From the age of three, Dr. Tiffany Meyers-Hayes knew exactly what she wanted to do with her life.
“It’s been a very long-time dream, long-time in the making,” she said. “There hadn’t ever really been another option. That’s what I wanted to do, and I just went for it.”
Her early years, surrounded by animals on a farm in Kentucky, profoundly shaped her future. “We had cattle, goats, we boarded horses. We had rabbits and chickens and all kinds of different fish, donkeys. We had everything,” Dr. Meyers-Hayes recalled.
After earning her bachelor's degree in biochemistry from Western Kentucky University in 2005, she completed her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn University in 2011. Dr. Meyers-Hayes then relocated to California.
In February, Dr.Meyers-Hayes achieved a significant milestone by opening Promenade Veterinary Hospital in Downtown Long Beach.
“I always wanted to own my own hospital,” she explained. Seizing the opportunity was a natural step. “It’s been an exciting adventure so far.”
Throughout her extensive career, Dr. Meyers-Hayes has cared for a diverse range of animals.
“I’ve worked on snakes, Sulcata tortoises, hummingbirds, pigs, goats,” she noted. She previously specialized in exotics, treating birds, reptiles, and pocket pets, and hopes to resume this practice once her hospital is more established. “I’ve seen the whole gamut.”
Before opening her own practice, Dr. Meyers-Hayes spent seven years at a veterinary hospital in Rancho Palos Verdes. However, the desire to create something uniquely hers eventually led her to branch out independently.
“I always follow what every veterinarian does when they take their oath—first, do no harm,” she emphasized.
Her philosophy extends to treating each animal with dignity and care akin to family.
“If you humanize them and treat them like your children, they’re going to get the best care.”
Her practice mirrors this nurturing ethos.
“There’s lots of natural light. It’s very comforting; it makes people feel at home.”
Strategically located on the bustling Promenade, the clinic enjoys a vibrant atmosphere.
“Everybody has a pet down here,” she said. “We see our clients walk by and we wave—there’s Nina, there’s Mia, there’s Roscoe."
Looking ahead, Dr. Meyers-Hayes anticipates rapid growth.
“We have the space and capacity for a five-doctor practice,” she shared. Collaborations with local rescues and shelters for spay and neuter initiatives are also planned.
Above all, Dr. Meyers-Hayes is dedicated to creating a comforting environment.
"If you have an issue, don't be afraid to just walk in. Bring your baby. We want to see them. We want to help."
Promenade Veterinary Hospital, at 201 Promenade North, Ste.105, is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The hospital is closed on Sundays. For more information call or text 562-450-5893.