A native St. Louisan, Dr. Yavitz is a 1977 graduate of the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. As a student, he was elected to Phi Zeta, the honor society of veterinary medicine. He did three years of postgraduate work in small-animal practice in White Plains, New York, and served on the board of the Westchester-Rockland Veterinary Medical Association.

Today Dr. Yavitz is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Missouri Veterinary Medical Association and the Cornell Feline Health Center. He’s the veterinary care provider for the Mercy Hospital Microsurgery Lab. And he has a special interest in the care of senior pets.

The parents of two sons, Benjamin and Daniel, Dr. Yavitz and his wife, Louise, do the bidding of their Australian Shepherds, Luna and River.  Dr. Yavitz spends much of his free time walking, running or entertaining Luna and River. His other interests including hiking, cycling, listening to classic British and progressive rock, and collecting antique radios.