University Animal Clinic

Let Our Family Care for Your Whole Pet Family

Locally Owned, Family-Operated, and AAHA Accredited Veterinary Hospital serving Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, and Bradenton areas.

For over 30 years, University Animal Clinic has cared for pets and families across Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch. Since taking ownership in 2015, Dr. Leigh, affectionately known as Dr. Sam to clients and friends, and Sam Samanowitz have grown the practice into a family-owned veterinary hospital delivering gold-standard care for dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and exotic pets alike. Today, University Animal Clinic is a trusted home away from home for the community’s pets, guided by a strong team culture and a deep commitment to genuine, lasting relationships.
Home, University Animal Clinic Sarasota, family-owned veterinary hospital Lakewood Ranch
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Years in Business
Home, University Animal Clinic Sarasota, family-owned veterinary hospital Lakewood RanchHome, University Animal Clinic Sarasota, family-owned veterinary hospital Lakewood Ranch
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Average Google Rating
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Our Story

Dr. Leigh, or “Dr. Sam” as many of our clients know her, and Sam Samanowitz’s journey to University Animal Clinic began long before 2015. College sweethearts who met at the University of Florida, their path has always blended medicine, leadership, and a shared commitment to family. After Dr. Sam earned her veterinary degree from LSU and gained valuable clinical and leadership experience, and Sam built a 14-year career in finance and operations, they combined their strengths to purchase University Animal Clinic and shape it into the family-owned hospital it is today.

Together, they’ve grown University Animal Clinic into a purpose-built, modern animal hospital rooted in strong team culture and meaningful community relationships. As Sam shares, “We wanted to create a place where families feel known, supported, and confident that every decision is made with their pet’s best interest at heart.”

Today, their vision continues to guide the future of University Animal Clinic as they expand access to advanced care, mentor the next generation of veterinary professionals, and remain personally invested in every pet and family they serve.
Our Hospital

Independently Owned. Personally Invested.

We’re a passionate team committed to caring for and building relationships with your family and the pets you love, whether they have fur, feathers, or scales!
Free From Corporate Policies
Our team is ready to make the decisions based on what’s best for your pet, not corporate guidelines.
Modern, Purpose-Built Animal Hospital
In 2025, we began our newest chapter in a purpose-built veterinary hospital that prioritizes the comfort, safety, and happiness of dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and exotic pets alike.
Family-Led
Proudly family-owned and led by Dr. Sam and Sam Samanowitz, we serve families with integrity, expertise, and heart.
A Culture of Learning and Growth
We are committed to mentorship, professional growth, and continuous learning so our team can provide the highest standard of care.
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“We’ve always believed that our pets are everything to us, so we need to be everything for them. That means practicing gold-standard medicine while never losing sight of compassion.”

Dr. Sam Samanowitz

Owner, DVM
Our Team

The University Animal Clinic Difference

Committed to providing the highest standards of veterinary medicine to Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, Bradenton, and surrounding communities for over 30 years.

AAHA Accredited Hospital

Fewer than 15% of veterinary hospitals earn this distinction.

Full-Service Animal Hospital in 2025

Designed from the ground up for comfort, safety, and efficiency.

10 Dedicated Exam Rooms

Built to reduce wait times and provide a calmer experience.

Separate Dog and Cat Areas

Lower stress visits for both pets and their families.

Dedicated Exotic Ward

Quiet, temperature-controlled space designed specifically for birds, reptiles, and small mammals.

Separate Dental Suite

Advanced dental procedures performed in a dedicated space.

In-House Ultrasound and Digital Imaging

Faster answers without unnecessary referrals.

Isolation Ward with Separate Entrance

Protecting healthy pets while safely treating contagious patients.

Private Comfort Suite

A peaceful space for life’s most difficult goodbyes.

Locally Owned and Family-Led

Independent decision-making focused solely on your pet.
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.

