Inspiring Conversations with Dr. Matte Haley of Haley Veterinary Practice

Today we’d like to introduce you to Matte Haley.

Hi Matte, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born and raised in Nashville, TN. My fascination for animals started at a very young age. At 5 years old, I told my parents I was going to be a veterinarian. This was a goal that stuck with me for years to come. Like many young boys, I grew up playing sports. I continued to do so through my sophomore year of high school. At that point, I decided to focus more on my plans to work with animals.

It was time to enter the working world. I landed my first job at a local Petsmart.

Little did I know, this was a huge step in the right direction. I was able to work with a wide variety of animals. I was quickly learning basic husbandry and handling skills pertaining to many exotic animals. During my time there, I was also fortunate enough to work closely with the veterinary staff at the in-store Banfield Pet Hospital. The time spent there reassured me I was on the right track.

After I graduated from Father Ryan High School in 2003, I started college at Middle Tennessee State University. At this time, I started my first veterinary assistant job at a local small animal clinic. It felt like a dream come true. I went on to work there throughout my time at MTSU. In 2006, I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science.

Shortly after graduation, I accepted a job at Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine (TUSVM) in Alabama. I worked as the Gross Anatomy Lab Coordinator for 2 years. During this time, I was working diligently on getting into veterinary school. This was a very competitive and exhausting process. At times, it seemed impossible. As hard as it was, it was truly worth it in the end. I was accepted into TUSVM and graduated in 2013.

Over the course of 6 years in Alabama, I worked with a few small animal vet clinics and volunteered with the attending veterinarian at the Montgomery Alabama Zoo. This was an incredible experience that I will never forget. Exposure to so many species of exotic animals has been very beneficial in my career.

After graduation from veterinary school, I moved back home to Tennessee. I started my first job at a mixed animal practice in Lebanon, TN. This was a very fast-paced clinic that taught me a lot in a short amount of time. I was able to work with a variety of species and develop a niche in exotic animal medicine.

After almost 8 years of practice, I decided to branch out on my own. In December 2020, we opened the doors to Haley Veterinary Practice in Lebanon, TN. We are a mixed animal practice with a strong emphasis on exotic animal medicine. Although we see many dogs and cats, we see a variety of other species. We treat small mammals, reptiles, birds, primates, pigs, goats, sheep, etc.

We have been very blessed here at Haley Veterinary Practice. I am proud to say we have been voted the best veterinary practice in Wilson County for two consecutive years. This great feat would not have been possible for Haley Veterinary Practice without my talented, compassionate hospital staff and our clients that have been consistently supportive along our continuing journey. I look forward to serving my community, as well as surrounding areas, for many years to come!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Getting where I am today was not an easy task. After finishing my degree at MTSU, things became very difficult.

Veterinary school enrollment is a very rigorous process. There are only a few veterinary schools within the country and I was not the typical 4.0 student they were looking for. While I made good grades along the way, I relied on my experiences more. This was the reasoning behind working with so many clinics and the zoo along the way. I was determined to build a strong resume. I needed to find a way to stand out from vet school applicants.

Once I was accepted into vet school, I kept this same mindset. The bookwork was extremely difficult. Each semester presented new obstacles. Although facing these obstacles was a challenge, I knew I had to find a way to get through them. While doing so, I always maintained a job. Whether it be at a clinic, the zoo, or the university. Sometimes a combination of all of the above. I had a plan and I had to stick to it all while continuing to build my resume. This approach paid off as I landed the ideal job for me right out of school.

Once I decided to pursue my own vet clinic, I was presented with many more obstacles and challenges. The first true obstacle was getting the courage to do so. Once that was in place, it was time to figure out how to get the finances in order. Find the real estate, and suffer through the construction phase which seemed to be the biggest hurdle to overcome.

As you know, we’re big fans of Haley Veterinary Practice. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Haley Veterinary Practice is a very unique place. We are a mixed animal practice with a strong emphasis on exotics. Although we treat dogs and cats, we also see a wide variety of species.

We provide wellness checkups, vaccinations, diagnostic services, surgery, and more. We treat companion animals as well as small mammals, reptiles, birds, primates, pigs, small ruminants, etc.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
If you plan to pursue a career in veterinary medicine, start early. Volunteer at local shelters, rescue organizations, and possibly veterinary clinics (depending on age requirements). Apply for jobs that pertain to animals, step out of your comfort zone, and Learn as much as you can. Make connections with people who have your best interest and will challenge you and teach you as much as possible.

This profession is very challenging, but also very rewarding at the same time. Veterinary Medicine is not for everyone. It is crucial to learn as much as you can before deciding to apply for veterinary school. Hands-on experience is the only way to determine if it is the right profession for you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.haleyvet.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haleyvetpractice/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/haleyveterinarypractice
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/haley-veterinary-practice-lebanon

Image Credits
Summer Duke