Business Details
48 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Veterinarian in St. Petersburg
Central Animal Hospital has been a trusted provider of veterinary care in the St. Petersburg and greater Tampa Bay communities since the late 1970s. Our team of experienced veterinarians specializes in integrative medicine, advanced surgical procedures, and personalized care tailored to the unique needs of each pet. We are proud to be accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), reflecting our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of veterinary practice. Our facility includes the Tampa Bay K9 Rehabilitation Center, which offers specialized treatment plans for arthritic, injured, or post-surgical dogs. With over 40 years of service, we prioritize compassionate care, utilizing state-of-the-art diagnostic tools such as digital radiology and ultrasound to ensure accurate and timely treatment.Our comprehensive services range from preventative wellness exams and vaccinations to emergency care, dentistry, and end-of-life support. We strive to build lasting partnerships with pet owners by providing transparent communication, educational resources, and unwavering dedication to the health and happiness of their pets. Our 24/7 availability ensures that urgent care needs are met promptly, while our boarding and daycare services offer safe, comfortable environments for pets when owners are away. Through continuous investment in staff training and cutting-edge medical technologies, we remain at the forefront of veterinary innovation while maintaining the warmth and individual attention that define our family-centered approach.
Services
Vaccinations
Surgery
Canine Rehabilitation
Boarding
Check Ups
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- 40+ years serving St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay communities
- AAHA-accredited facility ensuring top-tier medical standards
- 24/7 emergency care availability for urgent pet needs
- Tampa Bay K9 Rehabilitation Center for specialized canine therapy
- Integrative medicine combining traditional and advanced treatments
Associations and certifications
- American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)
What people say
Compassionate care
Experienced staff
Comprehensive services
Services
General Wellness
Our general wellness services focus on preventative care to maintain your pet's long-term health. We offer comprehensive physical exams, vaccination programs, and parasite prevention tailored to each pet's lifestyle and age. Our veterinarians work closely with pet owners to develop customized wellness plans that include nutritional guidance, dental care, and early disease detection through routine bloodwork and screenings. This proactive approach helps identify potential health issues before they become serious, ensuring pets live longer, healthier lives while minimizing future medical costs.
Canine Rehabilitation
The Tampa Bay K9 Rehabilitation Center provides specialized physical therapy for dogs recovering from surgery, injury, or chronic conditions like arthritis. Our certified rehabilitation specialists use techniques such as hydrotherapy, therapeutic exercises, and laser treatments to improve mobility, reduce pain, and accelerate healing. Each treatment plan is customized based on the dog's specific condition and recovery goals, incorporating state-of-the-art equipment and evidence-based practices. This service benefits post-surgical patients, senior dogs with joint issues, and active dogs requiring performance enhancement through structured conditioning programs.
Emergency Care
Our 24/7 emergency care service addresses urgent medical needs outside regular business hours. Staffed by experienced veterinarians and technicians, we handle critical cases including trauma, poisoning, breathing difficulties, and severe infections. The hospital maintains advanced diagnostic tools like digital radiography and ultrasound for rapid assessment, along with in-house laboratory capabilities for immediate bloodwork analysis. Emergency patients receive priority triage, with stabilization measures implemented promptly while communicating treatment options to pet owners. This service ensures continuous care availability for life-threatening situations requiring immediate intervention.
Boarding Services
Our boarding facility offers safe, comfortable accommodations for pets when owners travel. We provide climate-controlled indoor/outdoor runs, regular exercise sessions, and personalized feeding schedules to maintain pets' routines. The staff monitors boarded animals daily for health and behavior changes, with access to veterinary care if needed. Additional services include medication administration, grooming, and playtime enrichment activities. All boarding guests receive individual attention while maintaining strict hygiene protocols and vaccination requirements to ensure a healthy environment for every pet staying with us.
Diagnostic Imaging
Advanced diagnostic imaging services include digital radiology and ultrasound for accurate internal organ evaluation. Our digital X-ray system provides immediate high-resolution images for detecting fractures, joint abnormalities, and organ changes, while ultrasound offers detailed soft tissue visualization for abdominal and cardiac assessments. These non-invasive tools enable precise diagnosis of conditions like tumors, bladder stones, and heart disease without requiring surgical exploration. The technology allows for quicker decision-making and treatment planning, with images easily shareable for specialist consultations when complex cases require additional expertise.
People
Dr. Andy DeStefano
Medical Director
Dr. DeStefano leads our veterinary team with over 25 years of clinical experience, specializing in internal medicine and complex diagnostic cases. He emphasizes client education and preventive care strategies.
Dr. Cristina Sanchez
Veterinarian
Dr. Sanchez focuses on surgical procedures and pain management, bringing expertise in orthopedic operations and post-operative rehabilitation protocols for canine patients.
Dr. Natalie Long
Veterinarian
Dr. Long specializes in integrative medicine, combining traditional treatments with acupuncture and cold laser therapy for chronic condition management in pets.
Sarah
Hospital Manager & CVT
Sarah oversees daily operations with 15+ years in veterinary technology, ensuring smooth patient flow and maintaining high standards of client communication and care coordination.
Questions
What services does Central Animal Hospital offer?
We provide wellness exams, vaccinations, surgery, canine rehabilitation, boarding, emergency care, dentistry, and end-of-life services.
How do I book an appointment?
Schedule online via our website or call us directly for urgent/emergency visits.
Are payment plans available?
We accept major credit cards and offer CareCredit financing options for veterinary services.
Do you offer 24/7 emergency care?
Yes, our hospital provides continuous emergency services for pets in need of urgent attention.
Is the hospital accredited?
We are accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), ensuring high medical standards.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve St. Petersburg and the greater Tampa Bay region.
