The Animal Clinic

Welcome to The Animal Clinic where we understand the important role your pet has within your family.  We are an AAHA accredited facility located in sunny Port Charlotte, Florida dedicated to helping you with any of your pet's needs.  We are a full-service veterinary practice who care for a variety of patients including dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, amphibians, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, chinchillas, hamsters, gerbils, mice, sugar gliders, and rats. 
 

The staff at The Animal Clinic has a strong commitment to the human-animal bond and to providing client-centered service. Each veterinarian and team member strives to provide the best quality medicine available to our patients and to continually educate and communicate with our clients. We share with our clients the joy of pet ownership and grieve when a loved pet is lost.

When you choose us to be "your vet," you choose an entire clinic committed to the health and well-being of your pet.

Make your appointment today!

  
  • 3300 Tamiami Trail
  • Suite 103
  • Port Charlotte,FL 33952
  • Phone: (941) 625-0742
  • Fax: (941) 625-6068
  • Email Us
  • Get Directions
  • Monday - Thursday: 7:30am - 7:00pm
  • Friday: 7:30am - 5:00pm
  • Saturday: Closed for the Summer
  • After Hours: (941) 255-5222

  • Candace Gannon Fluharty, CVPM

    Practice Manager
    Yes, I am the veterinarian's wife and also the Practice Manager of The Animal Clinic. (I prefer to go by the name of Candy) My role at the Animal Clinic is to make sure that we always remain a client focused facility. I received my designation of Certified Veterinary Practice Manager in October of 2005. It is a real goal for me to encourage our staff to further their education by obtaining an Associates Degree in Veterinary Nursing Medicine. The Animal Clinic is proud to be a member of The American Animal Hospital Association and their standards are incorporated into our core values and continual training. My background is in management and I have always worked with the public and believe that there is always a solution to every problem. I also help manage The Veterinary Emergency Clinic in our community and was involved in starting the Sunshine Veterinary Managers Association here in Charlotte County. I am a people person and will always be available to help you with your needs and want to hear from you (good or bad) for without your input we can not move forward and continue to provide high quality medicine for your loved ones. Look forward to hearing from you.

  • Gregory Fluharty, DVM, P.A.

    Veterinarian

    Dr. Fluharty is the owner and founder of The Animal Clinic, which was started in 1979. Dr. Fluharty is originally from Ohio and received his DVM degree from Ohio State University. Dr. Fluharty is very active in the community but mostly spends his time on finding ways to improve the quality of medicine within our facility. He is a true believer of moving his cheese, which in turn keeps his staff striving to learn and keeping his clients up to date on the cutting edge of medicine. He truly believes that it takes a team to achieve a high level of competency and works hard to keep the community Veterinary Emergency Hospital up to high standards. On his off time he enjoys some golfing and spending time with his family and is enjoying being a first time grandfather to Olivia Rae.

  • Dr. Debbie Marks

    Veterinarian, D.V.M 

    Dr. Debbie Marks worked for The Animal Clinic previously and left to continue her education by mentoring with a local Veterinarian who is Board Certified in Dentistry.  Returning to us in 2013 she is ready to share her knowledge with you and provide the best care possible for your extended family.  Dr. Marks has a special interest in dentistry, internal medicine, and she as well as  a special interest in avian medicine.                  

    Years in Practice:
    May 31, 2013
    Education:
    University of the Philippines
    Interests:
    Special interest in dentistry and internal medicine

  • Dr. John Rand

    Veterinarian, DVM

    Dr. Rand graduated from the University of Florida and came to us on June 10th of 2013.  Dr. Rand is a native to Punta Gorda, after returning to the area he has brought with him his knowledge of small animal medicine along with a special interest in both exotic and avian medicine.  Education is one of his greatest interests and he takes every opportunity to pass his knowledge along to his staff and clients.   

    Years in Practice:
    May 31, 2013
    Education:
    University of Florida
    Interests:
    special interest in exotic/avian

  • Dr. Nick Seibert

    Veterinarian, DVM

    Our practice is excited to announce the addition of Dr Nicholas Seibert to our growing team of amazing, veterinary professionals here at The Animal Clinic!

    Dr Seibert is a Florida native. He has lived in Miami and Daytona Beach. He received his undergrad from the University of Central Florida and then went on to graduate from the University of Florida (Go Gators!) with his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. He has a special interest in exotics, specifically reptiles, diagnostic imaging, and surgery. He plans to not only become proficient in caring for and treating patients quickly, but also to mentor those wanting to pursue a veterinary career as well.

    In his free time, you can catch him outdoors. He enjoys kayaking, going to the beach, or playing sports. He loves spending time with his beautiful wife, Suzannah, and adorable son, Landon, as well. He has two lovable dogs, Auggie and Hundley and we cannot wait for you to meet him!
    Years in Practice:
    Jun 03, 2016
    Education:
    Undergraduate degree - University of Central Florida; Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine - University of Florida
    Interests:
    Exotics (specifically reptiles), diagnostic imaging, and surgery

  • Amanda Masters

    Practice Manager               

    I am proud to say that I am one of the "lucky ones" who actually gets excited to go to work every day! I have loved what I do since I was very young and I could not imagine doing anything else. My start in veterinary medicine was inherited from family. My mother has worked for the Sarasota County Animal Services since I was 3 months old and when most children spent their summers at camp or running through sprinklers, I was learning how to care for stray and neglected animals as a volunteer at her shelter. My first job was at a veterinary clinic in Sarasota at the age of 15 taking care of boarding animals. It was there that I was introduced to veterinary medicine. It was not long before my passion was ignited and I was wanting to learn all that I could about veterinary medicine. When I was 18, I started working as a technician at an Emergency Veterinary Clinic in Sarasota.

