JoAnne Wagner was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. Her love of science led her to achieve a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Nursing from LSU Medical Center in 1977 . She practiced critical care nursing for several years before returning to LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. In 1983 she graduated and then started her career in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery.

In 1986, she moved to Tampa, Florida to continue her work with small animals including exotics. In 1996, she began to follow her passion for shelter medicine by taking a position with the Humane Society of Tampa Bay as their first full time veterinarian. It was there that she began to fulfill her spay/neuter philosophy to end the needless euthanasia of unwanted cats and dogs.

This journey led her to help establish several non-profit clinics in Pasco, Sumpter and Lake Counties. She firmly believed in low cost veterinary care to pet owners in need and to unwanted cats and dogs needing forever homes.

In 2015, JoAnne and her husband move to Breckenridge, Colorado for an extended vacation to ski the beautiful Rockies and enjoy the Mountain lifestyle .
After two relaxing years she returned to Tampa and re-emerged to join the TNR program and focusing on wellness clinics for healthy pets. This is where she finds herself now enjoying both the loving pets and the caring staff she has the honor to work with.

Joanne lives with her Mastiff, Belle, and a Bishon mix, Lily. They, along with her daughter and 5 year old grandson, are her world.