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Callum Hay Obituary
died peacefully at his home in Odessa, FL Monday, June 30, 2025 at the age of 56. Born June 20, 1969 in Cuckfield, United Kingdom, he grew up in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. He obtained his degree in veterinary medicine and surgery from the School of Veterinary Medicine in the University of Glasgow in 1991. He then immigrated to the United States in 1991 and completed three separate internships at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. Upon completing his internships, Callum and his wife, Pamela Smith, D.V.M., moved to Madison, Wisconsin, where Callum completed his residency in veterinary surgery at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine in 1997. He became a Diplomate of the American College of Surgeons in 1998 after completing his residency.
Callum was a gifted surgeon who dedicated his life to making advanced surgical procedures more affordable for pet owners. He was also dedicated to giving back to the community by donating his expertise and resources to various companion animal rescue groups.
He and his wife opened and grew Veterinary Surgical Services, later Veterinary Surgical Specialists, into a surgical facility where every patient was treated with respect, kindness, and extraordinary surgical care.
Callum is survived by his son, Ian Cameron Smith Hay; his father, William Rennie Hay; his sisters, Fiona Lawrence and Mhairi Hay; his niece and nephew, and his cousins.
He is proceeded in death by his mother, June Margaret McWilliam Marr.
Aside from veterinary medicine, Callum enjoyed building and racing Spec Miata at Sebring International Raceway. He was also a tree-felling enthusiast, tractor enthusiast, and the quintessential handyman at home. Callum was proud of his Scottish heritage and was proud to be a United States citizen. He will be remembered for his timeless dedication to veterinary medicine as a surgeon and a mentor.
At Callum's request, a private memorial ceremony will be held with his family.
Memorials may be made to Moffitt neuro-oncology unit in memory of Dr. Callum Hay in honor of Patrick Grogan, M.D., or to a well-established rescue group such as Bay Area Greyhound Adoptions, Dachshund Adoption Rescue and Education, Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida, Tampa Bay Beagle Rescue, the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, ASPCA, etc.
View Guest Book www.tampabay.com/obits
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Memories and Condolences
for Callum Hay
Jeff Stallings
November 19, 2025
Callum and I were interns at UGA together. He was a great intern mate. He was friendly, thoughtful and innovative, always trying to think of ways to do things better from a surgeons and patients perspective. I feel fortunate to have spent some of my time training with him. I know he will be missed by all of those whose lives he touched.
Caroline
September 23, 2025
I'm so sad to hear Dr Hay has passed away, and shocked as well! He will be sorely missed by many. He did an awesome job on two of my cats' legs, one of which was terrified of vets so he let me stay with him until he was sedated. That cat had many great years of jumping on everything, doing kitty parkour, etc. after his surgeries. The other cat was elderly, but was also much improved after his leg surgery, able to walk comfortably for the rest of his life. Dr Hay was always so patient and kind. May he rest in peace.
Robin Greenberg
September 3, 2025
So sad to hear about Dr. Hay´s passing. He performed a successful surgery on my dog´s acl tear a few years ago. He was very kind and made me feel that my dog was special as I´m sure he did with all of his clients. Deepest sympathy to his family.
Melanie Glass
August 4, 2025
We were so heartbroken to hear of the passing of Dr. Hay, an extraordinary veterinarian and truly one of a kind human.
Dr. Hay took incredible care of our sweet girl Tessa when she had to have both of her knees operated on. He was not only a talented and dedicated surgeon, but also a kind, compassionate soul who treated every pet as if they were his own.
Our family is praying for his loved ones, his colleagues, and all the countless families who, like us, were blessed to have known him. We are forever grateful for the thousands of pets he helped and healed over the years.
