veterinary medicine. Dr. Saint-Erne is part of The dogcarestory.com’ veterinary review board.
Highlights
- Member of The dogcarestory.com Veterinary Review Board
- 35+ years of experience as a veterinarian treating dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, rodents, reptiles, fish, exotic pets and zoo animals
- Certified as an Aquatic Veterinarian by the World Aquatic Veterinary Medical Association
- Accredited Veterinarian by the United States Department of Agriculture
- Licensed to practice Veterinary Medicine by the Arizona Veterinary Medical Examining Board
- Currently practices at the Arizona Exotic Animal Hospital and is a consulting veterinarian for several zoos and aquariums in Arizona
- Current Adjunct Professor at the Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine, and lecturer at the AQUAVET program, sponsored by Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
- Author of veterinary articles and animal care books and manuals, and proficient as a technical writer, document editor, and publisher
Dr. Saint-Erne has worked in veterinary hospitals treating a variety of animals, including zoo animals and exotic pets, for more than 35 years. He was one of the first group of veterinarians certified as an Aquatic Veterinarian by the World Aquatic Veterinary Medical Association, and in 2017 was designated as a Distinguished Fellow of WAVMA. He is also the Executive Editor of The Aquatic Veterinarian, the quarterly journal of WAVMA.
In addition to Dr. Saint-Erne’s veterinary work, he has owned his own pet stores and has been involved in the pet industry as a technical writer for the training materials and customer pet care handouts for a major pet store chain. He has worked with the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in drafting programs to improve the care of pets in pet stores and to reduce the risk of spreading zoonotic diseases (diseases people can catch from their pets).
Dr. Saint-Erne lectures worldwide on animal care topics for veterinarians, the aquaculture industry, and pet owners. He also teaches classes on Exotic Pet and Aquatic Animal Medicine to veterinary students.
A Word From Dr. Nick Saint-Erne, DVM
“I have been helping pet owners provide proper care of their pets as a veterinarian, as well as an author of pet care books and articles, for the last 35 years. Pet owners are looking for information not only for their dogs and cats, but for hamsters, parakeets, turtles, snakes, and other more unusual pets being kept today, and my knowledge and experience helps them provide the best homes for their pets. I have traveled throughout the USA and in several other countries educating veterinarians, veterinary students, animal breeders, and pet keepers, and now I am excited to work with The dogcarestory.com to keep pet owners up to date with the latest information. Pets are now part of our family, and it is important to provide them with proper nutrition and health care to have long and happy lives together.”
Dr. Saint-Erne received his Bachelor of Science degree (Fisheries Biology) and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas, and received Aquatic Veterinary Certification at the World Aquatic Veterinary Medical Association. He also completed the AQUAVET: Aquatic Veterinary Program at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, and received his Open Water SCUBA diving certification in Wichita, Kansas.
Awards and Publications
Dr. Saint-Erne is a part of the following associations:
- American Veterinary Medical Association – 1984 – present
- World Aquatic Veterinary Medical Association – Executive Board Member 2007-present (previously President 2016; Distinguished Fellow, 2017)
- Associated Koi Clubs of America – Koi Health Advisor Program – Veterinary Director – 2008-present
- Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians
- USDA Accredited Veterinarian (Category II) – since 1984
Publications
- Therapeutics in Ornamental Fish, in Fish Diseases and Medicine by Stephen A. Smith, CRC Press; 2019.
- The Welfare of Ornamental Fish in the Home Aquarium, Companion Animal, Volume 20 No 4; 2015.
- Tranquilization, Anesthesia and Euthanasia in Pet Fish, Companion Animal, Volume 19 No 12; 2014.
- Project Piaba: Supporting the Brazilian Ornamental Fish Collectors, The Aquatic Veterinarian, 8(1); 2014.
- Clinical Report: Hikkui Disease in Koi, Aquatic Vet News, 5(2); 2011
- Diagnostic Techniques and Treatments for Internal Disorders of Koi, Vet Clin Exotic Animals 13; 2010.
