New Owner at Caring Heart Animal Hospital Emphasizes Daily Dental Care for Pets

By Beverly Meaux for The Montgomery News | April 8, 2026

Dr. Omur Silit, the new owner of Caring Heart Animal Hospital, encourages pet owners to focus on a simple habit that can have a big impact: brushing their pets’ teeth every day.

From left: vet technician Deborah Perez, Dr. Omur Silit, manager Brandon Christo, and assistant David Ivanov.

A Brooklyn native, Silit developed an interest in veterinary medicine as a high school student, volunteering at animal shelters and rescue organizations while also caring for a feral cat named Girlie in his neighborhood. During that time, he met Dr. Jill Caruso at Sean Casey Animal Rescue, who became a mentor and helped guide his path into the profession.

After studying business and spending a brief period working in banking, Silit ultimately decided to follow Dr. Caruso’s footsteps and went to the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine located in St. Kitts, West Indies then completed his final clinical year at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2018.

He began his career as an emergency doctor at the Emergency & Critical Care department of the Red Bank Veterinary Hospital (RBVH) in Hillsborough, where he treated some of the most critical cases. He witnessed how cats and dogs had an amazing ability to bounce back and were filled with energy and resilient spirit.

But something was gnawing at him. He always wanted to build a personal bond with those he helped, and he couldn’t do that in the emergency room. This led Dr. Silit to transition to general practice by purchasing Caring Heart Animal Hospital from the Weisners.

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He officially opened as the new owner in January. Silit’s team includes two staff members from the previous ownership; David Ivanov, assistant, and Jessica Maria, consumer service representative; along with Deborah Perez, vet technician, and Brandon Christo, practice manager. Together they are creating a closely knit team where clients can receive consistent, accessible care through visits, calls, and emails.

The practice offers appointments for routine checkups, illness and urgent needs, with exams priced at $99 per visit.

In his day-to-day work, Silit said a common discussion he has with pet owners centers on dental health and diet. Regular brushing can help prevent dental disease and identify damaged teeth before they lead to infections or more serious complications. He also advises pet owners to be mindful of overfeeding, noting that fewer calories can contribute to longer, healthier lives.

Beyond the clinic, Silit is involved in the broader veterinary community fulfilling his drive to be on the cutting-edge in his profession. Earlier this year he was named to the board of the NJ Veterinary Association after serving as an apprentice. Here he can help push for the best in statewide regulations and have a leadership role in the future of the field.

Silit and his wife, residents of Hillsborough for the past seven years, are raising three children and say they value the area’s strong sense of community. He is also a new member of the Montgomery Business Association.

Caring Heart Animal Hospital

1325 Route 206, Skillman

caringheartanimalhospital.com

Phone: 609.212.0200