Prior to the beginning of his tenure with Everhart in 2015, Taylor originally hailed from Atlanta, Georgia, where he developed his passions for all of the scholastic studies and activities that would later define his career as a vet. “Growing up, I always had a passion for animals,” he recalls. “I excelled in science and math classes in school, and especially enjoyed learning about biology, anatomy, chemistry, among other subjects.” But it was a family friend who truly got the ball rolling. “A veterinarian neighbor knew about my interests and mentored me through high school… taking me to work with him on weekends was fun for us both!” he adds. “An Animal Science major with pre-veterinary emphasis was a no brainer for undergraduate studies, where I further developed my interest in helping pets.”
It didn’t take long for Taylor to focus those gifts into an educational career that truly suited him. He graduated from the University of Georgia in 2009, earning a Bachelors Degree in Animal Science — than quickly turning that education into a worthwhile mammal internship at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, becoming a giraffe and elephant keeper during that same summer. While living in Athens, Georgia, Taylor finishing attending veterinary school and then moved to Washington D.C. for a second internship—this time in Small Animal Emergency and Surgery at the Friendship Hospital for Animals. “After completion of this program, I began work at Everhart,” he recalls. “I have loved Baltimore ever since!”
Taylor’s wide-reaching expertise on animals of all sizes has helped focus his concentrations on specific areas of animal healthcare and their overall well-being. He explains, “I have become passionate about oral and dental health care in pets. Dental disease is the only condition that every single pet will develop, but can be treated and even prevented! Most think I love removing teeth — while I do I enjoy helping pets by removing teeth that cause pain and discomfort or are at risk of infection, I would prefer to prevent these problems from occurring in the first place… I enjoy working with owners to improve maintenance dental care at home so pets can keep their teeth!”
At home, Taylor’s passion and love for animals is matched by that of his wife, Hailey, who is the Marketing Director at Baltimore’s renowned Maryland Zoo. Together, they are the proud “pet parents” of a four-year-old Golden Doodle, who truly benefits from having such knowledgeable owners! “Our dog, Dougie, loves chasing squirrels and cats, but wouldn’t know what to do if he caught one,” Taylor jokes. “His favorite treat is peanut butter, and he hates football season when mom and dad scream and yell at the TV when the Bulldogs or Ravens score!”
