Expert Veterinary Care with a Personal Touch
Meet Our Dedicated Team
At Bay Animal Hospital, our team of skilled veterinarians and compassionate professionals is dedicated to providing the highest level of care for pets in Panama City, FL. With a deep love for animals and years of experience in veterinary medicine, we work together to ensure your furry family members receive the best possible treatment. Get to know the people behind the exceptional care we provide!
Our Veterinarians
Dr. Darren Ruff, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Darren originally grew up in Cincinnati and graduated from Ohio State University before spending 21 years practicing in Wisconsin. During that time, he owned three successful practices with a staff of 15 veterinarians. In 2017, he and his wife, Jill, decided to move south to Panama City, FL, where he took ownership of Bay Animal Hospital. With a passion for advanced veterinary medicine and compassionate pet care, Dr. Darren treats every pet like his own. Outside of the clinic, he enjoys mountain biking, motorcycling, auto racing, and outdoor adventures.
Dr. Sydney Howell, MS, DVM
Veterinarian
A native of Kingston, GA, Dr. Sydney graduated from Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2023. A former NCAA softball player, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of West Georgia and later obtained her Master’s in Veterinary Biomedical Sciences. She and her wife, Jillian, share a home with their three dogs and two cats. Dr. Sydney is passionate about treating cats, dogs, chickens, and exotic pets. When she’s not in the clinic, you can find her kayaking, hiking, or enjoying fresh oysters at a local spot.
Dr. Gayle Santiago, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Santiago grew up on a small family farm. All the animals had names, and there were too many cats. She joined the Air Force after high school. Maintaining avionics on fighter planes and seeing the world changed her world. While in Japan, she met her amazing husband, Phillip. They celebrate 34 years of marriage this year. Also while in Japan, she started taking college courses. Eventually, this led to the decision to pursue veterinary medicine. Ultimately, after attending veterinary school at the University of Florida, a new career was born – along with two children. The Santiago family traversed the states during Phillip’s Air Force career, finally settling in Bay County. The same county where Phillip grew up. They live in a home where all the animals have names, and there are too many cats.
Our Team
Jill, CVT and Practice Manager
Certified Veterinary Technician
Jill is a highly experienced Certified Veterinary Technician originally from Wisconsin. She earned her degree in Veterinary Technology from Madison Area Technical College. She spent 19 years working at a large, multi-location practice where she developed a strong foundation in patient care, surgical support, and client education.
After relocating to Panama City with her husband, Dr. Darren, Jill brought her wealth of knowledge and calm, compassionate approach to our team. Her dedication to high-quality care and her ability to connect with both pets and their owners make her an invaluable part of the clinic.
When she’s not at the hospital, Jill enjoys creating stained glass art and hiking with their 2 Boxers, Stanley and Kate, and newly adopted Boston Terrier, Norman.
Sophie
Veterinary Technician
Sophie grew up in Folkestone, England, and moved across the pond to Panama City in 2009. A love for animals was instilled in her from a young age, as her mother owned a grooming business and her grandmother hand-raised exotic birds. She joined our practice in 2017 and has spent every day since falling more in love with her job! In her free time, Sophie enjoys baking, reading, the outdoors (when the UV index is safe for a redhead), and snuggling with her feline daughter “Wheezy”.
Glenda
Veterinary Technician
Glenda’s lifelong love for animals began on a dairy farm in Mississippi, where she was raised. After graduating from high school in 1993, her family sold the farm and relocated to Alabama. There, Glenda began her own family and is now the proud mom of three amazing children. In 2005, she earned her Associate of Applied Science degree from Snead State Community College. Her journey eventually brought her to Florida in 2013, and in 2017, she found her forever work family at Bay Animal Hospital.
From 2018 to 2021, Glenda spent three years living abroad in Romania with her husband. While there, they adopted two kittens — Tomis and Vlad the Impaler — who made the journey back to the U.S. with them.
Outside of work, Glenda enjoys boating, riding Harleys, sewing, and cherishing time with her loved ones. She recently embraced the wonderful role of “Nana” and is overjoyed to have welcomed her first granddaughter into the world.
Stephanie
Veterinary Technician
Stephanie is a Panama City native with extensive experience caring for both domestic and exotic species. She has returned to veterinary medicine, focusing on medical pet care and learning from our expert team. In her free time, she enjoys search-and-rescue training and running obstacle courses with her husband and their German Shepherds.
Ashley
Customer Care
Born in St. Petersburg, FL, and raised in Fountain, Ashley has been in veterinary medicine since 2015. After taking time off to raise her children, she found her way back to the field, bringing her warm personality and client service expertise to our team. Now balancing her role at Bay Animal Hospital with raising three boys, Ashley is a vital part of our friendly front-desk staff.
Jillian
Customer Care
Jillian, a Rockmart, GA native, has been in the veterinary field since 2016. Alongside her wife, Dr. Sydney Howell, she shares a home with an impressive pack of three dogs, three cats, and a tortoise. She enjoys hiking and beach trips with her three-legged pup, Millie, and is passionate about making pet owners feel welcome and informed.
Gracie
Veterinary Assistant/Technician
Gracie is originally from Montgomery, AL, and earned her degree in Biology from Auburn University at Montgomery. She recently relocated to Panama City with her husband and their pets, Bernadette and Penny. With a passion for veterinary medicine and patient care, Gracie is excited to grow with Bay Animal Hospital. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her loved ones and exploring the area.
Kayla
Veterinary Technician
Kayla is a dedicated Veterinary Technician with over 10 years of hands-on experience in the field. After a rewarding five-year career in law enforcement, she returned to her roots in veterinary medicine — this time with a fresh perspective and a renewed passion, inspired by her journey into motherhood.
She brings both compassion and calm under pressure to every patient she cares for. Whether assisting in surgery or comforting a nervous pet parent, Kayla strives to make every interaction count.
Outside of work, she is a proud pet mom to Layla, her sweet and goofy boxer mix, and Henry, her affectionate (and vocal!) orange tabby — both of whom keep life lively and full of love.
In Memory Of Kathleen
The Bay Animal Hospital family lovingly remembers Kathleen, a devoted Customer Service Representative whose kindness, compassion, and dedication touched our practice and community for nearly 20 years. From the moment she joined our team, Kathleen became a trusted and familiar voice to countless pet owners; offering comfort, reassurance, and genuine care during some of their most important and emotional moments.
Originally from Eden, NY, Kathleen made Panama City her home in 1994 and brought warmth, creativity, and heart to everything she did. Her background in music and entertainment, along with her love for sailing, kayaking, reading, and cooking, shaped the vibrant spirit so many came to know and cherish.
Kathleen’s legacy lives on not only through the many lives she helped as an organ donor, but through the lasting relationships she built with our clients, their pets, and her teammates. She will always be remembered for the love and support she gave so freely, and for the countless pets who were a little more loved because of her.
Dedicated to Your
Pet’s Health & Happiness
At Bay Animal Hospital, we take pride in having a team of experienced veterinarians and compassionate professionals committed to the well-being of pets in Panama City, FL. Whether it’s a routine check-up, a complex surgery, or an emergency visit, we are here to provide trusted, expert care for your furry family members.
Looking for a veterinarian in Panama City, FL? Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
