The HAH Family
We like to think of ourselves as a family. Most of our staff have been with us for years, and we consider ourselves to be an integral part of our neighborhood, your neighborhood.
We call Highlands County home, and we care very much about you and your pets. We know that they are as much a part of this neighborhood as you are, and we are. Please feel free to stop by for a visit, even if your pet is doing just fine. If we don't know you yet, we'd sure like to. Hope to see you soon.
Oh, and the dapper looking fellow on the right - he's Darryl, our clinic mascot. Darryl likes to greet our friends, both old and new, so he'll be waiting to see you as well.
John H. Young, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Young joined the Highlands Animal Hospital practice in 1989 as an associate and assumed ownership in 2000. He and his family are long-time residents of Highlands County and maintain close ties with the community.
Christy Reed
Office Manager
Christy joined our team in 2018. She comes over from the human side of medicine and is an energetic and efficient office manager. She has many rolls in the office, from office management, bookkeeping, receptionist, step in vet tech when needed. She's a jack of all trades.
Trey Barfield
Veterinary Technician
Trey also joined our team in 2018. He is currently attending Penn Foster to obtain his Certification for Veterinarian Technician. He is a very skilled veterinary technician with over 10 years of experience. Trey is responsible for maintaining the increasingly complex equipment we use every day along with many other task. He has 5 dogs and 1 cat that he adores dearly. In addition, he is an excellent cook.
Destiney Turner
Veterinary Technician
Destiney is the newest member of our team! Destiney has been in the veterinary field since 2016. Destiney attended Penn Foster college for Veterinarian technology. Destiney came from the animal shelter side of medication. The things that got Destiney interested in Vet Tech field, was because as a child she grew up around all kinds of farm animals and helping care for them. Destiny has her own little farm herself now as an adult.
Kaycee Mercure
Veterinary Technician
Kaycee started with our team in February 2023. Kaycee has been a technician for 8 years. Kaycee was born and raised here in Avon Park. Since she was a little girl, she has found passion in helping animals. In Kaycee’s spare time she loves to enjoy life with her daughter Scarlett, her fiancé Brittany and family. She also enjoys capturing life’s moments through photography and creating one-of-a-kind pebble art pieces. She has 3 dogs of her own, 1 step-pup and a crazy cat! In addition to those fur babies, she has also raised and released 5 baby squirrels.
Jackie Young
Owner/Administrator
Jackie has been part of the practice for 22 years. Jackie and Dr. Young have been married for 41 years. They have two sons, and 5 grandchildren. Plus they consider all their employees as family as well.