Dr. Blake Crawford didn't just stumble into veterinary medicine—he lived it from every possible angle before applying for vet school.

What started as a lucky break driving pets around town became the foundation for a remarkable career that would see him go from kennel tech to surgical specialist to now Joint Venture (JV) Partner at Animal Medical Center.

Here's more about how he navigated his unique path to partnership.

What drew you to this profession?

You have people that become vets and have known that that’s what they wanted to do since childhood. That was not my case. I knew I was drawn to the medical and science field and got lucky one day when I got a job at a vet clinic driving a pet taxi. It helped open up my eyes and drew me in to wanting to do vet med at that time.

Tell us about your career journey.

I started out driving the pet taxi and realized then that my interest lied in veterinary medicine. I began taking other jobs at the clinic such as kennel technician, pet adoption center, and technician assistant. At this point it was clear on what I wanted to do, so I applied and got into the veterinary medicine program at Mississippi state. After finishing school, I knew I wanted to have a place at Animal Medical Center and fortunately I was allowed that opportunity.

What are you most passionate about professionally?

My professional interest lies in general and orthopedic surgery. I enjoy the opportunity to be able to take something broken and make it whole again. The challenge of implementing the best treatment plan for complex patients pushes me as a veterinarian and a surgeon. It brings me joy to see owners overjoyed when their beloved animal is healed after a surgical intervention.

What was your path to ownership like with NVA? What advice would you give to a new DVM graduate or early-career veterinarian looking to become a JV partner?

I have dedicated much time and effort into being the best veterinarian that I can be along with the support from NVA and my colleagues at Animal Medical Center. The advice I would give to a new graduate looking to become a JV partner at his or her clinic is to work hard, have a good mentor which I was very fortunate in this area to have many, and when the opportunity arises, take it.

What do you love most about your team and hospital?

I love how it feels like one big family. My team is filled with many unique qualities and specialties and is always willing to help one another. We always do what’s best for our patients and their families.

More about Dr. Crawford:

Dr. Blake Crawford attended Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. His area of special interest lies in orthopedic surgery. He has two dogs, Zander and Klein. When he's not working, he enjoys being outdoors, going on fishing and camping trips, and time spent at the lake or the beach with his friends and family.