Thank you for visiting Bayside Veterinary Services. We will begin service in Volusia & Flagler County on October 31, 2018. We provide large animal veterinary services. Our lead veterinarian is Dr. Kayla Kurtz.
Education
Dr. Kurtz was raised in New Smyrna Beach and graduated from New Smyrna Beach High School. Dr. Kurtz moved to Gainesville, Florida in 2007 to pursue her bachelor’s in Animal Sciences at the University of Florida. While in undergrad, she worked on the University of Florida Equine Sciences Center. There she provided care to mares and their foals and helped with nutritional research projects. In addition, she competed on the University’s horse judging team and went to competitions at AQHA Congress and World. Upon entering veterinary school at UF, Dr. Kurtz focused on large animal medicine. Following graduation, Dr. Kurtz completed a one-year internship at Ocala Equine Hospital. In 2018, she furthered her education by gaining a certification in mixed animal acupuncture at the Chi Institute.
Employment
Following the completion of her internship, Dr. Kurtz moved to Texas and became an associate veterinarian at a large mixed animal practice. There she gained more experience in working with a large variety of species, all while providing preventative medicine and emergency care. Wanting to return to the sunshine state, she eventually moved to Fort Myers, Florida, where she worked in a specialty equine practice which provided acupuncture. Dr. Kurtz greatly enjoyed integrating this knowledge into her traditional practice. Dr. Kurtz had the opportunity to move back home to Volusia County and created Bayside Veterinary Services. In addition, she is the manager and veterinarian for Edgewater Animal Shelter.
Personal
Dr. Kurtz lives in New Smyrna Beach with her two dogs- Skipper and Gill, and her horse- Star. Dr. Kurtz grew up on a small farm in New Smyrna. She has ridden horses since she was 8 years old, and still enjoys trail riding. Dr. Kurtz showed livestock through 4-H and greatly appreciates the opportunities 4-H and FFA provided her. Dr. Kurtz continues to volunteer with youth through 4-H and FFA, and she especially enjoys developing their interest in animal care and well-being. She is a member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, American Association of Small Ruminants, and American Veterinary Medical Association. Her special interests include lameness and rehabilitation, acupuncture, ophthalmology, and geriatric care.
Contact us for appointments at 386-957-3994.