About Us
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About University Animal Clinic
Locally owned. Family-led. Committed to caring for every member of your pet family.
For over 30 years, University Animal Clinic has cared for families and their pets across Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch. Since 2015, Dr. Sam and Sam Samanowitz have continued that legacy with a shared vision for thoughtful, high-level veterinary care for pets of all species.
“Our pets are everything to us, so we need to be everything for them. That means practicing excellent medicine while never losing sight of compassion. We are the voice for the voiceless, and we don’t take that responsibility lightly.” - Dr. Sam Samanowitz
“Our pets are everything to us, so we need to be everything for them. That means practicing excellent medicine while never losing sight of compassion. We are the voice for the voiceless, and we don’t take that responsibility lightly.” - Dr. Sam Samanowitz
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Our Vision
Our animal hospital strives to provide the highest standard of client services and medical excellence possible to all of our clients and pets. We will meet the standards for patient care set by AAHA recommendations. Caring for our clients and their pets is the primary goal for both the Veterinarians and Staff of University Animal Clinic.
Our Mission
Our pets are everything to us, so we need to be everything for them. We are the voice for the voiceless, and we accomplish this by practicing gold-standard medical care to help pets live healthier, longer lives.
What we do
One Veterinary Home for Every Species
Our animal hospital was designed with all species in mind, with specifically designed spaces that cater to your furry, scaly, and feathered companions.
Explore Our ServicesOur Team
Meet Our Team
Care for every species starts with the right team. At University Animal Clinic, great medicine starts with great people. Our veterinarians, technicians, and client care team work together with compassion, respect, and accountability to ensure every pet and every family feels known and supported.
Veterinarian
Dr. Leigh Samanowitz
Dr. Leigh Samanowitz, known to many of her clients as Dr. Sam, is the owner and Chief of Staff at University Animal Clinic. She earned…
Veterinarian
Dr. Sara Velic
Hi, I'm Dr. Sara Velic! I've always had a deep-rooted passion for helping animals. Born in Stockholm, Sweden, I moved to Sarasota, FL as a…
Veterinarian
Dr. Alexis Schweiberger
Hi! My name is Dr. Alexis Schweiberger but you can call me Dr. Lexi! I grew up in Erie, Pennsylvania, where my love for animals…
Veterinarian
Dr. Molly Cohen
Dr. Molly Cohen has dreamed of becoming a veterinarian since she was three years old. Originally from New Jersey, she began working with animals at…
Owner
Sam Samanowitz
Sam grew up in New York and moved to Florida to attend the University of Florida, where he earned his degree in business. He spent…
Practice Manager
Stephanie Cox
Stephanie brings over 10 years of veterinary management experience and more than two decades of dedicated service in animal rescue and volunteer work. With a…
Receptionist
Suzanne
Suzanne is originally from Long Island, New York where she began her career in the veterinary industry. She moved to San Diego where she spent…
Receptionist
Brooke Cavanaugh
I'm a veterinary receptionist who loves helping people and their pets feel welcome and cared for. When I'm not at the clinic, you'll usually find…
CVT, Veterinary Technician
Rayshaud Holloway
Rayshaud joined UAC in August 2025 as a Certified Veterinary Technician. A graduate of BRCC’s Veterinary Technology Program in 2018, he earned his LVT credentials…
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