The Tampa Bay area was a better place because of him, and he will be sorely missed. Thank you, Dr. Hay, for everything. Love, the Glass Family
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Jane Quandt
August 4, 2025
It was with great sadness that I have learned of Dr. Hay´s passing. I was here at UGA when he did his internships! He was a delightful man and I enjoyed working with him! My sympathies to his family and many friends!
edward d dodd email. [email protected]
July 22, 2025
Callum was one of my scouts at Rothienoman Aberdeenshire. I recently came
accross a diary he kept on keeping a calf for 1 year in 1983 to gain his smallholder badge,I would only to pleased to forward it to his family
Kathy Kausalik
July 13, 2025
Met Dr Hay over 25 years ago before all the big clinics moved in! He was one of the nicest most caring vets I´ve ever met! He came to Ft Myers occasionally for surgeries and I drive some patients to him, including my own dog. She was very scared and had rescued her , if she had the chance she would run, I was terrified she´d get away if I left her overnight, he did her surgery and literally carried her to my car, so she wouldn´t get away! He was the kindest man. I even drove the vets I worked for personal pets for him to do. He was one of a kind! The veterinary world has lost one of the best! Rest in peace Callum, you´ve got lots of company in heaven, with all the four legged you saved! you will be missed!!!
Patricia Jamison
July 8, 2025
Dr. Callum Hay was an incredible, irreplaceable veterinarian. He saved one of my dogs from an enlarged spleen that was about to rupture. He did an amazing shoulder surgery to a young rescue dog born with a shoulder defect. Such a tragic loss to lose such a gifted person so soon. Rest in peace, prayers for his family and many friends. You will be missed.
REGINA ELLEN FOY
July 8, 2025
I did not have the pleasure of knowing him, but I needed to send my prayers and wishes to his family, human and furry. I too am a proud Scot and animal lover and rescuer. We need more people like him in this crazy world.
Patrick Hafner DVM
July 7, 2025
Callum was a wonderful veterinarian with unbelievable talent. I referred to him many of my cases for his excellent work. He was a very kind and caring human being. I feel honored and blessed to have known him and worked with him for many years in our veterinary community. He will be missed by anyone who's life he touched. He had a gift for "healing" those furry pets in need of his expertise.
Daniel Cannon
July 6, 2025
I first met Callum when I was a kid when he married my aunt Pam. I didn´t see him again until 2010 when he and my aunt gave me the opportunity to work at V.S.S his veterinary surgical center. That´s where I really got to know him. I had a lot of great experiences and learned a lot about myself as I watched Callum selflessly help countless animals and worked with rescues doing hip and total knee replacements for cats and dogs giving them another lease on life. His legacy and memory will live on and his kindness will not be forgotten.
MaryAnn Campbell
July 6, 2025
Dr. Hay was an extraordinary surgeon and a kind, compassionate person. Hes irreplaceable. Gone way too soon.
Wendy Peckham
July 5, 2025
My family knew Callum as a young boy in both Sussex and Scotland.
My husband Roger enjoyed his company learning about animals and farming when we stayed with the Hay family in Scotland. Taken far too soon may he rest in Peace
Susan Taylor
July 4, 2025
When our special American Shorthair Bitty had a urinary blockage, Dr Waldy sent us to Dr Hay. He performed the surgery and relieved the blockage. We were so grateful for the wonderful care Bitty got, and always recommended Dr Hay for any pet in need of his services. So sad to hear of his way to early passing. May he rest in peace and meet with the fur babies he took such good care of. He will be missed
Susan Taylor
July 4, 2025
Nathan Provost
July 4, 2025
Thank you, Dr. Hay, for all you have done for the animals and those who cared deeply about them. So many lives were improved and fulfilled through your talents and compassion. Peace in healing to all who knew you.
Marie Miller
July 4, 2025
So sad to hear this. My mother Isie always spoke so highly of him. I remember him fondly when he was at Gerres Ford, and my mother, father and I visited. He was quiet and kind. A beautiful soul.
Eileen Allan &Neil Singer
July 4, 2025
So very sorry for your loss . The Singger Family , Gordonstown Scotland .
