Staff
About Us
Florida Animal Care is a full-service state-of-the-art veterinary medical facility. We are located in South Punta Gorda, FL. Dr. Chad Wright will provide your pet with the best possible preventative, medical, surgical, and dental care. Please take a moment to contact our professional and courteous staff today, to learn more about our veterinary practice and to find out more information about how Florida Animal Care can serve the needs of you and your furry family member. Your pet is an important part of your family, and when he or she is ill, you want the best medical care available. The veterinarians and staff at Florida Animal Care are ready to provide your pet with compassionate and progressive veterinary medical care. From wellness exams and vaccines to dental cleanings and surgical procedures, your pet will receive high quality care.
Dr. Chad Wright
Veterinarian
Dr. Chad Wright, DVM purchased Florida Animal Care in June of 2014. Since then he has been hard at work updating the clinic inside and out and making all of the clients feel at home when they step into the office.
Dr. Wright received a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in 1998 from the University of Tennessee as well as Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. Dr. Wright was able to study abroad as part of his curriculum. He studied animal agriculture in Australia. He has also participated in externships at notable Tennessee Walking Horse breeding farms.
After graduating in 2002, Dr. Wright was employed by Bright Cross Animal Clinic for 12 years until he purchased Florida Animal Care. Bright Cross is a progressive, fast paced and well run practice that was named “Best Animal Hospital” in Venice for many years in a row. Dr. Wright believes that Florida Animal Care, with its wonderful staff will someday be the best practice in Punta Gorda.
Dr. Wright keeps very current with traditional veterinary medicine, and tries to integrate nontraditional modalities when needed. Dr. Wright has a special interest in dermatology as well as internal and geriatric medicine. He loves keeping the healthy, healthy, but finds it most rewarding to improve an old, uncomfortable sick dog or cat’s life so noticeably that people think they are puppies and kittens again.
In his spare time, Dr. Wright likes to travel, remodel homes, outdoor activities and spending time at home with his pets, Tater and Nanook.
Dr. Jody C. Johnston
Veterinarian
Dr. Jody C. Johnston is a Georgia Bulldog through and through. Upon graduating from the University of Georgia as an undergraduate, Dr. J pursued a career in teaching and coaching. Although Dr. J taught and coached mostly at the middle school level, over his career he worked with students ranging from kindergarten through collegiate.
In the early 2000s, Dr. J realized a lifelong passion as he returned to the University of Georgia to attend the College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. J earned his DVM in 2006. His career as a veterinarian has truly been a labor of love as he has worked to strengthen the bonds between people and their pets. Dr. J’s special veterinary interests include dermatology, renal medicine, and geriatric medicine for his older patients.
Dr J and his wife, Pamela, are actively involved in rescuing and adopting dogs with special needs. Their rescues currently include Wrigley – a breathtakingly handsome Dalmatian with anxiety issues, Dooley and Munson – two young English Bulldogs with Spina bifida who Pamela lovingly calls “her boys” and dr. J’s beloved sara – a beautiful Dalmatian mix with congenital impaired vision and deafness. The family is rounded out with three adult daughters – Jana, Chelsea, and Emily Ann – all of whom call Florida home and are also involved in canine and feline rescue.
Dr. J and Pamela love the Gulf coast of Florida – its water, beaches, people, and animals. A martial artist, Dr. J recently earned his first-degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. Dr J plans to continue training in this discipline for the rest of his life.
Stephanie
Technician
Stephanie has been part of our team since 2016. She graduated from St. Petersburg College in 2020 with her Associate of Science degree in Veterinary Technology. When she’s not caring for animals at work, Stephanie loves spending time outdoors fossil hunting and kayaking, or at home with her family, children, and her lively crew of pets.
Heidi
Technician
Heidi is originally from Ohio but moved to Florida as a child. She’s been with Florida Animal Care since 2002 as a technician. Heidi’s unique trait that sets her apart from the rest is that she truly enjoys getting to know the clients and their fur-babies. She makes friendships with almost all her clients and advocates for their pets as best she can. She is more than just an asset to our clinics technician team she is the team’s matriarch technician.
She is always a team player, can work in all areas of the clinic and is always willing to share her knowledge to help guide our team to success. Heidi has one French Bulldog of her own. She also has three daughters and five wonderful grandchildren. Outside of working, Heidi enjoys motorcycles, fishing/outdoor activities, and spending time with her family.
Lacey
With a deep-rooted love for animals and a commitment to their well-being, Lacey is a dedicated and compassionate veterinary technician. Over the last 12 years, she has developed an extensive skill set in animal care, diagnostic medicine, and patient advocacy, bringing both expertise and heart into every task. Lacey is a recently new Certified Veterinary Technician who obtained a four-year Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Technology from St. Petersburg College. A natural problem solver with a reassurance presence, Lacey thrives in high-pressure environments, ensuring that each patient receives not only the best medical attention but also the love and comfort they deserve. Whether assisting in surgeries, performing lab tests, or educating pet owners, Lacey strives to make a difference in the lives of both pets and their families.Outside the clinic, Lacey is constantly learning and growing in the veterinary field, always staying up-to-date with the latest practices, treatments, and technology. Her passion extends beyond patient care—Lacey is committed to raising awareness about animal health, advocating for better practices, and offering support to pet owners in every aspect of their pet's well-being.When not at work, you can find Lacey volunteering at local horse events, engaging in outdoor activities, or spending quality time with her own furry companions and family members.
Technician
Tara
Tara grew up in Wisconsin and has had an interest in animal care from a young age. After majoring in biology at The University of Wisconsin, she went on to St. Petersburg College earning a BAS in Advanced Clinical Veterinary Technology. Tara obtained her Veterinary Technician Certification by completing national and state board examinations, and is a Certified Veterinary Practice manager. Her interest in animal care and strength in the study of science stimulated her to advance her career by becoming Certified in Veterinary Dentistry in 1999 and achieving Veterinary Nutritional Advisor status in 2010. In addition to 18 years in veterinary emergency and critical care facilities, Tara has completed an intense internship in holistic veterinary medicine. Tara has also won the Hills Veterinary Technician Hero award in 2023. In her spare time she enjoys the sun and spending time with her fiance Jay, and her twin daughters Brooke and Taylor as well as 2 grandchildren Kyran and Roman.
Jayden
Veterinary Assistant
Jayden has been a veterinary assistant for 3 years. Her proactive attitude and hard work ethic make her stand out as part of our team. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her friends, family and getting snuggles from her dogs at home.
Ashley
Receptionist
Ashley is a compassionate, organized Veterinary receptionist with 15+ years experience in a fast paced, high volume animal hospital setting. She grew up in Missouri but recently moved to Florida almost 3 years ago and finally found her home here in Punta Gorda.
She is passionate about animal welfare and dedicated to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for pets and their owners. When she is not at the clinic she enjoys spending time with her two dogs Karma and Waylon and her husband Tony and son Louie. They love going to the beach and exploring everything Florida has to offer!
It has just been a few years and she now have 5 grandchildren and only have 1 french bulldog Willard