Preventive and Wellness Care

Proactive care for a lifetime of health.
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Wellness Plans

Monthly plans that make preventive care simple and predictable.
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Parasite Prevention

Protection against fleas, ticks, heartworms, and other parasites.
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Dental Care

Complete oral health beyond fresh breath.
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Surgery and Anesthesia

Safe, personalized surgical care.
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Diagnostics and Imaging

Advanced, in-house diagnostic insight.
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Dermatology and Allergy Care

Diagnosis and treatment for itching, skin infections, and chronic allergies.
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Pain Management

Comfort-focused treatments to reduce pain.
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Acupuncture

A gentle therapy that helps relieve pain and support overall wellness.
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Our 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.
Dr. Leigh Samanowitz
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…
Dr. Sara Velic
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…
Dr. Alexis Schweiberger
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…
Dr. Molly Cohen
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…
Sam Samanowitz
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…
Stephanie Cox
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…
Suzanne
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…
Brooke Cavanaugh
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…
Rayshaud Holloway
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…
Meet the Team
Reviews

Testimonials

See What Families Across Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota Are Saying!

We are committed to building meaningful relationships with pets and the families who love them.
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It is very difficult to find an avian vet who is kind while not sugar coating what can be bad news. I had no idea conures get cataracts as they get older, helped me understand my bird’s actions. The Dr. is wonderful!

Jessica Sakas

Yesterday was our first visit to this clinic. I brought my 6 year old Goffin Cockatoo Chance in for a wellness check and nail trim and also to discuss her ongoing feather plucking issues. Dr. Leigh Samanowitz was Amazing as were all the staff. She took her time talking to me about feather plucking issues and Really seemed to care! She started Chance on a medication to help calm her and hopefully help her to stop plucking her Beautiful feathers. Most impressive is…today I received a call from their office to just check up on how Chance was doing on the new medication!! I am super happy with this clinic.

Margie Bauer

This was Tanks first visit and will be his only vet from now on!!! They were helpful, informative and friendly!! Thanks to everyone who works there!!! Tank had a great experience!

Dean Gibson

Awesome reptile vet! I thought there was a problem with my bearded dragon so I made an app to bring him in. Dr. Sara was knowledgeable, professional, and down to earth. UAC is clean and doesn’t smell like urine whatsoever. I love coming here and will continue to bring my pets here. I highly recommend this vet. A+ service. Thanks!!!

Tresha Keener

Very welcoming right from the moment I made the first appointment. Due to the COVID virus, I could not go in with my cat to see the vet but she called me and we had a great conversation. They took some blood and a few days later the vet called me with the results. I think they take pride in taking care of the animals and being good communicators. So happy I was referred to University Animal Clinic by a friend. My cat, Lola seemed very comfortable and calm which has not always been the case in the past. Lola is going in to get her teeth cleaned in a few weeks and she is very excited about getting her pearly whites in tip top shape! Thank you Dr. Sam and everyone at UAC!

Cara Pabis

Incredibly grateful to the staff of University Animal Clinic. We have been a customer for over 20 years. They were able to take care of our dog Duke today for an unscheduled appointment for UTI. Couldn’t imagine going to anybody else.

Ellen Wolak

By far the best vet I have ever been to! We just moved to the area and by some horrible chance had two pet emergencies in our first month with my pets, Moose and Thor. Not only did they get us in same day.. they were compassionate, understanding, and were honest and fair with pricing which maybe shocked me the most.. Most vets that perform this level of service end up costing an arm and a leg, not University Animal Clinic! Very reasonable charges! They take excellent care of your little family members… the front desk, staff, techs and both veterinarians are first class..If you see this review please do not even consider another vet in the Sarasota area!

Joe R

Most caring and helpful Vet ever. The staff are amazing and are so wonderful with all pets. They take amazing care of my two fur babies. I wouldn’t trust my two pups with anyone else. You can really tell how much the love animals. Do your pets the biggest favor and take them to this vet clinic.

Jean Hamilton

The staff and doctors were extremely helpful and kind. I feel confident in their ability to diagnose and treat my puppies. I’m so thankful they were referred to me by a friend.

Patty Sisson
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Fun Fact Friday

Learning is part of caring well for your pet. Fun Fact Friday is our video library where our team shares helpful tips, interesting pet facts, and answers to common questions we hear from families every day. From wellness and behavior to nutrition and preventive care, these short videos are designed to help you better understand and care for your pet at every stage of life.
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Incorporating your pet into your New Years resolution!!
How to travel with your pets!
Puppy Training Tips
Is Your Cats Scratching Driving You Nuts?
Our Team

News & Articles

We believe informed pet owners make confident decisions. Our Articles & News section is where we share helpful pet care information, hospital updates, and insights from our veterinary team to help you stay informed, prepared, and confident in the care you provide for your pet.
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