Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Veterinarians in Avon Park, FL
Highlands Animal Hospital has served Highlands County for over 60 years, providing compassionate and comprehensive veterinary care. Our practice emphasizes preventative healthcare, customized to each patient's unique needs while maintaining close relationships with pet owners. We specialize in wellness exams, vaccinations, surgical procedures, senior pet care, and end-of-life services. With a dedicated team of experienced professionals, including veterinarians and technicians, we offer personalized attention to pets at every life stage. Our staff has deep roots in the community, with many team members serving the clinic for over a decade. We prioritize early detection of health issues, advanced diagnostic capabilities, and pain management during procedures.As the first and oldest veterinary clinic in Highlands County, we combine long-standing tradition with modern medical practices. Our facility is equipped to handle routine care, emergency situations, and complex surgical interventions. The hospital maintains strong ties to local animal welfare initiatives while offering convenient services like prescription refills and telehealth consultations. Our mission remains focused on enhancing pets' health and well-being through dedicated care that recognizes animals as valued family members.
Services
Wellness Exams
Puppy/Kitten Care
Senior Pet Care
Surgical Services
Pet Hospice
Euthanasia Services
Vaccinations
Parasite Prevention
Microchipping
Diagnostics
Details
- Year established: 1963
Highlights and features
- We have served Highlands County for over 60 years with continuous veterinary expertise
- Our experienced team includes certified veterinary technicians and specialists
- We provide personalized care for pets at all life stages
- Our practice maintains strong community ties and local knowledge
- We offer comprehensive services from routine checkups to complex surgeries
Services
Wellness Exams
Our comprehensive wellness exams focus on disease prevention and early detection. We tailor vaccination schedules and parasite control programs to each pet's lifestyle. Annual checkups help track health changes as pets age, ensuring early intervention when needed. Routine care includes dental evaluations and nutritional counseling.
Puppy/Kitten Care
Specialized care for young pets includes multi-step vaccination programs, deworming protocols, and developmental assessments. We provide breed-specific care guidance and early socialization recommendations. Our team educates owners about proper nutrition and behavioral training during critical growth periods for optimal long-term health outcomes.
Senior Pet Care
Comprehensive senior care includes advanced diagnostic testing, chronic disease management, and pain control strategies. We monitor for common age-related conditions through regular bloodwork and physical exams. Our approach focuses on maintaining quality of life while addressing mobility issues and cognitive changes in aging pets.
Surgical Services
We perform spays, neuters, orthopedic procedures, and exploratory surgeries using modern anesthetic protocols. In-house diagnostics support pre-operative assessments while pain management plans ensure patient comfort. Our surgical facility maintains strict sterility standards with ongoing post-operative monitoring for optimal recovery.
Pet Hospice and Euthanasia
Compassionate hospice services include pain management planning and quality-of-life assessments. We provide counseling during difficult decision-making and offer peaceful euthanasia options. Our team supports pet owners through the grieving process with empathetic guidance and aftercare information.
People
John H. Young
Veterinarian
Dr. Young has practiced in Highlands County since 1989 and owns the hospital since 2000. A long-time resident, he maintains community connections while providing veterinary expertise across generations of pets and families.
Jackie Young
Owner/Administrator
With 22 years at the practice and 41 years married to Dr. Young, Jackie manages operations while maintaining the hospital's family-oriented approach. She helps create welcoming environment for both clients and staff.
Christy Reed
Office Manager
Christy oversees administrative operations since joining in 2018. She manages office systems, financial records, and customer service while applying healthcare experience from human medical fields to veterinary practice management.
Trey Barfield
Veterinary Technician
Trey brings over a decade of veterinary experience while studying for certification. He maintains medical equipment, assists in procedures, and shares his pet care expertise from raising five dogs and a cat, applying practical knowledge to daily operations.
Destiney Turner
Veterinary Technician
Destiney contributes shelter medicine experience and Pennsylvania Foster education. Growing up on a farm influenced her veterinary path. She applies hands-on animal care skills from personal farm management to clinical practice, serving as a compassionate client and patient advocate.
Questions
Do you offer emergency veterinary services?
Yes, we provide emergency care during regular business hours and have systems to handle urgent situations.
What pet wellness services do you provide?
We offer vaccinations, parasite prevention, dental care, nutritional counseling, and age-specific health screenings.
How can I schedule an appointment?
Call (863) 385-7743 to book appointments for routine care, sick visits, or specific services like microchipping.
Do you treat senior pets?
Yes, we specialize in geriatric care including chronic disease management and mobility assistance for aging animals.
What surgical services are available?
We perform spays, neuters, orthopedic procedures, and exploratory surgeries with modern anesthesia and pain management.
Do you offer end-of-life care options?
Our compassionate team provides pet hospice services, quality-of-life assessments, and euthanasia with emotional support for pet owners.
