About Us

The Animal Medical Center was established in 1988 as the Animal Medical Center of Brandon. In 1997, we relocated to a brand new 5,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility. We have the desire and ability to provide our patients with the highest possible care. For your added convenience, we are able to perform most diagnostic testing and laboratory analysis on site. We have been an American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) accredited animal hospital since 1991. We currently have a staff of about twenty employees, including veterinarians, technicians, receptionists, administrative personnel and kennel staff.

Doctor Antuñano

Dr. Jim Antuñano graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine in 1980. He then specialized in Emergency Medicine and Critical Care, teaching Emergency Medicine at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in New York State. He entered into private practice at the Animal Emergency Services and Trauma Center, which provides emergency service to seventy-three hospitals in Suffolk County, New York. Dr. Antuñano then moved on to Smithaven Animal Hospital, a medical and surgical referral hospital where he was able to apply his medical and surgical skills and where he averaged sixteen to eighteen hours of surgery per week. In 1988, Dr. "A" (as he is affectionately referred to by both clients and staff) then founded the Animal Medical Center in Valrico, Florida. He has special interests in animal emergency medicine, laser surgery and internal medicine. Dr. Antuñano is a member of the Florida Veterinary Medical Association, Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society, Cornell Feline Health Center, Veterinary Laser Surgical Society, Humane Society of Tampa Bay and is a member of the American Animal Hospital Association. Dr. Antuñano regularly attends Veterinary Seminars to maximize the quality of care provided at the Animal Medical Center.

Doctor Heaton

Dr. Greg Heaton, originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and Psychology in 1999 from Valparaiso University. He received his DVM degree from Purdue University where he conducted research in the human-animal bond and how it differs from non-traditional pets. Dr. Heaton has a special interest in exotics, reptiles, and small mammals. He is a member of the AVMA, FVMA, and AAHA.

Handy Tips . . .

Handy tips to make your visits with us go more smoothly:

When you call for an appointment.....

• Briefly tell the receptionist what problems your pet is having. If he or she is coming in for an annual exam but is also having ear trouble, make us aware of the problem so that we may arrange a more lengthy appointment if necessary.
• Please tell us if your pet needs refills on medication. This can be a time-consuming process, especially if your pet is on a variety of prescription drugs. Telling us ahead of time allows us to have those prescriptions ready before you ever arrive.
• Inform us if you need prescription foods so we can be sure to have them in stock. Orders may take several days, so call before you are out of food.
• Tell us if you are bringing in a new pet. Even if you have been to see us before, your new pet needs his or her own paperwork and file which takes extra time.

Please call and let us know.....

• If you have an emergency. The doctor may be out of the building or our business hours may be different than the last time you visited us. The time you take to call us will allow us to be ready for you when you arrive.
• If your pet is ill. It never fails that a pet that seems "a bit off" will become drastically ill as soon as our office is closed. It takes only a phone call to find out if your pet should be seen immediately.
• If you are bringing any additional pets. Each appointment needs a certain amount of time to be completed properly. An extra pet will need his or her own time slot to insure a thorough examination.
• If you cannot make your appointment or are running late. Each appointment slot is specially scheduled for our patients. When our clients are on time, we have a better chance of keeping wait times to a minimum. If there is an emergency, it will take priority over all appointments. We greatly appreciate your understanding in these circumstances. Rest assured that if your pet was the one in trouble, we would not hesitate to see them immediately.

When you leave your pet with us.....

• Make sure we have as much contact information as possible. We need to be able to reach you immediately should questions arise about your pet's care.
• Bring any medications or special diets that may be needed during his or her stay. This is especially important for our avian (bird) and exotic patients who usually have an extremely varied diet.
• Drop off at the time specified by the receptionist. If your pet is to be sedated and sent home in the same day, he or she must be given enough time to recover.
• Tell us if your pet was accidentally fed before a procedure!!! We would rather have to rearrange our schedule than to have your pet endangered by being anesthetized or sedated with a full stomach.

When you come to the clinic for your appointment.....

• Please keep your pet on a leash or in a carrier at all times. Frightened animals have been known to run for the open front door at the slightest provocation. You and your pet will be much safer if everyone follows this rule.
• Bring all your pet's medications with you so that if you forget the name of one, we can find it easily. This is extremely important in cases where you have obtained medications from another doctor.
• Have a written list of questions for the doctor. This will help you quickly and easily obtain all the information you needed.
• Bring a fecal sample if your pet is coming in for a regular wellness exam or if you pet is having gastrointestinal issues. We also run tests on feces and urine if your pet is ill.
• Bring any medical records from other veterinarians. The more background information we have on your pet, the more successful our treatment will be.
• Arrive 10 to 15 minutes ahead of time if you are a new client and need to fill out paperwork. All paperwork must be entered into the computer, and a new file must be created before you can see the doctor. Please help us get you to your appointment on time.
• Ask our staff to scan your pet's microchip (if he or she has one) to be sure it hasn't migrated from its original site.

For your pet's health and safety.....

• Finish all antibiotics, ear, and eye medications EVEN IF YOUR PET IS FEELING BETTER!!!
• Keep your follow up visits with us. While your pet may look and feel better, subtle problems may still exist. These problems could grow and cause your pet to have a relapse.
• Do not use old medications you have at home to treat your pet. Please let us evaluate your pet without this complication and provide the proper treatment.
• Do not share medications between pets.
• Never give your pet your own medication or take your pet's medication. The results could be deadly.

For your peace of mind.....

• Please tell us if we can improve our services in any way. We are here to help you and your pet enjoy life together!