Dr. Hayter is the owner and medical director of Desert Forest Animal Hospital and does not often see patients in this clinic. Dr. Hayter grew up in Tustin, California, and earned a Master’s degree in Fine Arts prior to becoming a veterinarian. He published poetry in several national publications before his love of animals led him to pursue his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn University where his interests included internal medicine, dentistry, and dermatology. He was fortunate enough to enjoy the opportunity to intern at the prestigious San Diego Zoo where he worked with all manner of species, including a panda bear, a cheetah, a cougar, and a polar bear. Dr. Hayter and his wife, Catherine, are the proud parents of three young children, two dogs, and ten chickens.