Dr Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet is one of Animal Planet’s most popular TV shows, with over one million viewers per episode. People seem to love watching Dr. Jeff Young and his clinic, Planned Pethood International (PPI), help sick and injured animals. However, the TV show has also introduced viewers to the team working alongside Dr. Jeff; Hector Martinez, especially, is a fan favourite.
Hector had been a familiar face on the show since 2015 before disappearing from the series in 2020 without an explanation. This article aims to unveil what exactly happened to Rocky Mountain Vet’s Hector as well as explain what he has gotten up to since leaving the programme.
Hector left Animal Planet’s Dr Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet in 2020. He briefly appears in season seven before leaving the show with no explanation. It is believed that he left the TV programme to spend more time with his family and work on his own business ventures.
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Who is Hector Martinez on Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet?
Hector, from Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet, is originally from Mexico. His family moved to Colorado in the United States when he was a young boy. Growing up in the US, Hector met Dr. Jeff when he was still in high school. Dr. Jeff had been involved in community outreach work before becoming a TV personality, and he had mentored students who showed promise in athletics; Hector was one of the students.
Throughout his life, Hector developed a love of animals and began to explore his career options in the veterinary medicine field after leaving high school.
Before landing his position with the PPI vet clinic, Hector started working with non-profit organisations in various roles, like as a kennel assistant, to develop the skills required in animal care. This experience helped him to become a certified veterinary technician.
He joined Jeff’s team at PPI back in 2001 as a veterinary assistant. Over the years, Hector went on to become an integral part of the team as the clinic manager, assisting in a number of veterinary procedures alongside Dr. Jeff. His popularity as part of the TV show was a testament to his affection for animals, enthusiastic nature, and strong work ethic.
Hector’s Role in Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet
When he first joined Dr. Jeff Young’s clinic, it is thought the vet was impressed with Hector’s abilities and dedication to the work. As a veterinary assistant, he regularly assisted in surgeries, cared for sick animals, and helped in dental cleaning procedures. He would also help the clinic with non-veterinary medicine issues, such as acting as a PR or IT manager.
His work ethic meant Hector always went the extra mile for the clinic’s animals and their owners. This, and the empathy he showed, helped him develop connections with the Planned Pethood International clients.
To viewers, Hector was viewed as one of Dr. Jeff’s favourite team members; when he would take to the road with Dr. Jeff, Hector was often sitting shotgun.
Where is Hector Now?
Hector last appeared on Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet in October 2020; his last episode features Hector and Dr. Jeff dealing with an odd case of fainting goats. Although there has been no outright statement, it is believed that Hector is no longer working in the PPI clinic. A quick look at the clinic’s staff page shows that the name “Hector Martinez” is no longer listed.
It has been reported that Hector opened his own pet grooming service after leaving the TV show, which is called Hector’s Mobile Pet Spa. The business allows Hector to continue working with animals, which he clearly loves doing, and give clients the best care possible by travelling to their homes.
Hector will likely enjoy more time with his wife and daughter after leaving Rocky Mountain Vet, as the TV show did not allow him much free time to spend with his family.
What was the Reason Hector Left Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet?
When he disappeared from the TV show, fans wondered what happened to Hector on Dr Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet. It was believed that he was taking a brief break from the show, but he never returned to the screen. No reason has been given for his exit from the Animal Planet TV show, although there have been a few theories.
Most believably, some people think Hector wanted to step away from the cameras, be able to spend as much time as possible with his wife, Silvia Martinez, and daughter, Daphne Martinez, and explore new ventures. As he has reportedly started his own business, this seems to be the most likely reason.
Hector’s Most Memorable Moments on the TV Show
There are many moments from Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet featuring Hector that fans can revisit and enjoy. Hector appeared in seven seasons of the TV show, meaning there are plenty of episodes to choose as clear favourites for viewers. Some of the episodes highlighting Hector’s best moments have been listed below:
- Episode 7, Season 3: Shelter from the Storm – In this episode, Hector is sent out to rescue animals, including puppies, that had been left homeless after floods hit Louisiana.
- Episode 7, Season 6: Tiny Soul Mate – Hector accompanies Dr. Jeff to help mini Australian Shepherds that have been rescued from a puppy mill.
- Episode 3, Season 7: Fainting Goat Ranch – In his final episode, Hector and Dr. Jeff treat a tribe of fainting goats.
To Sum Up
Rocky Mountain Vet’s Hector stopped appearing in episodes during season seven, and there was a lot of speculation as to why he left the show. Most of the theories revolved around Hector wanting to take a break from reality TV, preferring to spend time with his family and focus on his own business ventures instead.
Although he was a popular presence on the TV programme, it seems that the exit from Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet did not hinder Hector’s success. If reports are correct, Hector continues to care for animals as part of his pet grooming business.