- Advanced Koi Care, Erne Enterprises, Glendale, AZ; 2002. 2nd Edition; 2010.
- Fish Health Manual, PetSmart, Inc., Phoenix, Arizona; 2009.
- Vet Assured Program Handbook, PetSmart, Inc., Phoenix, Arizona; 2009.
- Metabolic Bone Disease in a Green Iguana, Journal of the AVMA, 1995.
- Diseases of Koi, Erne Enterprises, Las Vegas, NV; 1994.
- Fish Nutrition, Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Manhattan, KS; 1984.
Aquatic Species, Zoo and Aquarium Animals
Kansas State University
Phoenix, Arizona
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Nelva Bryant is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and a retired LCDR in the U.S. Public Health service with 27+ years professional experience. Currently working in the airline industry, her mission is to improve pet travel via promoting animal welfare, education, and veterinary oversight.
Her knowledge of veterinary pathology, infectious and zoonotic diseases, veterinary public health, the CDC’s dog importation regulations, international and national animal transportation regulations, and airline live animal transportation policies has made her an expert in the field of animal transportation.
Nelva J. Bryant
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Specialties: International and Domestic Travel of Companion Animals, Infectious and Zoonotic Diseases, Veterinary Public Health, Animal Welfare, Veterinary Consulting
Dr. Nelva Bryant is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and a retired LCDR in the U.S. Public Health service with 27+ years professional experience. Currently working in the airline industry, her mission is to improve pet travel via promoting animal welfare, education, and veterinary oversight.
Highlights
- Member of The dogcarestory.com Veterinary Review Board
- 27+ years of experience in the fields of veterinary medicine
- Licensed veterinarian since 1993, with the ability to practice in Georgia and New York
- USDA Accredited Veterinarian (Category 1)
- Retired LCDR in the U.S. Public Health Service, serving 10+ years at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Past positions at CDC include: Quarantine Veterinary Medical Officer (Dog Importation Subject Matter Expert), Veterinary Public Health Consultant, and Chief Veterinary Pathologist
- Currently active in veterinary medicine working in the airline industry and available to provide consultative services
- Industry-first, in-house Veterinarian at Delta Air Lines
- Completed training in Live Animal Transportation at the International Air Transportation Association (IATA) Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Serves on multiple Executive Council/Advisory Board Committees
- Member of the American Veterinary Medical Association
Dr. Bryant’s veterinary career is not typical. Upon graduating from veterinary college, she was torn between small animal clinical practice and veterinary pathology. After being in clinical practice for one year, she decided to take steps towards becoming a veterinary pathologist. She obtained additional veterinary pathology training and then joined the U.S. Army for three years. She then transferred to the U.S. Public Health Service and held numerous positions related to animal and public health. To further advance her skills, she completed an MPH degree through the University of Iowa MPH for Practicing Veterinarians program.
Along her career pathway, Nelva obtained a unique skillset. Her knowledge of veterinary pathology, infectious and zoonotic diseases, veterinary public health, the CDC’s dog importation regulations, international and national animal transportation regulations, and airline live animal transportation policies has made her an expert in the field of animal transportation. As a consultant, she shares her observations at veterinary conferences and via webinars. She also serves on numerous council and advisory boards.
A Word from Dr. Nelva J. Bryant, DVM
“Using my veterinary degree to educate pet owners and benefit pets has been the most rewarding aspect of my career. As a member of the U.S. Public Health Service, I have been able to protect animal and human lives through the practice of veterinary medicine. Currently, my mission is to improve pet travel via promoting animal welfare, education, and veterinary oversight. I’m so excited to work with The dogcarestory.com and look forward to sharing my insights.”
Dr. Bryant received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and her Master of Public Health degree from the University of Iowa-MPH for Practicing Veterinarians Program.
