Your Favorite Family
Veterinary Hospital in Sarasota, FL

Who We Are

Our Story

Serving Sarasota and Surrounding Communities since 1973, our mission at Forest Lakes Animal Clinic is to help your pets live happier, healthier lives by providing exceptional quality medical and surgical care in a compassionate environment. 

What began as a vision for modern, state-of-the-art veterinary care has grown into a full-service veterinary hospital, serving Sarasota and surrounding areas. 

Throughout our growth, we’ve remained committed to ensuring pets and their families receive individual attention and customized treatment plans in a comfortable, caring environment.

Your pet’s comfort and well-being are our top priority. We look forward to helping your pet thrive.

Our Team

Meet Our Dedicated Veterinary Team

Our entire staff is dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized care for your pet in a stress-free environment.

Dr. Howard Small

Veterinarian

Dr. Howard Small is a native of Philadelphia and a proud graduate of the University of Pennsylvania. His passion, love, and respect for animals began at an early age when his father introduced him to sled dog racing. Through breeding and caring for Siberian Huskies, he gained hands-on experience that deepened his understanding of animal health and ultimately inspired his career in veterinary medicine.

Throughout his career, Dr. Small has developed extensive experience managing complex and challenging cases. His clinical focus includes surgery, dentistry, and delivering high-quality preventative care to support long-term patient wellness. He is committed to thoughtful, thorough care and building trusted relationships with the families he serves.

Dr. Small resides in Lakewood Ranch with his wife, Alli, and daughters, Sophia and Ava. His pet family includes two Shetland Sheepdogs, Sadie and Carmine, a Netherland Dwarf Rabbit named Mr. Bun, a Chinchilla named Ms. Chin, and Freddy, the betta fish.

Education

  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania

Interests

  • Surgery
  • Dentistry
  • Preventative Care

Dr. Ronni Tudin

Veterinarian

Dr. Ronni Tudin is originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, where he earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Pretoria. He later moved to the United States and practiced in Massachusetts and New Jersey before settling in Sarasota, Florida.

Dr. Tudin has been actively involved in professional veterinary leadership, serving on the board of the South West Florida Veterinary Medical Association, where he was elected president. He is also a Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in London.

Outside the clinic, Dr. Tudin resides with his wife, Lana, and their children, Gabi and Jeremy. Their home includes a lively group of pets, including a dog, two cats, turtles, and fish.

 

 

 

Education

  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pretoria, South Africa

Interests

  • Preventative Care

Dr. Mac Griffin

Veterinarian

Dr. Mac Griffin grew up in a military family, which provided him the opportunity to live in numerous locations throughout the United States and Europe. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from Colorado State University and later completed his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine there.

Following graduation, Dr. Griffin practiced primarily in the Denver, Colorado area and is a former owner of two veterinary practices. He has served on the executive board of the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association and several nonprofit animal rescue organizations. His professional interests include surgery and dentistry, and he is committed to supporting the continued growth and quality of services offered at the hospital.

Outside the clinic, Dr. Griffin and his wife, Janice, enjoy life in Sarasota. They are proud pet parents to Priya, a Black Russian Terrier, and Evan, a rescued Golden Retriever.

 

Education

  • Bachelor of Science, Microbiology, Colorado State University
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Colorado State University

Interests

  • Dentistry
  • Surgery
  • Preventative Care

Dr. Rhiannon Lewis

Veterinarian

Dr. Rhiannon Lewis was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland, and grew up in the greater Tampa Bay area. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Florida and completed a rotating internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, where she built a strong foundation in emergency and critical care.

For more than a decade, Dr. Lewis practiced emergency medicine in Los Angeles and the Sarasota area, gaining extensive experience in high-pressure and complex cases. Over time, she felt called back to general practice, drawn by the opportunity to build lasting relationships with patients and their families. Her professional interests include emergency medicine, surgery, and preventative care, and she is committed to delivering attentive, comprehensive care in every stage of a pet’s life.

