Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Veterinary Care in South Tampa Since 1970
Founded in 1970, we have proudly served South Tampa for over 45 years, delivering quality, dependable, and courteous veterinary care. Recognized as a Practice of Excellence in 1997 by a National Committee of Veterinarians, we are among the elite 15% of U.S. veterinary facilities accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Our team of eight skilled veterinarians and support staff is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of medical care, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and continuous education to ensure optimal pet health. We prioritize client communication, offering immediate responses to concerns and fostering a clean, welcoming environment for both pets and their guardians.Our commitment extends beyond routine care, as we collaborate with local emergency clinics and provide cost-effective treatment plans, free medication delivery within South Tampa, and specialized services like our Feline Wellness Clinic. With decades of combined experience, our team remains focused on advancing veterinary medicine, ensuring every patient receives personalized attention and evidence-based care tailored to their unique needs.
Services
Dentistry
Dietary Counseling
Diagnostics
Heartworm Prevention
Microchipping
Radiology
Surgery
Vaccinations
Laser Therapy
Wellness Exams
Details
- Year established: 1970
Highlights and features
- 45+ years of service excellence in South Tampa
- AAHA-accredited for rigorous veterinary standards
- Dedicated team of eight experienced veterinarians
- 24/7 collaboration with emergency clinics
- Free medication delivery in South Tampa
Associations and certifications
- American Animal Hospital Association
Services
Dentistry
We offer advanced dental services, including preventative oral hygiene programs and anesthetic dental procedures. Our team addresses periodontal disease, fractured teeth, and extractions while emphasizing daily dental care to maintain oral health. Clients receive guidance on specialized diets and oral care products to support long-term dental wellness.
Diagnostics
Our in-house diagnostic laboratory provides rapid testing for blood, urine, and fecal samples, enabling accurate diagnosis of acute and chronic conditions. We utilize microscopic cytology and advanced equipment to assess illnesses affecting pets' health, ensuring timely and effective treatment tailored to each patient's needs.
Surgery
We perform spays, neuters, and complex surgeries like bladder stone removal with pre-anesthesia blood screening and digital monitoring. Patients receive continuous care during procedures, including real-time tracking of EKG, oxygen levels, and blood pressure to ensure surgical safety and successful outcomes.
Vaccinations
Our vaccination programs are tailored to pets' lifestyles and exposure risks, following the latest protocols. We educate clients on core and non-core vaccines, ensuring protection against preventable diseases while prioritizing pet health and compliance with local regulations.
Microchipping
We provide Save This Life microchips with GPS-enabled recovery systems, offering 24/7 support and Lost Pet Alerts. Each microchip includes $1,000 health insurance and eliminates registration fees, ensuring reliable identification and swift reunification of lost pets with their families.
People
Eddie Garcia
Founder, DVM
Dr. Garcia founded the clinic in 1970 after graduating from the University of Auburn Veterinary College. A renowned lecturer on client relations, he has received multiple awards, including Veterinarian of the Year in Florida and the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Auburn University.
Laurie Gray
Veterinarian
Dr. Gray specializes in surgery and exotic animal medicine, with over 30 years of experience. She completed externships in avian and wildlife medicine and has dedicated her career to advancing veterinary care for companion animals and exotics alike.
Heather Mozingo
Veterinarian
A graduate of the University of Florida, Dr. Mozingo focuses on senior pet health and has practiced in Tampa for over 25 years. Her expertise spans internal medicine and geriatric care, ensuring tailored treatment plans for aging pets.
Monica Suarez
Veterinarian
Dr. Suarez specializes in emergency medicine and acupuncture, certified by the Chi Institute. With a decade of Tampa Bay experience, she integrates holistic and conventional treatments to enhance patient recovery and well-being.
Susan Vaughn
Veterinarian
Dr. Vaughn prioritizes client partnerships in pet care, drawing on her background in psychology and sports medicine. A University of Florida graduate, she brings a patient-centered approach to diagnostics and treatment planning, emphasizing empathy and collaboration.
Questions
What are your emergency care hours?
Urgent Pet Care of South Tampa operates daily from 6 PM–11 PM on weekdays, 12 PM–11 PM Saturdays, and 8 AM–11 PM Sundays.
What makes your clinic AAHA-accredited?
We meet over 800 AAHA standards for medical excellence, including equipment, patient care, and continuous improvement. Less than 15% of U.S. clinics achieve this recognition for veterinary excellence.
Do you offer care for exotic pets?
Our Feline Wellness Clinic treats cats and small exotic pets in a quiet, cat-friendly environment, staffed by professionals trained in specialized care for unique animal needs.
How does pet microchipping work?
We implant ISO-compliant Save This Life microchips with GPS-linked recovery systems. Lost pets can be located via Google searches of their unique ID, ensuring swift reunification with owners.
What payment methods do you accept?
Payment details aren't specified in the text, but we recommend contacting our office directly for current payment options and financing inquiries.
Are wellness exams necessary?
Annual wellness exams enable early detection of conditions like diabetes and arthritis, supporting preventative care to maintain your pet's long-term health and quality of life.
Videos
