If you’re attending the AKC National Championship in Orlando this year, you have a unique opportunity to connect with one of Florida’s most accomplished veterinary specialists in animal reproduction, Dr. Carla Barstow. With a career dedicated to theriogenology, the veterinary specialty focused on animal reproduction, Dr. Barstow brings expertise rarely found in the Sunshine State. Her veterinary practice, located just a short drive from Orlando at Highland Pet Hospital, offers reproductive services for breeders and pet owners.

Meet Dr. Barstow During the 2024 AKC National Championship Dog Show

Dr. Barstow will be available Dec. 14th & 15th during the AKC National Championship at the Royal Canin Booth to answer questions about animal reproduction, her services, and the importance of partnering with a theriogenologist. Her clinic, Highland Pet Hospital, provides a welcoming and professional environment for pets and their owners.

Take advantage of this rare opportunity to meet Dr. Barstow and learn how her specialized skills can support your breeding goals. With so few theriogenologists practicing in Florida, her expertise is a game-changer for responsible breeding.

For more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Barstow, visit her during the AKC show or contact her clinic directly. Breeders, pet owners, and enthusiasts alike are invited to discover how advanced reproductive care can make all the difference.

AKC National Championship 2025 theriogenology

A Passion for Reproduction and Breeding

Originally from Tampa, FL, Dr. Barstow has spent over 20 years breeding and showing Samoyeds, giving her firsthand insight into the dedication and challenges breeders face.Before earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, she worked as a veterinary technician for a decade, developing a deep understanding of animal care.

Dr. Barstow studied reproductive specialization at the University of Minnesota, where she mastered skills under the guidance of renowned theriogenologist Dr. Peggy Root-Kustritz. Dr. Barstow later completed an advanced residency and master’s program in theriogenology at Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. She is now a diplomate of the American College of Theriogenologists, and the only board-certified reproductive specialist in the greater Tampa Bay area.

The Critical Role of a Theriogenologist

Theriogenologists play an essential role in supporting breeders, ensuring the health and success of breeding programs. From semen analysis and breeding soundness evaluations to advanced procedures like in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer, their expertise goes beyond what most veterinarians can provide. Dr. Barstow’s practice offers comprehensive reproductive care, including:

  • Semen Analysis and Freezing: Ensuring male animals are at their reproductive best.
  • Breeding Soundness Evaluations: Assessing the overall health and fertility of breeding animals.
  • BOAS Testing: Dr. Barstow is one of the few veterinarians in Florida certified to test for Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome, a critical assessment for breeds prone to breathing issues, such as Bulldogs and French Bulldogs.
  • Assisted Reproductive Technologies: Offering IVF, artificial insemination, and embryo transfer for advanced breeding needs.

Why Choose Dr. Barstow?

Dr. Barstow’s unique blend of practical breeding experience and advanced veterinary training makes her an invaluable resource for breeders in Florida. Her intimate knowledge of breed-specific concerns, coupled with her ability to perform cutting-edge procedures, ensures that breeders receive the highest level of care.

As a member of the Society for Theriogenology and co-chair of the Samoyed Club of America’s canine health committee, Dr. Barstow stays at the forefront of advancements in reproductive medicine. Whether you’re a seasoned breeder or new to the world of breeding, her expertise at Highland Pet Hospital in Lakeland FL can help you achieve breeding success.

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About Us

At Highland Pet Hospital in Lakeland, FL, we provide full-service veterinary care, including wellness services and advanced reproductive care led by a board-certified theriogenologist. For more than 30 years, we’ve proudly served pets across Central Florida with a focus on compassionate, personalized care backed by advanced medical technology.