Dr. Metzler was born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida.  As a native Floridian, he has always appreciated Florida’s natural beauty and wildlife.  As a child, he developed a love of animals of all kinds.  His mother attests that their backyard fence was never high enough to keep him confined, and he was constantly out exploring whatever nature or wildlife he could find.  This love of nature and animals spurred his desire to become a veterinarian.  While in high school, Dr. Metzler worked for a neighborhood animal hospital, thus beginning his path to becoming a veterinarian.  Dr. Metzler received his undergraduate degree in Animal Science from the University of Florida, completed two years of graduate studies in Animal Nutrition at the University of Tennessee, and returned to UF receiving his degree in Veterinary Medicine in 1985.

Dr. Metzler’s veterinary career began at Oakhurst Veterinary Hospital in Seminole, Florida.  He became part owner and practiced there for 18 years.  He opened his own practice in Safety Harbor, Florida in March 2003.  After 10 years of steady growth, it was time to expand.  The new Metzler Veterinary Hospital opened its doors in February 2013 in the Countryside area of Clearwater, Florida.  The 5,000 square foot facility designed by Dr. Metzler, offers a full-service hospital, as well as boarding, bathing, and grooming services.

Dr. Metzler is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, The Florida Veterinary Medical Association, The Pinellas County Veterinary Medical Association, and The American Animal Hospital Association.

Dr. Metzler’s passions outside of veterinary medicine are his family, playing tennis, reading, and attending as many UF football games as he can in the fall. Dr. Metzler and his family share their home with two dogs and two cats.  Jax, Marley, Lily, and Coco.