Dr. J. Gus Mueller:

Dr. Gus Mueller grew up in Birmingham, Alabama. He always said he was going to move to the Gulf Coast of Florida when he grew up. Although he may not be grown up yet, when he graduated from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1983, he immediately moved to Gulf Breeze to practice. He also holds an MBA degree from the University of West Florida, which he achieved after moving to Gulf Breeze. In addition to practicing at Animal Medical Center all these years, he was The Zoo veterinarian for approximately 17 years, where he helped care for over 800 exotic animals including tigers, lions, leopards, hippos, camels, rhinos, apes, monkeys, snakes, lizards, and many others. When he left The Zoo, he felt like he was leaving his good friends. He taught clinical courses for Pensacola State College (formerly Pensacola Junior College) in the Animal Technology Program for several years while at The Zoo. He was active as a Board member of the Florida Veterinary Medical Association for 5 years.

Dr. Mueller is married to Corlette, a very talented glass artist and animal lover, who grew up in Gulf Breeze, and graduated from the University of West Florida with a BS and an MBA degree. They have 3 children, Gabriel, Luke, and Leo. The whole family helps take care of two cats, Clyde the Golden Retriever, Lizzie the Bearded Dragon, an assortment of fish, and 10 chickens.

When Dr. Mueller has time, he loves to run through the Naval Live Oaks trails, work in the outdoors, fish, ride around the bay, and especially casting his net for mullet when they are in in the bay.

Dr. Mueller loves the Northwest Florida community and all it has to offer. He is still happy he moved here in 1983, and is still excited to practice in an American Animal Hospital Association accredited practice (less than 15% of practices in the U.S.), and has always felt fortunate to have high quality professionals to work with, including his time at the Zoo, with the FVMA, and with the local colleges.

Dr. Claire Gossett:

Dr. Gossett is a native of Centre, AL who has always loved exploring nature and learning more about the animals around us. She attended Birmingham-Southern College where she received an undergraduate degree in
biology. As an undergrad, she took marine biology classes at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and ever since then she has hoped to someday live at the beach. After graduating, Dr. Gossett became a certified aquaculture technician, then decided to set her sights on veterinary school. She attended the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine
and graduated in May of 2019; she even has the cowbell to prove it! Dr. Gossett has always loved the weird and wild critters, and looks forward to seeing exotics and residents of the Gulf Breeze Zoo.

When she's not working, Dr. Gossett and her husband Drew love birdwatching, fishing, and exploring the great outdoors. They also are avid gamers and regularly play a multitude of video and board games. At the moment, they just have two pets, Patches the Catahoula mix, and Gray Kitty the domestic shorthair. Dr. Gossett is so thrilled to be a part of the Animal Medial Family!