If you live in Middleburg, Florida, and own a pet, you know how vital it is to find a reliable place for their health needs. Black creek veterinary hospital middleburg florida stands out as a key option for many families. This clinic has built a strong reputation over the years by focusing on quality care. Pet owners turn to it for everything from routine check-ups to urgent situations. In this article, we dive into what makes this hospital special, drawing from its background, team, and services to help you decide if it’s right for your furry friend.
The History Behind Black Creek Veterinary Hospital Middleburg Florida
Dr. Craig Price started black creek veterinary hospital middleburg florida back in 1988. He had a clear goal: create a place that offers top-level medicine with real compassion for animals and their owners. At the time, he teamed up with his wife, Tamera Lowe, to turn this vision into reality. They opened the doors in Middleburg, a growing area in Florida’s Clay County, where pet owners needed a dedicated spot for animal care.
Over the decades, the hospital has grown. It added more doctors and staff to handle a wider range of needs. For example, in 2007, Dr. Lindsey Diley and Dr. Amy McGinness joined the team. Then, in 2015, Dr. Caley Sciardi, Dr. Price’s daughter, came on board after gaining experience abroad. This family touch has kept the hospital grounded in personal service. Today, it also connects with Black Creek Pet Clinic in nearby Orange Park, expanding options for routine wellness and boarding.
What sets this history apart? The focus on building lasting bonds. From day one, the team aimed to treat pets like family. This approach has helped the hospital thrive in a competitive field. Pet ownership in Florida has risen, with over 60% of households having at least one animal, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Places like this one adapt by staying current with medical advances while keeping that small-town feel.
The hospital’s location at 4106 County Road 218 plays a role too. It’s easy to reach for locals in Middleburg and surrounding spots like Orange Park or Jacksonville. This convenience, paired with extended hours on Tuesdays until 7:00 PM, makes it a go-to for busy pet parents.
Meet the Dedicated Veterinarians
A strong team drives any good vet hospital. At black creek veterinary hospital middleburg florida, the doctors bring years of training and passion. Let’s look at each one to see their unique contributions.
Dr. B. Craig Price, DVM, founded the hospital. He earned his bachelor’s in Animal Science from the University of Florida. Then, he got his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) there in 1986. With over 35 years married to Tamera, he balances family and work. His leadership ensures high standards. He loves the challenge of vet medicine and forming bonds with pet families.
Tamera Lowe supports as co-owner. She holds a bachelor’s in Animal Science and a master’s in Science Education, both from UF. While not a vet, she handles operations. From managing to tech work, she’s done it all. Her role keeps things running smooth.
Dr. Caley Sciardi, DVM, is Dr. Price’s daughter. She grew up around the hospital. After undergrad and master’s at UF, she earned her DVM in 2016. She worked in Australia at a specialist hospital. Back home, she focuses on surgery and dentistry. She’s passionate about community work, like trap-neuter-return programs for feral cats. She lives with her family and pets, including an English Bulldog and Labradoodle.
Dr. Lindsey Diley, DVM, switched from human medicine to vets after her first animal job. She got her B.S. in Animal Science and DVM from UF in 2007. Specialties include cardiology, pocket pets, and emergencies. She does relief work at a local emergency clinic. Outside work, she enjoys reading, camping, and Disney trips with her family and pets like an Aussie mix and toy Poodle.
Dr. Amy McGinness, DVM, started as a kennel tech here in high school. From Chicago originally, she graduated from Middleburg High. She earned a B.S. in Zoology and DVM from UF in 2007. Her interests: ophthalmology, dentistry, internal medicine. She manages social media for the hospital. She has a dog named Zep and cat Chunk. Traveling and photography fill her free time.
Dr. Wyatt Price, BVSc, Dr. Price’s son, learned early from the hospital. He studied Horticulture at UF before transferring. He got his Bachelor of Veterinary Science from Massey University in New Zealand in 2015. He specializes in general and orthopedic surgery. He enjoys soccer, Jaguars games, and time with family. His home includes five cats and two dogs.
Dr. Ashley Robinson, DVM, the newest addition, grew up in Georgia loving animals. She has a B.S. in Biology from Georgia Southern and DVM from Tuskegee in 2024. She worked at Zoo Tampa. General surgery is her focus. Active in sports, she plays softball and cheers for the Jaguars. She lives with her husband and two golden doodles.
These vets share a UF connection, boosting their teamwork. Many have family ties, creating a reassuring vibe for clients.
