Dr. Joel Joseph, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Joseph’s passion for animals began at age six and led him to earn a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Science from Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 1986.
He started his career by founding Wise Owl Animal Care, offering house-call services from his Jeep. That small mobile practice quickly grew into a fully equipped “hospital on wheels,” with surgical, dental, lab, radiology, and ultrasound capabilities.
In 2001, Dr. Joseph moved to Guam, where he supported local clinics and the U.S. military. He helped establish the island’s first military pet quarantine facility and later founded Wise Owl Animal Hospital. What began with house calls and exotic animal care has since become a trusted, full-service veterinary hospital serving the entire island community.
Outside of his veterinary work, Dr. Joseph is an avid adventurer with a love for the outdoors. He’s taken on:
- Whitewater rafting
- Parasailing
- Mountaineering
- Spelunking (cave exploration)
- Bungee jumping & canyon swinging
- Zip-lining, quad biking, and hot air ballooning
Despite his love of extreme sports, his favorite moments are spent in simpler joys: sunset beach walks and ocean swims with his beloved dogs, Pearl and Barney, or relaxing at home with his cats Katniss and Rue, and Fred, his fish—each one a cherished member of his extended family.
Achievements
- Earned a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Science from Michigan State University’s top-ranked veterinary program.
- Started Wise Owl Animal Care with house calls from a Jeep, growing it into a fully equipped mobile veterinary hospital.
- Moved to Guam, provided relief work for local clinics and the U.S. military, helped open the island’s first military pet quarantine facility, and later founded Wise Owl Animal Hospital.
- Launched Pacific Islands Veterinary Service (PIVS), a nonprofit delivering care to underserved areas across the Pacific, including Pohnpei, the Marshall Islands, Chuuk, Kosrae, and Yap.
- Volunteered at free clinics in over 42 islands and regions, including Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, St. Croix, Palau, and Fiji.
- In 2024, Wise Owl Animal Hospital became Guam’s first and only AAHA-accredited animal hospital.
Dr. Samantha Davis, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Samantha Davis—affectionately known as Dr. Sam—was born and raised on the island of Borneo in Sabah, Malaysia, where her love for animals and the ocean began early. With a proud heritage as both Kadazan (Malaysia) and American (through her father from Chattanooga, Tennessee), she brings a unique perspective shaped by two cultures and her island roots.
She earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga before pursuing her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at St. Matthew’s University in Grand Cayman. She completed her clinical training at Oklahoma State University, gaining broad experience in small animal medicine and surgery.
In addition to her work with companion animals, Dr. Sam is deeply passionate about conservation and wildlife medicine, both marine and terrestrial. Her interests also include rescue mission medicine, soft tissue surgery, and integrative approaches to veterinary care.
Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Sam is an ocean enthusiast and adventurer at heart. Her greatest passion is scuba diving, where she explores vibrant reefs and marine life beneath the waves. When she’s not diving, she enjoys:
- Hiking and exploring the outdoors
- Traveling to experience new places and cultures
- Reading and expanding her knowledge
- Baking and cooking for family and friends
Though she thrives on adventure, some of her favorite moments are the quiet ones—relaxing with her sister and their cats, Maggie and Church, who bring daily joy and companionship.
Achievements
- Earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
- Graduated with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from St. Matthew’s University in Grand Cayman, completing her clinical training at Oklahoma State University.
- Developed a wide range of skills in small animal medicine, soft tissue surgery, and integrative medicine, while also nurturing a deep passion for conservation and wildlife medicine—both marine and terrestrial.
- Has participated in rescue mission medicine and continues to expand her expertise in areas that combine animal care with environmental stewardship.
- Brings together a love of adventure, science, and compassion to serve both pets and the broader mission of animal welfare and conservation.