Dr. Callum Hay, Revered Tampa Veterinary Surgeon, Dies Suddenly — Community Mourns a Lifesaving Legacy
TAMPA, FL — The veterinary and pet-loving communities of Tampa and beyond are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Dr. Callum W. Hay, BVMS, DACVS, a board-certified small animal surgeon whose expertise, compassion, and dedication touched countless lives. Dr. Hay passed away earlier this week at his home, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in animal care and mentorship.
🎓 A Distinguished Career in Veterinary Surgery
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Dr. Hay earned his veterinary degree from the University of Glasgow in 1991, followed by an internship at the University of Georgia and a surgical residency at the University of Wisconsin, becoming an ACVS diplomate in 1998
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In 2000, he founded Veterinary Surgical Specialists (also known as Veterinary Surgical Services) in Tampa, later rebranded as BluePearl Pet Hospital. The practice became known for its excellence in orthopedic and soft-tissue surgery for pets
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For over two decades, Dr. Hay performed complex surgeries—ranging from cruciate ligament repairs to innovative osteoarthritis techniques—improving the lives of thousands of dogs and cats .
💛 A Legacy of Compassion and Mentorship
Dr. Hay was celebrated not just for his surgical skill, but for his gentle demeanor, empathy, and generous mentorship. Colleagues at AnimalLuvr’s Dream Rescue praised his unwavering dedication to preventive care, nutrition education, and providing second chances to rescue pets
Clients often shared stories of his kindness:
“He believed deeply in the power of preventative care and was a passionate advocate for pet wellness through better nutrition and supplements.”
He supported local rescue efforts and freely shared his surgical expertise to help injured animals recover and thrive .
🕊️ Sudden Loss, Lasting Impact
Although official details regarding his cause of death are pending, recent posts indicate Dr. Hay passed away peacefully at home, leaving a stunned community in the wake of his departure
🌟 Honoring Dr. Hay’s Memory
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Vigils and tributes have sprung up at his hospital and rescue partners, celebrating his life’s work and the profound impact he had on animal welfare.
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His legacy is honored through the ongoing work of Veterinary Surgical Specialists/BluePearl and the beneficiaries of the animals he saved.
🌱 Survived By a Loving Community
Dr. Hay leaves behind a grieving family, teammates, protégés, and a vast circle of colleagues and clients. Though he is no longer with us, his values—compassion for animals, mentoring the next generation, and striving for excellence—will continue to guide those he inspired.
“He was not only a brilliant veterinarian but also a cornerstone of the Tampa Bay area and helped save many animal lives. His wisdom, compassion, and kindness inspired us all.”
As Tampa mourns this great loss, Dr. Hay’s legacy lives on—in every healed pet, every grateful owner, and every veterinarian he molded. Plans for future memorial events and possible scholarships in his name are likely, and details will be shared as they become available.
Rest in peace, Dr. Callum Hay. Your light will continue shining in every life you saved and every heart you touched.