Julie DeCubellis – DVM, MS

Dr. Julie DeCubellis is one of the newest members of Tufts’ faculty. She recently joined the Zoological Companion Animal Medicine department with years of experience treating numerous exotic species, including birds, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, rodents, special small mammals (such a chinchillas and hedgehogs), reptiles, amphibians, and some invertebrates. In addition to treating these species in clinic, she teaches clinical skills involved with these species to second-year students and lectures to interns and residents.

Born and raised in New England, Dr. DeCubellis’ work experience includes domestic animals, exotic animals, animal nutrition, wildlife medicine, and teaching. She received her Bachelor’s degree in biology at Rhode Island College, where she completed research in animal behavior at the Roger Williams Park Zoo. After college, she spent time travelling the UK, where she worked as a shepherd in Stranraer, Scotland. She obtained a Master’s of Science in animal nutrition at North Carolina State University, followed by a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at St. George’s University, including clinical training at the University of Minnesota Veterinary School. Since graduating from veterinary school, she completed internships in both small animal medicine and surgery and avian and exotic medicine from Tufts University Cumming School of Veterinary Medicine.

Following her internships, Dr. DeCubellis enrolled in a combined three-year avian and exotic mammal residency program through the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. She began at the Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston and completed her program at Ocean State Veterinary Specialists in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, making her a candidate for avian and exotic companion mammal certification.

She is a member of the American and Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Associations as well as the Associations of Avian Veterinarians, Exotic Mammal Veterinarians, and Reptilian & Amphibian Veterinarians.

Dr. DeCubellis lives with her husband, Kyle, a pediatric pathologist at Boston Children’s Hospital. The couple enjoys walking their four dogs, spending ‘quiet’ time at home with their two cats, rose-breasted cockatoo, flock of chickens, and are excitedly awaiting the arrival of newborn twins.

Dr. DeCubellis's academic and research interests can be found on her faculty profile.