Michele L
July 3, 2025
Callum, you will never be forgotten. Someone who taught me so much, especially as a mentor to a new veterinarian 30 years ago. You trusted me to take care of his patients and always took such great care of mine. You have been there for so many of my major life events, wedding, baby shower, birth of my babies, birthdays, graduations- high school and college. I was so hoping you could be there for Chandler`s medical school graduation -as a fellow surgeon. You were always there to help with all of my own animals and as a friend to listen and dry my tears when they were diagnosed with cancer. You gave me so many more years with them. I am forever grateful for your doing surgery on wildlife I was caring gor and giving me advice on difficult rescue surgeries that I wasn´t sure I could perform. I will never forget when you did a fracture fixation on a bald eagle for me as a birthday present. You changed my life forever and made me a better person and veterinarian. I´m so grateful I got to hold your hand one last time, I feel like you knew I was there.
I will miss you so much today and forever. Your legacy of friendship and caring for all the animals on the planet will never be forgotten. I remember your telling me you consider every day a gift.
I hope you are resting at peace now and not suffering. Gone way too young.
Thinking of you, Pam and Ian, with my deepest sympathy and sending so much love to you both. I know there are no words to make this time any easier.
Hug your loved ones closer today and remember every day is a gift. Cancer sucks. I hope Snow Pea, Tumbleweed, Holly and all of my other babies are there waiting to give you kisses in heaven.
Anna Dudkowska
July 3, 2025
Our hearts are breaking with the news of your passing, but we're so grateful for the time we had with you. Your skilled hands and compassionate heart gave our sweet girls, Keona and Nellie, a second chance at life. We'll never forget the surgeries that mended Keona's knees and Nellie's hips, and the love you showed them every step of the way. Now, in heaven, they probably can't wait to give you a big furry hug and thank you for the extra time they got to spend with us. Rest in peace, dear Dr. Hay. Your legacy of love and kindness will live on in our hearts forever.
Lisa and Vince Centonze
July 3, 2025
We are saddened to learn of our friend and colleague's death. Callum helped us so many times, giving surgical advice and helping to interpret radiographs. Our cat, Brooke, is alive because Callum helped her when she was a homeless shelter cat. He was a generous and kind soul and a Veterinary hero. Rest in Peace, Callum.
Melissa Borrelli
July 3, 2025
Though you may be gone, your spirit will forever shine brightly in our hearts. I am honored to have worked with you and will cherish the memories. Rest in peace Dr. Hay
Love,
Melissa B
Bonnie Heatwole
July 3, 2025
I am so very sorry for this incredible loss. I met Dr. Hay at Tampa Bay Veterinary Specialists in Largo, then worked for him after he opened Veterinary Surgical Services in a strip shop in Tampa. He was very kind and quiet and I am so fortunate to have crossed his path
Carlos Garcia
July 3, 2025
Thank you for being an amazing friend and mentor
Amy Johnston
July 3, 2025
Rest in Peace Dr. Hay.
I can't count the times Dr. Hay helped me and my rescue. Many surgeries, starting back more than a decade ago with a little pup named Miles. Miles had been shot in the belly with a pellet gun and thrown out of a fast moving vehicle, crushing his pelvis and back legs. He was featured with Dr. Hay on the news. That's the first time I had the pleasure of meeting him. He was the most knowledgeable surgeon and kindest of souls. Over the many years, he performed more than a dozen surgeries for our rescue and always generously gave us discounts. I was selfishly sad the last time I called on him to discover that he had retired but knew that it was well deserved. He was a real angel and true gentleman going above and beyond to help our worst cases avoid certain euthanasia. The community has lost an honorable man who worked tirelessly to help animals and in turn people in need. May his family, friends and loved ones feel comfort and peace. What an amazing human he was and we are all honored to have known him. I will miss him deeply. Thank you, Dr. Hay. You made a difference. Hug Miles for me
Susannah Sample
July 3, 2025
Callum was a wonderful teacher, mentor and friend. He was such a genuinely kind person, always making the people around him laugh. We are grateful to have gotten to know him, learn from him and just hang out over the years. We have nothing but wonderful and happy memories of Callum, and wish he was here to help us laugh now.
Callum - thank you. You were, are, and will continue to be an inspiration to us and so many others.
Pam and Ian - We am so deeply sorry for your loss. For our loss. You are in our hearts and thoughts.
With Love, Susie and Peter.
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