ike many veterinarians, Dr. Omar Farías can trace his love of science and animals back to a young age. Now, he’s an industry veterinarian at Hill’s Pet Nutrition and an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.

“I was the kid that asked for a microscope and a chemistry set as gifts. I even volunteered to dissect a frog when my class dissection in 7th grade got canceled. Sorry, Froggy!” Dr. Farías shares.

Later, he volunteered with a veterinary hospital in Puerto Rico. “I knew then that I wanted to be a veterinarian. The compassion, knowledge, and impact of the veterinarians whom I was helping were amazing. The gratitude of their clients and the difference they made in those pets’ lives immediately hooked me. I wanted to emulate those veterinarians,” he recalls.

Another career transition occurred for Dr. Farías after a decade of practicing veterinary medicine and being a practice owner. “One of my best friends was an industry veterinarian. She was very satisfied with her role and job at Hill’s Pet Nutrition, and had always spoken to me about potential career opportunities,” he continues. “I was at a point in my life where I wanted to make some changes and impact the veterinary profession differently. I imagined myself as doing a similar role [at Hill’s] and being very happy.”

Dr. Farías now has an amazing team at Hill’s who he says are dedicated, energizing and inspiring. “I enjoy many of the initiatives I work on, but managing and supporting my team is one of my passions,” he adds.

He also enjoys working for a company that’s so committed to the veterinary profession. “We employ over 200+ veterinarians and veterinary technicians,” Dr. Farías continues, “all on a mission to help transform the lives of the pets we serve around the world.”

On the topic of pet nutrition, he shares this: “I want pet parents to know that nutrition is vital to the health of their pets. There is a lot of misinformation out there. The internet is just like any piece of paper, in the same way, I can write anything on a piece of paper, and so can anyone with a website. I encourage pet parents to work with their veterinarians and the vet healthcare team to make sure that their pet is on the right nutrition for their needs.”

Besides pet nutrition, Dr. Farías is passionate about ensuring everyone within the field receives equal and fair treatment, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

“I have been fortunate enough to say that, for the most part, I haven’t encountered the level of challenges as a cis gay man that some of my other colleagues have. I recognize that I come from a position of privilege in comparison to non-binary, gender-non-conforming, or trans individuals,” he shares.

“First of all,” Dr. Farías continues, “we want to make sure we are providing safe spaces for all individuals regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This can be done by simple things like sharing your pronouns or having them in your name tag or work signature.

“Secondly, we need to develop empathy for others and stop ourselves from making quick judgments. We need to educate ourselves. Lastly, if you are presented with biases and stereotypes, make sure to be courageous and address them,” he advises.

In keeping with his commitment to equality for all, Dr. Farías is a board member of Pride Veterinary Medical Community (Pride VMC). This organization is dedicated to creating a better world for the veterinary LGBTQ+ community.

They should have an anti-harassment and non-discrimination policy, and all employees should be trained and familiarized with this policy.

Veterinary practices should offer employee benefits that cover the needs of non-binary, transgender and gender non-conforming individuals.

Veterinary practices should have gender-neutral bathrooms, proactively share their pronouns, and have client forms that contain inclusive and gender-neutral language.

Veterinary practices should become familiar with Pride VMC’s Gender Identity Bill of Rights (GIBOR) and sign the document in support. The GIBOR is a document that states the basic human rights of transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming individuals within the veterinary profession.

In his off hours, Dr. Farías enjoys traveling, working out, and spending time with his husband, friends and family. And of course animals play a role in his personal life as well: “We are fortunate to have two babies at home. La Chispa, a 15-year-old Chihuahua, and Desilu, an almost 20-year-old cat. And yes, they both have eaten Hill’s all their lives,” he shares.

In parting advice, Dr. Farías shares, “When LGBTQ+ individuals walk into a veterinary practice, they want to be treated with respect and dignity like everyone else and are there seeking advice and care for their pet. Their gender identity should not play a part in the care provided to their pets.”