Meet Our Doctors

Dr. Tonia Headrick, DVM

A Passion for Pets and People: Meet Dr. Headrick of Native Palm Animal Hospital

The Jupiter Farmer Magazine

If you’ve ever visited Native Palm Animal Hospital, you may have already met Dr. Headrick — though it’s just as likely your pets remember her better than you do. With her calm demeanor, depth of knowledge, and genuine love for animals, she’s become a trusted presence for Jupiter’s pet-loving community.

Born and raised on Florida’s Space Coast in Titusville, Dr. Headrick has called Jupiter Farms home since 2014. She lives here with her husband and a lively collection of fur-covered family members: Mini, a spirited Boston Terrier; Louie, a charming Frenchie mix; and Archie, their distinguished Selkirk Rex cat. Her household may sound like a miniature menagerie; however, she has a love for Draft horses and Mammoth Donkeys. This is a reflection of a lifelong bond with animals that began early and never let go.

“I started volunteering at a local animal hospital when I was in sixth grade,” Dr. Headrick recalls. “A friend of the family, a small animal general practitioner, let me watch and help. I was hooked. I worked as a receptionist, Vet assistant, and kennel attendant during my time there.” That early exposure planted a seed that would grow into a full-fledged career in veterinary medicine.

To support her hands-on learning, she began her college journey at a community college while continuing to work at the same animal hospital in her hometown. She later transferred to Auburn University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Animal and Dairy Sciences. During her time there, she wore many hats — working in the veterinary school’s parasitology lab, in the small animal hospital pharmacy, and assisting in vascular research. After graduating from Auburn Veterinary School in 2001, she dove into small animal general practice, bringing both heart and intellect to every patient encounter.

Dr. Headrick is a problem-solver, educator, and lifelong learner. Her professional interests include internal medicine, dermatology, behavior, and wellness at all life stages — from exuberant puppies and kittens to the more contemplative seniors. “I enjoy thinking through each case, the challenges they bring, and helping both the pets and their people,” she explains. “It’s about solving problems and building relationships.”

Her ten years of doing relief work across Martin and Palm Beach Counties further shaped her practice. “Each hospital had a different rhythm, different approaches. There are many therapeutic applications we don’t see every day, but they are used in healing our patients: Physical therapy (including pool), acupuncture, massage, tens units, etc. These aren’t used by everyone, but we were all striving for the same goal: better care for our patients. I even worked for a hospital that focused almost entirely on house calls, which taught me so much about meeting people where they are.”

That broad experience is what first brought her to Native Palm Animal Hospital — a Jupiter mainstay since 1995, known for its full-service care for cats and dogs. “Native Palm was one of the first places I worked when I moved here. I loved it right away,” she says. “The clients here are truly wonderful.”

Today, she’s more than a relief vet — she’s a co-owner. And if you ask her what continues to inspire her, she’ll likely mention a horse she raised in college, or the dog she calls her “life changer.” “That dog taught me more about communication and mutual respect than I ever imagined. He changed how I practice and see animals — not just as patients, but as individual souls.”

With a heart as big as her clinical expertise, Dr. Headrick is an asset not only to Native Palm but to the entire Jupiter Farms community. Whether your pet needs a wellness check or more complex care, you’ll find her ready, with a keen mind, a kind smile, and perhaps a treat or two in her pocket.

Dr. Jose Araujo, DVM

Dr. Jose Araujo has a strong passion for neurological and orthopedic cases, as well as anesthesia and surgery. He finds deep fulfillment in helping pets through complex procedures and seeing meaningful results. “Getting a complicated anesthetic patient successfully through surgery, or helping a pet in pain walk again with the right care — it’s instant gratification,” he shares.

Originally from another country, Dr. Araujo takes great pride in having navigated the rigorous ECFVG program to earn his license to practice in the U.S., all while maintaining his lifelong commitment to veterinary medicine. “To start over in a new country and still keep my passion for the field intact — that’s something I’m truly proud of,” he says.

Outside the clinic, Dr. Araujo enjoys spending time with his wife, daughters, and their beloved dog, Oso. Whether he’s supporting his daughters’ extracurricular activities or cheering on a favorite team, he’s happiest when surrounded by family, fun, and a little bit of friendly competition.