Meet Our Veterinarians in Sarasota, FL | Forest Lakes Animal Clinic

At Forest Lakes Animal Clinic, we take great pride in our team of highly trained veterinarians and veterinary professionals. Our team delivers stellar, compassionate and comprehensive care to your pet every time you visit. Our animal clinic feels a distinct sense of pride that comes with serving pets and patients in the great state of Florida!

Our veterinary hospital is committed to high-quality care, and an individualized approach to the exact needs and wants of your pet.

Dr. Howard Small

Dr. Small is a native of Philadelphia and a proud graduate of The Penn State University (1988) and The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (1992). Dr. Small’s passion, love, and respect for animals began at an early age when his Dad exposed him to the sport of sled dog racing. Learning to breed and treat his Siberian Husky dogs further nurtured his interest to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. In 1996, Dr. Small followed his family to Sarasota, and he has been a member of the community ever since.

Most recently, Dr. Small realized his dream of practice ownership with the purchase of Forest Lakes Animal Clinic (FLAC) after 10 years of employment at his Lakewood Ranch practice.

Dr. Small is an accomplished veterinary surgeon and enjoys treating challenging cases such as cancer and tumor management, dentistry services, allergic skin diseases, and diseases of the urinary tract.

Dr. Small also enjoys research and is the consulting veterinarian for The Roskamp Institute in Sarasota; a world leader in drug discovery and Alzheimer’s disease.

In addition, Dr. Small is the medical director for Donte’s Den Foundation; the premier canine pet sanctuary caring for homeless dogs.

Dr. Small is happily married and resides in Lakewood Ranch with his wife Alli and daughters Sophia (17) and Ava (13). His pet family includes 2 Shetland Sheepdogs (Sadie and Carmine), a Netherland Dwarf Rabbit (Mr. Bun), a Chinchilla (Ms. Chin), and Freddy the Betta fish.

He is looking forward to meeting all of Dr “K’s” wonderful clients and pets and also welcomes his previous Lakewood Ranch clients.

Dr. Griffin

Dr. Mac Griffin, the newest member of the Forest Lakes team, grew up in a military family which allow him to live in numerous place in the United States and Europe. Dr. Griffin graduated from Colorado State University with an undergraduate degree in microbiology then remained at Colorado State to finish with as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation, Dr. Griffin practiced primarily in the Denver Colorado area. He is the former owner of two practices. Dr. Griffin served on the executive board for the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association and on the executive board for several nonprofit animal rescue organizations. Janice, Dr. Griffin’s wife is excited to be joining him in Sarasota with all it has to offer. They are the proud pet parents of Priya, a Black Russian Terrier, and Evan, a rescued Golden Retriever. Dr. Griffin’s areas of special interest include dentistry and surgery. He is hoping to continue to add new services to the already outstanding at FLAC.