Dr. Rhesa Houston, DVM
Rhesa Houston, DVM is a veterinarian in Birmingham, Alabama. Her interest is in public health with a specific focus on the human health and wellness benefits of the human-animal bond. This specific focus of interest is what inspired Dr. Houston to create Assistance Animals Consulting.
Dr. Houston is a compassionate, innovative-visionary, at the forefront of identifying strategies to improve health outcomes when using animals for a therapeutic purpose. With her experience as a veterinarian, she fills a unique niche by providing the contributions of the veterinary profession when advocating for the welfare of the animals involved in these therapy programs and creating solutions to maximize the health benefits of both human and animal. Her goal is to create successful human-animal partnerships, which foster positive human-animal interactions.
Dr. Houston strives to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives by improving the health applications of the human-animal bond. As a subject matter expert on the human-animal bond, Dr. Houston uses her creative problem solving skills to advocate for and facilitate positive, healthy and supportive environments for humans and animals alike.
Assistance Animals Consulting was created after Dr. Houston’s father was prescribed an assistance animal by one of his healthcare providers. As a veterinarian, Dr. Houston recognized the need for veterinary oversight when using animals for a therapeutic purpose. It was at this time Dr. Houston realized she could combine her passion, purpose and advocacy for animals, to assist in improving the health and well-being of people.
Dr. Houston graduated from North Atlanta High School for the Performing Arts and International Studies. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Piedmont College. Continuing her education, Dr. Houston earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Tuskegee University, in Tuskegee, Alabama.
Dr. Houston has spent most of her veterinary career as a general practitioner at Banfield Pet Hospital. She recently joined Southern Veterinary Partners and is the lead veterinarian at Standifer’s Animal Clinic in Homewood, Alabama.
Presently, Dr. Houston lives in Birmingham, Alabama, with her three adopted children, Roxie, a thirteen-year-old Chihuahua mix; Aila, a five-year-old domestic short-hair cat; and Tootsie a two-year-old domestic short-hair cat. They are a happy family of four.