Frequently Asked Questions
Helpful Answers for Pet Families
If you don’t see your question here, our team is always happy to help.
What types of pets do you see?
Our veterinary team cares for a wide range of companion animals. In addition to dogs and cats, we also provide care for:birdsreptilesrabbits and small mammalsferrets, guinea pigs, and other pocket petsminiature pigs and other small companion hoofstockOur hospital was designed to support multiple species, including a dedicated exotic animal exam space to help birds, reptiles, and small mammals feel safer and less stressed during their visit.
Are you accepting new patients?
Yes! We welcome new pet families to University Animal Clinic and look forward to becoming your pet’s trusted veterinary home.New clients currently receive 50% off their pet’s first exam and a complimentary nail trim for dogs and cats. Be sure to mention the offer when scheduling your appointment, as promotions may change throughout the year.
What should I expect during my first visit?
Your first visit is designed to be calm, comfortable, and informative. When you arrive, our team will greet you and bring you into an exam room as quickly as possible.During the appointment:A veterinary technician will review your pet’s medical history and your concernsA veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examWe will discuss our findings and recommendationsYou will have time to ask questions and review next stepsOur goal is to ensure both you and your pet feel relaxed and supported throughout the visit.
What veterinary services do you offer?
University Animal Clinic provides a wide range of services to support your pet’s health through every stage of life, including:preventive and wellness carevaccinations and parasite preventiondiagnostics and imagingsurgery and anesthesiadental caredermatology and allergy carepain managementlaser therapy and acupuncturesenior pet carepuppy and kitten caremicrochippingtravel certificatesend-of-life careOur purpose-built veterinary hospital allows us to perform many diagnostic and treatment services right here in our facility.
What is AAHA accreditation?
University Animal Clinic is accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Fewer than 15% of veterinary hospitals in North America achieve this distinction.AAHA accreditation means our hospital voluntarily meets rigorous standards related to:patient safetyanesthesia and surgical monitoringpain managementinfection controlmedical documentationThese standards help ensure pets receive consistent, high-quality veterinary care.
Why are regular wellness visits important?
Regular veterinary visits allow us to monitor your pet’s health and detect subtle changes before they become serious concerns.During wellness visits, we may evaluate:heart and lung healthweight and body conditiondental healthskin and coat conditionmobility and joint functionparasite prevention needsPreventive care helps pets stay healthy, comfortable, and active throughout their lives.
Do indoor pets still need parasite prevention?
Yes. Even indoor pets can be exposed to parasites such as fleas, ticks, and heartworms.In Florida’s warm climate, parasites remain active year-round. Mosquitoes can transmit heartworms, fleas thrive in warm environments, and ticks can survive year-round.Consistent parasite prevention is one of the most important ways to protect your pet’s health.
What happens if my pet needs surgery?
If surgery is recommended, our team will guide you through the entire process.Before surgery we will:review your pet’s medical historyperform a physical examrun pre-anesthetic blood testingexplain the procedure and answer questionsDuring surgery, pets are closely monitored for heart rate, breathing, oxygen levels, and blood pressure to ensure their safety and comfort.
What should I do if my pet is having an emergency?
If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, seek veterinary care immediately.Common signs of emergencies may include:difficulty breathingsudden collapseuncontrolled bleedingseizuressevere trauma or injuryinability to urinateIf an emergency occurs outside our regular hours, we recommend trusted local emergency hospitals in the area for immediate care.
How much does a vet visit cost at University Animal Clinic?
We believe in transparent, fair pricing for veterinary care in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch. New clients currently receive 50% off their pet’s first exam, plus a complimentary nail trim for dogs and cats.
The cost of a veterinary visit depends on the services your pet needs, from a routine wellness exam to diagnostics and treatment. We always discuss recommendations and provide cost estimates before proceeding, so there are no surprises. Our team will work with you to prioritize your pet’s care based on your budget.
We also offer Wellness Plans through our Prevention Club, which spread the cost of preventive care into affordable monthly payments. Ask our team for details when you schedule your appointment.
Do you offer payment plans or pet wellness plans?