International and Domestic travel of companion animals, Infectious and zoonotic diseases, Veterinary public health, Animal welfare, Veterinary consulting
Cornell University
Atlanta, Georgia
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Monica Tarantino
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Monica Tarantino is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) with five years of experience as a general practitioner of small animal medicine. She currently works full time as a Level-2 Fear Free certified doctor at an AAHA accredited small animal hospital. Before The Spruce, Monica was a mentor for first-year Animal Medical Hospital veterinary graduates.
Monica has recently begun contributing veterinary content to a number of digital publications, and is eager to share her knowledge with a broader audience. Her interests include emergency medicine, internal medicine, geriatric pet health, and business leadership. She frequently rescues in-need pets, and owns four rescue dogs and two rescue cats with the occasional foster animal for good measure.
Dr. Monica Tarantino, DVM, is a small animal veterinarian based in the Charlotte, North Carolina, area with five years of general practitioner experience. Dr. Tarantino is part of The dogcarestory.com’ veterinary review board.
Dr. Tarantino frequently rescues in-need pets and owns four rescue dogs and two rescue cats (with the occasional foster animal, for good measure). She lives with her fiancé and her numerous pets in Charlotte. You can follow along with her pet journeys on her Instagram.
Highlights
- Member of The dogcarestory.com Veterinary Review Board
- Works full time as a Level-2 Fear Free certified doctor at an AAHA accredited small animal hospital
- Has spent five years as a general practitioner of small animal medicine at facilities practicing preventative medicine, surgery, and 24-hour emergency care
- Formerly a mentor for first-year veterinary graduates in an internship program at Animal Medical Hospital from 2015-2017
- Presented clinical cases at an International Veterinary Conference held at Madras Veterinary School in Tamil Nadu
Aside from serving as a veterinary review board member for The dogcarestory.com, Dr. Tarantino has written articles for pet health-focused websites since the beginning of 2019 and is passionate about promoting health for dogs everywhere. She worked as a mentor for first year veterinary graduates at Animal Medical Hospital between 2015 and 2017. Her particular interests include emergency medicine, internal medicine, geriatric pet health, and business leadership within her field.
A Word From Monica Tarantino, DVM
“The dogcarestory.com has an amazing mission of the education and enhancement of pet care everywhere. I am thrilled to be contributing to The dogcarestory.com’ mission and help provide the latest fact based content for various small animal topics. I have a passion for keeping pets happy, healthy, and keeping pet owners informed on issues of canine and feline health so they can work with their veterinarian on making the best decisions for their pets. I look forward to helping promote veterinary education to all dedicated and caring owners.”
Dr. Tarantino received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in Blacksburg, Virginia. She also received her Master of Business Administration degree at California San Diego Rady School of Business in San Diego, Caliofornia.
Dr. Natasha Diehl is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) who graduated from Iowa State University in May 2020. She completed an internship in small and exotic animal general practice and emergency medicine in California and is currently in an exotic animal speciality internship in Indianapolis. She continues to work with a team of veterinarians with a wide range of knowledge within the field and exotic and small pet ownership.
Natasha Diehl
Small and Exotic Animal Veterinarian
Natasha Diehl is a veterinarian with more than six years of practicing medicine for exotic animals. After receiving her degree in veterinary medicine from Iowa State University in 2020, she completed a nine-month internship at the Conejo Valley Veterinary Hospital in 2020. She now serves as the Specialty Exotic Animal Intern Veterinarian at Avian and Exotic Animal Hospital of Indianapolis.
In 2017, Dr. Diehl took part in the Iowa Veterinary Specialties Emergency and Specialty Clinical Mentorship Program, where she gained first-hand experience in triage, diagnosis, and treatment of emergencies, as well as preparing patients for procedures.
She has particular experience in appropriate husbandry for a variety of exotic species and explaining common disease presentations, diagnoses, and treatments. Natasha developed a love for exotic animals at a young age when she had budgerigars as her first pets.