Support Staff: The Backbone of Operations
Behind the doctors, a skilled team handles daily tasks. Practice manager Katelyn Wassenaar, CVT, leads. Veterinary technicians like Ashley Walters, Sarah Braunns, and others assist in exams and procedures. They ensure pets stay calm during visits.
Client care coordinators Sharri Pruitt and Mandie Padgett greet you at the front. They schedule appointments and answer questions. Veterinary assistants and kennel techs, including Elizabeth Gallardo and Gracie Durrance, care for boarded pets and help with clean-up.
Though details on their backgrounds are limited, their roles show a commitment to smooth service. Employee reviews on sites like Indeed note mixed experiences, but many praise the family feel.
Services Offered: From Routine to Emergencies
Black creek veterinary hospital middleburg florida provides a full range of care for small animals. They focus on preventative, emergency, and specialized services. Here’s a breakdown:
- Preventative Care: Regular check-ups catch issues early. Vaccines protect against rabies, parvovirus, and more. Wellness plans help budget for routine visits.
- Dental Services: Cleanings and surgeries keep teeth healthy. Poor dental health affects 80% of dogs over three, per AVMA stats. The team uses modern tools for safe procedures.
- Surgery: From spay/neuter to complex operations. Drs. Sciardi and Price handle many cases. They offer post-op monitoring for quick recovery.
- Diagnostic Imaging: General X-rays spot problems in bones or organs. This helps diagnose fast without invasive steps.
- Emergency Services: For urgent needs like injuries or illnesses. Extended Tuesday hours aid after-work emergencies. They provide intensive care if needed.
- Hospitalization and Boarding: Pets stay safe during recovery. Multimodal treatments ease pain post-surgery.
- Other Specialties: Cardiology, ophthalmology, internal medicine. They accept pet insurance and CareCredit for financing.
For more on services, check their official site. They partner with Vetsource for meds and food online.
Why This Hospital Ranks Well in Searches
Based on analysis, black creek veterinary hospital middleburg florida shows up high on Google thanks to smart setup. Their website uses clear headings like “Meet the Doctors” and location keywords. User reviews on Yelp and Facebook add fresh content. Structured data for hours and services helps with local maps. Pages load fast, and mobile-friendly design boosts rankings. This mix of quality info and SEO draws in searchers looking for vets in Middleburg.
Client Reviews and Experiences
Pet owners share positive stories. On Yelp, with 42 reviews, many call the staff “super-friendly” and docs “wonderful.” One said, “You get honest but sensitive appraisals.” Facebook shows 94% recommend, with 315 reviews praising the caring team.
A review on Angi: “Very caring, helpful, professional and reliable.” Some note affordability without skimping on quality.
Employee views vary. Indeed rates it 3.0/5. A receptionist mentioned low pay but family-oriented vibe. Another tech felt replaceable. Overall, client focus shines through.
Achievements and Community Impact
Since 1988, the hospital has served thousands of pets. Dr. Sciardi’s TNR work helps control feral cats. Social media, like TikTok (@blackcreekveterinary), shares fun vet humor, engaging younger owners.
They emphasize eco-friendly practices, aligning with “Healthy Pets, Healthy People, Healthy Planet.” No major awards listed, but longevity and growth speak volumes. In Florida, where pet adoptions rose 15% post-pandemic (ASPCA data), their steady service stands out.
Essential Pet Care Tips from Experts
To keep your pet healthy, follow these steps. The team at black creek veterinary hospital middleburg florida often shares similar advice.
- Schedule Regular Check-Ups: Visit yearly for adults, twice for puppies/kittens. This spots issues like heartworms early. Florida’s warm climate raises parasite risks.
- Vaccinate on Time: Core shots prevent deadly diseases. For example, rabies is required by law.
- Maintain Dental Health: Brush teeth weekly with pet-safe paste. Professional cleanings every 1-2 years avoid infections.
- Watch Diet and Exercise: Feed balanced food. Walk dogs daily to prevent obesity, affecting 59% of U.S. dogs (APOP stats).
- Prepare for Emergencies: Know signs like vomiting or lethargy. Have a first-aid kit with bandages and hydrogen peroxide.
- Spay/Neuter Benefits: Reduces cancer risks and unwanted litters. Do it by 6 months.
- Flea and Tick Control: Use monthly preventives. Check after outdoor time.
- Mental Stimulation: Toys and training keep pets happy. Boredom leads to bad behaviors.
For trending pet health ideas, explore sites like Ultrapanda for general wellness insights.
In-Depth Look at Common Pet Health Issues
Pets face various challenges. Let’s break down some, with how the hospital helps.
Heartworm Disease
Common in Florida due to mosquitoes. Symptoms: Cough, fatigue. Prevention: Monthly meds. Testing at annual visits catches it early. Treatment involves injections and rest.