Yes! University Animal Clinic offers The Prevention Club — our customizable wellness plan program designed to make preventive veterinary care simple and affordable for pet families in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, and Bradenton.
Prevention Club members enjoy unlimited office visits, unlimited nail trims, exclusive discounts on preventive services, and special savings throughout the year — all for a low monthly payment. Because prevention is less expensive than treatment, these plans help you stay ahead of health issues while keeping costs predictable.
We offer plans tailored for puppies, kittens, adult dogs and cats, and senior pets. Contact us at (941) 355-7707 or ask at your next visit to find the right plan for your pet.
What areas does University Animal Clinic serve?
University Animal Clinic is located at 7250 Canon Street in Sarasota, FL, and we proudly serve pet families throughout the greater Sarasota and Manatee County area. Our clients come from Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, University Park, Palmer Ranch, Siesta Key, Bird Key, Longboat Key, and surrounding communities.
Our purpose-built veterinary hospital is conveniently located with easy access from I-75 and University Parkway. Whether you live in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, or anywhere in between, we’re here to provide gold-standard veterinary care for your dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and exotic pets. We also offer telemedicine appointments and periodic house calls for established patients.
What makes University Animal Clinic different from other veterinarians in Sarasota?
Several things set us apart as one of the most trusted veterinary hospitals in the Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch area:
AAHA Accreditation: Fewer than 15% of veterinary hospitals in North America earn accreditation from the American Animal Hospital Association. We voluntarily meet over 900 rigorous standards for patient care, safety, and medical excellence.
30+ Years of Community Trust: University Animal Clinic has served the Sarasota community for over three decades. Under the ownership of Dr. Leigh Samanowitz (Dr. Sam) and Sam Samanowitz since 2015, we’ve continued to grow while maintaining the personalized, family-style care our clients love.
Multi-Species Expertise: We’re one of the few veterinary hospitals in the area that provides comprehensive care for dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, and other exotic pets — all under one roof.
Purpose-Built Facility: Our modern hospital features 10 exam rooms, separate dog and cat areas, a dedicated exotic ward, a dental suite, in-house ultrasound and digital imaging, and a private comfort suite for end-of-life care.
Family-Owned and Independent: We’re free from corporate policies, which means every decision is made with your pet’s best interest in mind. Our 4.7-star Google rating from over 460 reviews reflects the relationships we’ve built with thousands of pet families.
Do you offer medical grooming for pets that need sedation?
Yes. University Animal Clinic offers medical grooming for pets that require sedation due to anxiety, aggression, age, or medical conditions that make traditional grooming difficult or unsafe. This service is performed under veterinary supervision in our hospital, ensuring your pet’s safety and comfort throughout the process.
Medical grooming is especially helpful for senior pets, pets with skin conditions, and animals that become extremely stressed during grooming. Please note that we do not offer traditional grooming or boarding services. If your pet needs sedated grooming, call us at (941) 355-7707 to schedule an appointment.
Can I book a veterinary appointment online?
Yes! You can book an appointment at University Animal Clinic online 24/7 through our website. Our online scheduling system lets you choose a convenient date and time for your dog, cat, or exotic pet’s visit.
You can also call us at (941) 355-7707 during business hours (Monday–Friday 8:30 AM–6:00 PM, Saturday 8:00 AM–1:00 PM) to schedule by phone. We’re located at 7250 Canon Street in Sarasota, FL, with easy access from Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, and University Park.
Do you see exotic pets like birds, reptiles, and rabbits?
Absolutely. University Animal Clinic is one of the few veterinary hospitals in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch that provides comprehensive veterinary care for exotic pets. Our veterinarians have specialized training and experience treating birds (parrots, cockatiels, finches, and more), reptiles (bearded dragons, geckos, turtles, snakes), rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, hedgehogs, rats, hamsters, and miniature pigs.
Our hospital was specifically designed with exotic pets in mind, including a dedicated temperature-controlled exotic ward and specialized exam space to reduce stress during visits.
Whether your exotic pet needs a wellness exam, diagnostic testing, nutritional guidance, or treatment for illness, our team is here to help. Book an appointment online or call (941) 355-7707.