    You can also find me from time to time at the Veterinary Emergency Clinic in Port Charlotte sharpening my skills. I am the mother of 3 beautiful children, Eriq, Evan, and Alexa. They keep me busy with sports and school functions when I am not working. I am studying for my Bachelors in Accounting from the University of South Florida. When I am finished there, I intend to become a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager. I have 3 of the cutest dogs (you have to believe me, I'm not biased). Their names are Denver, an Austrailian Shepherd, Fiona, a French Bulldog, and Rosie, a French Bulldog Shih-Tzu Mix (aka a "Bullshit").

    Years in Practice:
    May 26, 2016
    Education:
    Studying for Bachelors in Accounting from University of South Florida
    Interests:
    PTO Board Member, sports, reading, spending time with family and friends
    Email:

  • Juli King

    Head Surgical Nurse

    I have been employed by The Animal Clinic since 1990 and have seen a lot of changes within our profession. The most important reason for my love of veterinary medicine is the changes I have seen in the quality of care that we provide for our pets. My duties consist of caring for surgical patients, radiology, ultra sound, dentistry, assisting doctors and nursing care. This job involves a lot of continuing education, training, communication and compassion. I am originally from Ohio and moved to Florida when I was 2 years old.  Given a choice to work anywhere else "The Animal Clinic" would win hands down every time. The staff and the clients are wonderful.
    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 1990

  • Shana Tomlison

    Veterinary Nurse

    My love for animals began as a child with having a variety of pets at home.  I started my career of working with them in 1998.  As my career progressed there were several opportunities to further my education by participating in online courses, attending continuing education classes as well as local conferences.  I have met many great pets and their owners during this time.  I enjoy working with people and their animals and continue to care for several different species at home.  The Animal Clinic is a wonderful clinic full of caring and knowledgeable staff.  I look forward to meeting you and your pet soon.                 
    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 2013

  • Esther Long

    Veterinary Nurse

    I started working for The Animal Clinic in March of 2014.  At the age of 8 I moved from Brazil to Florida and have spent the majority of my years here.  I have worked in both emergency and day practice for many years.  Education has always been very important to me, thus I attended Edison College as well as Southwest Florida College.  Each day on the job I learn more and am blessed to be surrounded by such knowledgeable coworkers.  Animals are my passion and while I haven't always worked with them, I have always felt like something was missing.  I look forward to continuing my education and experience with The Animal Clinic.  

    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 2014
    Interests:
    art, running, volunteering, and spending time with family

  • Kendra Swingle

    Veterinary Nurse

    I am originally from the little town of Zanesville Ohio moving to Florida in 2012.  Growing up on a farm, I have always had an interest in animals from a very young age.  I attended Ohio University earning my Associates degree in Science and continued my education at the University Of Phoenix earning my Bachelors in Environmental Science.  I have worked with animals my entire life starting my career as a Veterinary Technician in 2012 and joining The Animal Clinic in June of 2014. 

    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 2014
    Education:
    Ohio University and The University of Phoenix
    Interests:
    Swimming, Hiking, and Writing

  • Niki Henson

    Veterinary Nurse

    I have been a native to Florida my entire life. Growing up in Bradenton and now living in Punta Gorda. I attended Galen College of Nursing and continued my education in the veterinary field since 2012. I split my time between The Animal Clinic and the Veterinary Emergency Clinic in Port Charlotte.   
    Years in Practice:
    Sep 30, 2015

  • Sally Rizzo, CVT

    Veterinary Nurse 


    Since before I could walk, I had a passion for animals. I began in the field shortly after high school in 2002. It did not take me long to realize this was the career choice for me. I pursued an advanced degree from St. Petersburg College and in 2012 I was officially bestowed my Certified Veterinary Technician status.

    My special interests are in dentistry and nutrition but I have a love for all areas of veterinary medicine.

    My pets: I currently have two mixed breed dogs, Shadow Marie and Gomer Pile, and one domestic short hair cat, May May. I also have two two-legged children and I spend all of my free-time with my husband and my family and friends.

    I love being veterinary medicine field. I feel if you love the work you do, then it is not work at all. I love coming to work every day and helping pets and people.

    Years in Practice:
    Oct 04, 2016
    Education:
    Certified Veterinary Technician - St Petersburg College

  • Jacqui Porter

    Receptionist

    I am originally from England and moved to America with my husband and son in 2003.  In the UK I served as a Police Officer for 10 years, then upon moving here owned and ran a lawn care company with my husband.  I then worked at Universal Studios in The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter for 2 years before joining The Animal Clinic team in February of 2015. 

    Years in Practice:
    Jun 12, 2015
    Interests:
    swimming, cooking, movies and spending time with family

  • Courtney Fisher

    Kennel Technician

    I have worked for The Animal Clinic and the Veterinary Emergency Clinic since 2003.  Originally from Philadelphia I moved to Florida when I was 15.  Animals are a passion of mine and have inspired me to continue my education by attending Florida Southwestern State College and learning through the practice.    

    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 2003
    Interests:
    swimming and hanging out with friends