Outside the clinic, Dr. Lewis enjoys spending time with her son, Mathis, boating in Sarasota Bay, and visiting Disney. She shares her home with two Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Stella and Lucas, a tabby cat named Kevin Bacon, and a retired laying chicken named Bea.

Education

  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida
  • Internship, Small Animal Medicine and Surgery

Interests

  • Emergency Medicine
  • Surgery
  • Preventative Care

Dr. Bruce McLaughlin

Veterinarian

Dr. Bruce McLaughlin is originally from Indianapolis, Indiana, and earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Purdue University. He owned and operated his own veterinary clinic for more than four decades before relocating to Sarasota to continue serving pets and their families. Dr. McLaughlin values comprehensive Preventative Care and the continuity that comes with caring for patients throughout every stage of life.

Outside the clinic, he enjoys spending time with his three children, seven grandchildren, and his long-haired miniature dachshund, Olivia, who keeps the household entertained.

 

 

 

 

Education

  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University

Interests

  • End-of-Life Care
  • Preventative Care

Dr. Jessica Walsh

Veterinarian

Dr. Jessica Walsh is a Florida native, born and raised in Saint Petersburg. Her passion for veterinary medicine began at an early age while growing up in a family that valued caring for their pets. The relationships she formed with the veterinarians who cared for her own animals inspired her to pursue a career in the field. She went on to earn her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from St. George’s University and completed her clinical rotations at the University of Missouri. 

Dr. Walsh has professional interests in preventative care, dentistry, surgery, and client education. She is committed to partnering with pet owners to support informed decision-making and promote long-term patient health. 

Outside the clinic, Dr. Walsh enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking local trails, swimming, and traveling. She is a proud pet parent to Artemis, her French bulldog, and Thor, her orange tabby cat. 

Education

  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, St. George’s University
  • Clinical Rotation, University of Missouri

Interests

  • Dentistry
  • Surgery
  • Client Education
  • Preventative Care

Our Core Values

At Forest Lakes Animal Clinic, everything we do is guided by five fundamental values that shape our approach to veterinary medicine and pet care.

Nurturing Relationships

Building lasting connections with our clients and their pets, creating a foundation of trust and understanding

Unwavering Integrity

Committed to the highest ethical standards with honest communication and transparent recommendations

Pursuing Growth

Continuously expanding our knowledge and
skills through ongoing education and training

Communicating Transparently

Clear, open dialogue ensuring you understand all aspects of your pet’s health and care options

Constant Innovation

Embracing new technologies and approaches that enhance our ability to provide exceptional care

Is Your Pet In Crisis?

If your pet is experiencing an emergency during our operating hours, please call us at 941-923-3861 to see if we can accommodate your pet’s emergency. 

Who We Serve

Serving Sarasota and Surrounding Communities

Located in Sarasota, Forest Lakes Animal Clinic proudly serves pet owners throughout Sarasota and Surrounding Communities.

Communities We Serve

Sarasota
Our home base, conveniently located for easy access.

Greater Sarasota
Serving the Greater Sarasota area.

Bradenton
Nearby community serving the Sarasota area.

North Sarasota
Easy drive from the North Sarasota area.

South Sarasota
Convenient location for South Sarasota residents.

West Sarasota
Accessible from the West Sarasota area.

Our Facility

Our Hospital
Single location facility with comprehensive veterinary services including medical care, surgery, and preventative treatments.

Connect with Us

Veterinary Care, Your Way

Our goal is to make veterinary care convenient and accessible for all pet owners in Sarasota and Surrounding Communities. Choose the contact method that works best for you.

941-923-3861

Call or Text Us

During our operating hours, call or text our hospital number and our team will be happy to assist you.

Schedule Visit

Book Online

Schedule your pet’s appointment any time through our website’s appointment scheduler.

Get the App

Download Our App

Our app helps you stay on top of your pet’s care without missing a beat.

Call Us

Walk-in Visits

Walk-ins are welcome upon availability! To help avoid wait times, we recommend calling ahead when possible.