Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Veterinarian in Ruskin, FL
Ruskin Animal Hospital has been dedicated to providing compassionate veterinary care for pets since 1971. Our hospital combines decades of experience with a commitment to staying current on medical advancements through ongoing staff education. We offer comprehensive services including routine wellness exams, surgical procedures, and emergency care, ensuring consistent quality regardless of the visit type. Our Cat Thyroid Center, established in 1999, has become a nationally recognized leader in treating feline hyperthyroidism, serving patients from across the United States and internationally. We maintain an in-house pharmacy to provide convenient access to medications and specialized pet food at competitive prices. Our team prioritizes clear communication and personalized attention to help pet owners make informed healthcare decisions.We demonstrate our community commitment through partnerships like Dr. Ott's Dog Park, promoting animal wellness beyond our clinic walls. Our affiliations with professional organizations including the American Veterinary Medical Association reflect our dedication to industry excellence. We invest in modern diagnostic tools such as radiography and ultrasound to deliver accurate, timely care. Our facility prepares for unexpected situations with access to 24/7 emergency veterinary services through Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners. This combination of experience, technology, and community focus has made us the trusted choice for South Shore pet owners seeking reliable veterinary care.
Services
General Wellness
Dentistry
Vaccinations
Microchipping
Diagnostic Services
Surgery
End of Life Care
Boarding
Details
- Year established: 1971
Highlights and features
- We've provided veterinary care for pets since 1971 with continuous service improvements
- Our Cat Thyroid Center treats feline hyperthyroidism with national recognition
- We maintain an in-house pharmacy for immediate medication and food access
- Our team partners with Blue Pearl Veterinary for 24/7 emergency care availability
- We offer specialized dental radiography and soft tissue surgical capabilities
Associations and certifications
- American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP)
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
- Florida Veterinary Medical Association (FVMA)
What people say
Compassionate care
Expertise
Trustworthy
Well-maintained facilities
Prompt service
Services
General Wellness
Our comprehensive wellness exams detect health issues early through physical evaluations and preventative screenings. We create customized vaccination schedules and parasite prevention plans for dogs and cats of all ages. Our team educates pet owners on nutrition, behavior, and age-specific care requirements.
Dentistry
Annual dental cleanings remove plaque buildup while oral exams identify periodontal disease. We use digital dental radiography to detect hidden tooth root issues and provide extractions when necessary. Our preventive care helps avoid systemic infections from oral bacteria.
Diagnostic Services
In-house lab work provides rapid blood and urine analysis for immediate diagnosis. Radiography and ultrasound equipment visualize internal organs and skeletal structures. These tools help identify injuries, tumors, and organ abnormalities requiring specialized treatment.
Surgery
Soft tissue surgeries address abdominal issues, mass removals, and spay/neuter procedures. Our facility prepares for emergency surgeries while coordinating complex cases with specialists. We maintain strict anesthesia protocols and post-operative monitoring for patient safety.
Boarding
Climate-controlled runs accommodate dogs with multiple size options, while cats stay in private condos. All boarders receive twice-daily exercise and monitoring. We administer medications as needed and provide flea treatment upon intake to maintain facility hygiene.
People
Dr. Christina Kaye
Associate DVM
Dr. Kaye brings extensive small animal experience to our team, focusing on preventive care and internal medicine. She graduated from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine and continues professional development through annual AVMA conferences.
Dr. Carla Olivo
Associate DVM
Dr. Olivo specializes in feline medicine with particular expertise in thyroid disorders. She has contributed to research at our Cat Thyroid Center since 2005 and maintains certification in advanced diagnostic imaging techniques for cats.
Jennifer
Lead Customer Service Representative
Jennifer manages our front desk operations with 15 years of veterinary practice experience. She coordinates appointments, maintains client records, and ensures smooth communication between pet owners and medical staff.
Yali
Veterinary Technician
Certified veterinary technician Yali assists with procedures, medication administration, and patient monitoring. She graduated from St. Petersburg College's veterinary technology program and maintains continuing education in anesthesia protocols.
Topher
Veterinary Technician
Topher supports surgical procedures and diagnostic testing while managing medical supply inventory. He earned his certification through the Florida Veterinary Medical Association's technician program and specializes in radiographic imaging.
Questions
What are your emergency care options after hours?
We forward after-hours emergency calls to Blue Pearl Veterinary ER in Brandon, FL at (813) 571-3303 for immediate specialist care.
What vaccinations are required for boarding?
K9 boarders need Rabies, Bordetella, Distemper, Lepto, and negative fecal test. Felines require Rabies, Feline Distemper, and negative fecal test.
Do you offer payment plans for veterinary services?
We accept major credit cards and CareCredit financing options for qualified applicants to help manage veterinary expenses.
What makes your Cat Thyroid Center unique?
Established in 1999, we specialize in feline hyperthyroidism treatment with over 3,800 successfully treated cats using advanced radioiodine therapy protocols.
Can I get my pet's medications filled immediately?
Our in-house pharmacy stocks most common medications and prescription diets for immediate pickup after your pet's examination and diagnosis.
Reviews (4)
Sara S.
Jun 07, 2022
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Went there in late May with my lab/mix. Dr Waldy was great! Chris at the front desk was a tad cold and while waiting overheard him making a rude, childish comment about another customer. Very unprofessional on this young man's part.
Shelley Loughrin
Apr 18, 2022
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My first visit to this clinic was a little bit chaotic with a longer than expected wait but it was so worth it! Absolutely adore Vet Tech Toni who apologized for my wait and explained that it was not the norm but rather due to having one of the exam rooms being remodeled leaving them short on space. Toni was very thorough and organized and made me know my pups were in good hands! Dr. Catalina is such an asset to this practice with all of her experience. For the first time since relocating to AB, I feel like I've found my Vet!
Andrea Collard
Apr 16, 2022
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I have been going to Ruskin Animal Hospital for almost 4 years now and they are THE BEST. Everyone on the staff is wonderful and Dr. Heaton is phenomenal. He just did a teeth cleaning for my 13 year old Pomeranian yesterday. I was nervous about the procedure but they made me feel assured that everything would go great and it did and no extractions were necessary! After a day of rest yesterday, my dog is back to normal today and no more bad breath. I would recommend them to anyone.
Alisha A.
Mar 31, 2022
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Run far away. This place is just a money grab. They can't treat basic things and constantly charge an insane amount of money. Ive never had to get a dog as many vaccinations as i had with this hospital and I've always owned dogs. There's always something wrong or Always a reason to come back. Ive dumped so much money into this place and for what?! Save yourself the stress and money and go anywhere else.