Highlights:
- 6+ years in veterinary medicine—with a focus on small and exotic animals
- Works as a Specialty Exotic Animal Intern Veterinarian, alongside a team of veterinarians with a wide range of knowledge within the field and exotic and small pet ownership.
- Completed Iowa Veterinary Specialties Emergency and Specialty Clinical Mentorship Program, which focused on emergency medicine, diagnosing and treatment of medical conditions, technician duties, and medical research
Dr. Diehl has over 6 years experience in veterinary medicine and focuses on exotic animals and small pets. She has spent her years as a vet—during clinical rotations, internships, and while earning her degree in veterinary medicine—focused on emergency medicine, surgical procedures, handling, treating, and diagnosing exotic pets.
Dr. Diehl has a particular passion for helping exotic pet owners care for, learn about, and ensure the health of their animals. She specifically advises them in times of new ownership, adoption and pre-purchasing exams, and difficult end-of-life care.
Dr. Diehl graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in veterinary medicine (DVM) in May 2020. She now works as a Specialty Exotic Animal Intern Veterinarian alongside a team of exotic animal experts.
Before graduation, Dr. Diehl gained experience in emergency veterinary care, surgical procedures, and treating and diagnosing health conditions in exotic animals.
Bartley Harrison
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Bartley Harrison is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine with over 15 years of experience in emergency medicine. He is currently working at practices across North Carolina with Emergency DVM Relief Services to provide care for pets wherever it is needed.
Due to his career in emergency medicine, he is practiced in communicating the essentials of a wide variety of medical and surgical topics clearly and concisely. He feels that informed pet owners are empowered to make the best decisions for their pet’s care.
Dr. Bartley Harrison, DVM, is a veterinarian with more than 15 years of experience in Emergency Medicine. He has worked in both large and small emergency and specialty veterinary practices treating a variety of species. Dr. Harrison is part of the dogcarestory.com’ veterinary review board.
Highlights
- Member of The dogcarestory.com Veterinary Review Board
- Over 15 years of professional veterinary experience treating dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, birds, and small mammals
- Currently performs locum work at a variety of emergency and specialty veterinary clinics in North Carolina
Dr. Bartley Harrison, DVM, is a small animal veterinarian who has practiced in emergency and specialty hospitals for over 15 years. In addition to his work with The dogcarestory.com, he does locum work at a variety of veterinary practices across North Carolina and works as a freelance medical writer.
Dr. Harrison began working with animals at a local animal shelter when he was 13 years old. Since then, he has held positions as a kennel attendant, veterinary assistant, and veterinary technician as he progressed through high school, college, and veterinary school. Since graduating, he has practiced in both Texas and North Carolina. He has experience treating a wide variety of medical conditions and performs common emergency abdominal surgeries and wound repairs.
Due to his interest in keeping pet owners up-to-date and informed about veterinary topics, Dr. Harrison began writing as a creative and educational outlet. His clinical experience and communication skills keep his writing and article reviews relevant and timely.
Dr. Harrison graduated from Texas A&M University as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Since graduating, he has been a member of the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society, his local veterinary medical associations, and the American Veterinary Medical Association. He is a member of the American Medical Writers Association and has obtained an Essential Skills Certificate from that organization.
Editorial Guidelines
At The Dogcarestory, we take great pride in the quality of our content. Our writers create original, accurate, engaging content that is free of ethical concerns or conflicts. If you ever come across an article that you think needs to be improved, please reach out by emailing contact@dogcarestory.com
We aspire to provide the highest quality content produced by humans, for humans. It is against our guidelines to publish automatically generated content using AI (artificial intelligence) writing tools such as ChatGPT.
Diversity & Inclusion
At The Dogcarestory, our mission is to help everyone make their best home. We cannot stay silent about the injustices, discrimination, hate, and fear that many in our community are facing. We need to do our part to fight systemic racism and oppression; things need to change.
We can do more. We are responsible for using our platform to spread the message of inclusivity, equality, and human rights. We are listening, and we are learning. We will do better. Black lives matter.