Allergies
Skin itching or ear infections. Causes: Food, pollen. Vets diagnose with tests, recommend hypoallergenic diets or meds.
Obesity
Extra weight strains joints. Track with body condition scores. Hospital offers weight plans with diet changes and exercise tips.
Senior Pet Care
Aging brings arthritis or kidney issues. Bi-annual exams monitor. Supplements like glucosamine help mobility.
Puppy and Kitten Basics
New pets need deworming, vaccines. Socialize early to avoid fear. Training classes build good habits.
Statistics on Pet Health in Florida
Florida ranks high in pet ownership. AVMA reports 7.6 million dogs, 5.8 million cats. Vet visits average $500 yearly. Emergencies can cost $1,000+. Insurance, accepted here, cuts costs by 70-90% for covered claims (Pawlicy Advisor data).
How to Choose the Right Vet
Look for:
- Experience in your pet’s needs.
- Positive reviews.
- Convenient hours/location.
- Acceptance of insurance like at Pawlicy.
Actionable Advice for First Visits
Prepare by:
- Bringing medical records.
- Noting behaviors or concerns.
- Arriving early to reduce stress.
- Asking about payment options.
Expanding on Services: Dental Care Deep Dive
Dental issues plague pets. Bacteria build plaque, leading to pain. Signs: Bad breath, drooling. Hospital’s cleanings use ultrasound scaling under anesthesia. Post-care: Dental chews daily.
Stats: 85% of cats over 3 have dental disease (Cornell Feline Health Center). Regular care prevents extractions.
Surgery Procedures Explained
Spay/neuter: Quick, same-day. Benefits: Longer life, calmer pets. Complex surgeries like tumor removal use monitoring equipment for safety.
Recovery tips:
- Limit activity.
- Use e-collars.
- Give meds as directed.
Emergency Preparedness
Know toxins: Chocolate, grapes, xylitol. Symptoms: Seizures, vomiting. Call immediately. Hospital provides stabilization, fluids.
Nutrition Guidance
Choose age-appropriate food. Puppies need high protein. Seniors: Joint support. Avoid table scraps to prevent pancreatitis.
Behavioral Tips
Anxiety during storms? Use thunder shirts or calming treats. Training: Positive reinforcement works best.
Grooming Essentials
Brush weekly. Trim nails monthly. Ear cleaning prevents infections.
Parasite Prevention
Heartworms cost $1,000+ to treat. Monthly pills: $50-100/year. Worth it.
Vaccinations Schedule
Puppies: 6-8 weeks start. Boosters every 3 weeks until 16 weeks. Adults: Annual or triennial.
Pocket Pets Care
For hamsters, guinea pigs: Dr. Diley specializes. Fresh veggies, clean cages.
Community Events
Hospital joins local pet events, promotes adoptions.
Social Media Engagement
Follow on Facebook for tips, TikTok for laughs.
Insurance and Financing
Pet insurance covers accidents/illnesses. CareCredit spaces payments.
FAQs About Black Creek Veterinary Hospital Middleburg Florida
What services does black creek veterinary hospital middleburg florida offer? They provide preventative care, surgeries, emergencies, dental, and more for small animals.
How do I make an appointment at black creek veterinary hospital middleburg florida? Call (904) 282-0499 or visit their website.
Does black creek veterinary hospital middleburg florida accept pet insurance? Yes, and CareCredit for financing.
What are the hours for black creek veterinary hospital middleburg florida? Monday/Wednesday-Friday: 7:30 AM-5:00 PM, Tuesday: 7:30 AM-7:00 PM, Saturday: 8:00 AM-12:00 PM, closed Sunday.
Is black creek veterinary hospital middleburg florida good for emergencies? They handle many, but for after-hours, they refer to specialists.
Conclusion
In summary, black creek veterinary hospital middleburg florida offers reliable, compassionate care backed by a skilled team and long history. From Dr. Price’s founding in 1988 to today’s full services, it meets pet needs effectively. Whether for a check-up or emergency, this hospital reassures owners with its dedication. Have you visited black creek veterinary hospital middleburg florida? What was your experience like?
References
- Official Website: https://www.blackcreekvet.com/middleburg/ – Provides contact, hours, and basic services.
- Pawlicy Advisor Profile: https://www.pawlicy.com/vets-near-me/fl/middleburg/black-creek-veterinary-hospital-6713/ – Details on insurance, savings, and specialties.
- Indeed Company Page: https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Black-Creek-Veterinary-Hospital – Employee insights and ratings.
