Dr. Vernard L. Hodges

Dr. Vernard L. Hodges is a veterinarian, television personality, entrepreneur, and author whose career spans veterinary medicine, animal health, and business leadership. Hodges is a graduate of Fort Valley State University and Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine. Before pursuing veterinary medicine, he worked in Nepal and India with the Agency for International Development, developing an aquaculture program at Lake Phewa to provide affordable protein to local communities. He also completed an aquatic internship at the University of Mississippi, initially considering a career in marine biology before focusing on veterinary medicine.

After earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine—the only program of its kind at a Historically Black College or University in the United States—Hodges partnered with Dr. Terrence Ferguson to open their first veterinary practice in Byron, Georgia. The practice, Critter Fixers, quickly expanded to a second location in Bonaire. It has since grown from a 1,000-square-foot office to a facility exceeding 7,000 square feet, serving as one of the few veterinary clinics in the region southeast of Atlanta. The clinic treats small animals and also handles cases unique to rural areas, including farm and backyard animals.

Hodges and Critter Fixers gained national attention through the National Geographic Channel series "Critter Fixers: Country Vets," which documents their veterinary work both in the clinic and in the field. The show has received recognition, including a Critics Choice Real TV Award for best animal/nature show and a nomination for an NAACP Image Award in the category of Outstanding Reality Program, Reality Competition or Game Show. Hodges uses his platform to promote diversity in veterinary medicine, highlighting that African Americans comprise less than 3 percent of the veterinary population.

In addition to his veterinary career, Hodges is an entrepreneur in real estate, having established a company that manages multiple apartment complexes and commercial properties. He is the author of the bestselling book "Bet on Yourself: From Zero to Millions," which reached number one on the Amazon Personal Finance Book list. The book draws on his experiences, emphasizing perseverance, kindness, faith, and self-esteem. Hodges and Ferguson have also expanded their impact by opening veterinary hospitals in PetSmart locations and providing ownership opportunities to other veterinarians.

Hodges is dedicated to community engagement and youth education. He founded the Dr. Hodges It Takes A Village Charity Foundation to teach business skills to children and co-created the "Vet for a Day" program, which offers students ages 12 to 16 hands-on exposure to veterinary careers. He has served as a guest speaker at Middle Georgia State University, Central Georgia Technical College, and other educational institutions. Hodges has received multiple awards for business and community service and serves on several boards, contributing to the advancement of veterinary medicine, entrepreneurship, and youth development.