At Care Animal Hospital, caring for pets is our passion
Here, we treat pets like family. We understand how important your companion is to you — because they’re there for you through the thick and thin of life, with a wagging tail or a happy purr, and unconditional love. Our goal is to be your partner in taking care of your pet’s physical and mental wellbeing, so you can enjoy many happy years together. So, whether your pet needs a checkup with a doctor… a caring team and top-notch medical treatments when they’re ill… or, some advice on the best food for them or how to care for them at home — we’re here for you! Here, we see dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, small mammals, and more. And, we’ll strive to make their visit a comfortable and positive experience. Come in and get to know us, and see why both you and your pet will love coming here!
OUR PARTNER FOR AFTER-HOURS, WEEKEND, AND HOLIDAY URGENT CARE FOR PETS
We partner with UrgentVet, an affordable alternative to the ER vet. They specialize in after-hours and weekend care for minor injury or illness in cats and dogs. We work with them to make sure your pet receives needed care even if we’re closed. With their unique model, you can minimize wait time by saving your spot online on their website. They also accept walk-ins.
Meet Our Veterinarians
Stephanie Kane, DVM
Dr. Stephanie Kane graduated from The University of Florida with a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science in 2008. She went on to complete a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at the University Of Florida in 2012. Following graduation, she finished a one-year emergency and specialty medicine Internship at BluePearl Veterinary Partners of Tampa. Having always endeavored to be a veterinarian, Dr. Stephanie Kane joined her family‘s practice at Care Animal Hospital in 2013 with plans to work alongside her father, Dr. Richard Kane. She also serves on the University of Florida‘s College of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Council and is active in the local veterinary community. In 2015, Dr. Stephanie was voted the Best Veterinarian in the Tampa Bay-St. Petersburg area through CL’s Best of The Bay. She enjoys working with all types of animals, including farm animals and exotics, and has a strong professional interest in small animal surgery. She is very comfortable as a veterinary surgeon and helps all kinds of challenges. In her free time, Dr. Kane loves to spend time with her husband and their two Jack Russell Terrier’s, ride her horse, “George”, read a great novel at the beach, and of course, attend Gator Football games!
Jon Rubinstein, DVM
Dr Rubinstein attended the University of Miami for his undergraduate education, then Tufts University for veterinary school. After graduation he practiced mixed animal medicine in Georgia before completing a rotating internship at the Veterinary Emergency and Referral Center in Darien, CT.
After two years of overnight emergency and zoo work in New York City Dr. Rubinstein was accepted to a dual residency in avian and reptile/amphibian medicine at Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners in Tampa, which he almost completed.
Dr. Rubinstein’s interests include all aspects of avian and exotic animal medicine, soft tissue surgery of all species, and feline medicine.Chelsea Northam, DVM
Dr. Chelsea Northam was born and raised in Florida. She earned her Bachelors degree in Biological Science from Florida State University. She then went on to St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine for her Veterinary education and attended University of Florida for her clinical year. Dr. Northam enjoys working with all animals and is especially interested in preventative care and soft tissue surgery for dogs and cats. When she was not volunteering at the humane society or working at an animal clinic during school, she was performing with the FSU color-guard marching chiefs. In her free time, she enjoys the beach, reading, running, and spending time with her family, friends, and her cat, Minnie.
Stephanie Diaz, DVM
Dr. Stephanie Diaz graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science from the University of South Florida in 2011. She then worked as a veterinary technician for 4 years at a small animal practice before attending the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. While in veterinary school, she had the opportunity to visit South Africa and work with rhinos and several species of antelope. Her professional interests include wildlife, exotic animal medicine, soft tissue surgery, and geriatric pets. When not at work, Dr. Diaz enjoys spending time with her husband Michael, dogs Boomer and Valerie, and cat Batman, as well as spending days at the beach, gardening, or going to amusement parks.
Courtney Brunson, DVM
Dr. Courtney Brunson graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences. She then went on to complete a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. Following graduation, Dr. Courtney moved to Florida, where she has resided since 2015. Her interests within veterinary medicine include surgery, internal medicine cases, and working with a select group of exotic animals. Dr. Brunson volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, Elmira's Wildlife Sanctuary, and also serves as the veterinarian for Sarasota Jungle Gardens. She has three dogs, two cats, and a daughter, Charlotte. In her spare time, Dr. Courtney loves to attend Auburn Football games, spend time with her family, and play outdoors. She also loves to go to Disney when she can.
