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(808) 671-4896
About Pet Specialists
of Hawaii
At Pet Specialists of Hawaii, we are dedicated to providing advanced veterinary services for pets on Oahu and the neighboring islands. Our precision medicine approach tailors the treatment plan to your pet’s individual needs, focusing on their lifestyle, behavior, and environment for precise and proactive health management.
We collaborate with your family veterinarian every step of the way, from the initial referral to follow-up care, ensuring a smooth and cohesive experience. During your first visit, we’ll review your pet’s medical records, conduct a thorough examination, and discuss potential treatment options. If a procedure is recommended, we’ll provide a detailed plan, cost estimate, and schedule.
Board Certified Specialists
Highest Quality Care
Precision Medicine
Dr. Marika Constantaras, DVM, MS
Diplomate American Veterinary Dental College
Dr. Marika Constantaras was raised in Frankfurt, Germany, Rockville, Maryland, and Tokyo, Japan. After graduating from high school in Tokyo, she attended the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, while her parents and sister relocated to Hawaii. While she obtained her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine and Master of Science from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, she frequently returned to Hawaii to visit her family. Dr. Constantaras practiced for five years at a large private general practice in Chicago before completing a three-year residency in dentistry and oral surgery in the same city. She achieved Diplomate status with the American Veterinary Dental College in 2014.
In 2015, Dr. Constantaras permanently relocated to Hawaii with her husband and daughter, founding Ohana Veterinary Dentistry to provide specialty dental services for pets in the region. The new specialty building was completed in 2023, giving rise to Pet Specialists of Hawaii.
Dr. Constantaras chose to specialize in dentistry because treating oral pain significantly influences a pet’s overall health and quality of life. She adopts a holistic approach to oral health and animal care, integrating the highest standards of treatment with innovative advancements in veterinary medicine. A key component of her commitment to this evolving field includes educating veterinarians on the recognition and management of dental disease through formal lectures, hands-on workshops, and in-hospital training. The profession has made remarkable strides in enhancing dental care standards, and Dr. Constantaras is dedicated to sharing her expertise with fellow veterinarians. She looks forward to fostering strong relationships with both veterinarians and clients, along with their beloved pets.
Dr. Jennifer Song, DVM, MS, DACVS-SA
Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgery (ACVS)
Dr. Jennifer Song earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, where she discovered her passion for surgery under the guidance of inspiring mentors. She completed a small animal rotating internship at the University of Pennsylvania, followed by a surgical internship and residency at Ohio State. During her residency, she also earned a Master of Science degree with research focused on canine primary hyperparathyroidism.
Dr. Song became board certified in small animal surgery in 2011 and has special interests in orthopedic surgery, soft tissue procedures, and surgical oncology. She is committed to honoring the human-animal bond through individualized care, low-stress handling, and high-quality medical and surgical treatment. She finds deep fulfillment in helping animals heal and supporting the families who love them.
Outside of the operating room, Dr. Song enjoys surfing, cooking, reading, crafting, lei making, and spending time with friends and family. She is an active member of her hālau and finds joy in celebrating Hawaiian culture. Her weekends often include beach BBQs and quiet time at home with her two cats—one that is perfect, and one “available to a good home.” Her favorite travel experience so far has been seeing the Northern Lights in Alaska, and her bucket-list dream is to see a whale shark in the wild.
A lifelong learner, Dr. Song stays current on surgical advancements by attending conferences and lectures. She is dedicated not only to advancing her surgical skills, but also to providing compassionate, individualized care that supports both pets and the people who love them. Her thoughtful approach, technical expertise, and genuine care for her patients leave a lasting impact on every family she works with.
Dr. Amanda Root, BVMS, MRCVS, DACVIM (SAIM)
Board-Certified Veterinary Internist
Dr. Amanda Root is a board-certified veterinary internal medicine specialist with a diverse background spanning clinical practice, research, and integrative medicine. Born in the Midwest, she began her veterinary career as a Registered Veterinary Technician and Practice Manager, working in the field for 14 years before pursuing her veterinary degree at the University of Glasgow in Scotland, UK.
Following graduation, Dr. Root completed a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at BluePearl Veterinary Partners in Irvine, California, and went on to complete a residency in Internal Medicine at VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital. In addition, she expanded her expertise in integrative medicine by studying in China, completing the Small Animal Veterinary Acupuncture program through the Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Root’s research interests include companion animal health and owner education. She has published on topics such as canine obesity—focusing on owner perception of body condition and feeding practices—and canine pseudopregnancy. Clinically, her areas of expertise include feline medicine, endocrinology, gastroenterology, nephrology, infectious disease, and minimally invasive interventional procedures such as endoscopy and ultrasonography. She also has a strong interest in holistic and integrative approaches, incorporating nutrition, herbal therapies, and acupuncture into her patient care.
Now based on Oahu, Dr. Root lives with her husband, Dr. Sam Root, a psychologist and marriage and family therapist, along with their two British Shorthair cats, Hazelnut and Blueberry. Outside of her veterinary practice, she enjoys exploring nature, reading, cooking, discovering new restaurants, and traveling the world.
What Our Clients Say
We’re honored to be part of so many pets’ lives. Hear from the families who’ve trusted us with their care, from complex surgeries to ongoing specialty treatment. Their words speak to the compassion, communication, and expertise we are committed to delivering with every patient.