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.
Christina
Practice Manager
Coming soon!
Shelly
Technician
Shelly studied at SUNY Delhi in Upstate NY, and joined our team in January 2013.She has a special interest in dentistry and surgical procedures performed here at the clinic. When not working she enjoys spending time with her three dogs- Cody, Jameson, and Brutus, experimenting with new recipes/baking, and fishing with her soon to be husband.
Stephanie
Technician
Stephanie has worked as a tech for almost 7 years; she graduated in May of 2020 with her associates in Veterinary Sciences at St. Petersburg College.
She enjoys spending her free time with her two kids, dog, and cat.
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 three French Bulldogs of her own – Willard, Lou-Wheezy, and Lucy. She also has three daughters and three wonderful grandchildren. Outside of working, Heidi enjoys motorcycles, fishing/outdoor activities, and spending time with her family.
Monica
Technician
Monica was born and raised in Lemont, Illinois. She moved to Florida in 2022 to support her husband’s career. She’s a graduate of Illinois State University where she received her bachelor’s in Animal Science.
She’s been working as a veterinary technician for 4 years in small animal medicine and spay & neuter clinic. She loves all animals big or small and has a big heart for helping animals big and small. Monica enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and dog Renegade who is a 6yr old Collie mix. Her hobbies include rv camping, riding her 4 wheelers, crafting, and anything that has to do with Jeeps!
Erika
Receptionist
Erika originally from Ohio but grew up in upstate New York moved to Florida in 1999. She’s been in the veterinary field for over 15 years working as a receptionist and/or management. She’s the first person you see when you walk into our office and is always smiling, happy, and ready to assist you. She absolutely loves helping animals and is passionate about customer service. She’s undoubtedly the foundation of our clinic. When she’s not here running the show you can find her spending time with her family, baking or going on road trips.