Clinic Resources
Your First Visit
No need to be nervous. Here’s what you can expect at your pet’s first visit…
FAQ
Have a question for us? Check our list of frequently asked questions, or give us a call at 813-684-7387.
Payment & Insurance
We accept a variety of payment options, including Care Credit. And, we can help you with pet insurance forms.
Forms
Save time by filling out your forms before you arrive. Use these for your first visit and behavior consults.
Outstanding service on all levels. Staff really cares about your animals. Treats them like they are part of your family. Gives me a sense of confidence in the care and advice they give.
Niki B.
Facebook
Caring staff, reasonable prices and always accessible when needed for our dogs! We’ve tried several vets in the area and this is the best one by far! Highly recommended.
Marti J.
Facebook
They are super attentive to your pets, availability is always reasonable for appointments, the vet is clean, and the staff is super friendly! Very experienced and love spoiling your animals with treats and lots of extra lovings ♡ Oh! And they also call the very next day of your appointment to check on your pet to see how they're doing, which I love about them so much.
Elizabeth B.
Google
Such a great Vet. I've been using them for almost 30 years now with horses, cows, cats and dogs. When I first started using Care, I worked with Dr. Kane. Now I work with his daughter, Dr Stephanie Kane. I love my animals, and they do too. Thank you to everyone at Care Animal Hospital.
Sheila D.
Facebook
Our dog Maggie has been under the care of this animal hospital since we brought her home as a puppy three years ago. We have always received excellent professional service from everyone in their facility. Maggie's vet, Dr. Stephanie Kane is extremely knowledgeable and proficient, with a great deal of common sense. She "goes the extra mile" to assure our dog has the best care possible. I would highly recommend Care Animal Hospital and Dr. Steph.
Holly M.
Google
If you’re looking for an exotic vet, Dr. Rubinstein and staff at Care is the place to go! Princess is our first Beardie and a few months in to bringing her home she became very ill. After taking her to Care we found out she had reproductive issues and eventually had to have surgery. Dr. Rubinstein and staff were knowledgeable, caring and always got back to me when I called them with any questions (and that was A LOT). So glad we found them for our bearded dragon.
Toni M.
Facebook
Dr Rubenstein and staff at Care have been wonderful to interact with during all my animals visits. There are only a handful of Vets in the area who will see and treat chickens for injury and illness. I always appreciate the time and care they take with my flock. I would 100% recommend them for your avian needs.
Meredith B.
Facebook
I’m so grateful for this clinic! The team here...has and is just amazing! I especially appreciate and thank Dr. Chelsea she is so kind and has taken such good care of my Shi tzu Molly for the past two years... today being the most recent due to an emergency!
Melody C.
Facebook
Just wanted to say thank you to Dr Stephanie and the techs that always take care of my baby Yoda. We are so appreciative of you concern for him and the meticulous way you make decisions for his well-being. Can’t recommend this hospital enough.
Chely C.
Facebook
Came here for the first time last week. It was clean, organized, everyone was friendly, and prices were amazing. I felt confident in Dr. Shedden's plan of action. All in all, the whole experience was quite pleasant. If you’re debating whether to come here or not, I would say "yes". I am pretty picky and have had many vets, but most importantly my dog seemed happy with the staff and that goes a long way.
Elizabeth C.
Yelp
I rescued a Weimaraner that was neglected and very sick. Poor girl could barely walk and was practically blind. I took her to Care Animal Hospital and was seen by Dr. Shedden. Avon was diagnosed with diabetes and her eye was so bad that it may need to be surgically removed. Dr. Shedden immediately gave her all sorts of antibiotics and insulin. I was new at this thus didn't know much about diabetes. I would call Dr. Shedden frequently with questions and she would reply immediately and addressed all my concerns. Dr. Shedden is very kind and cares for her animals. I've never met a vet with such love and kindness. We, and Avon are very grateful to her. Avon has improved tremendously. Her eye has healed, she is happy and playful. Thank you Dr. Shedden for saving Avon. ❤ P.s. wonderful staff.
Libby G.
Google
Front office and technicians and Dr. Courtney were all friendly and personable and showed a great amount of care.
Andy R.
Facebook