Accepting New Patients
Formerly Best Friends Animal Hospital, now Hometown Veterinary in Sarasota, FL
To Our Valued Clients,
We’re honored to share that Best Friends Animal Hospital is now part of Hometown Veterinary Partners. We have your pet’s full medical records and are here to ensure that their care continues without interruption — because your pet’s health and your peace of mind are our top priorities.
You may notice a few updates in the coming weeks, including friendly faces and a new name. While some things are changing, the heart of this practice remains the same: a deep dedication to the well-being of your pets and having the trust of the families who love them. Our goal is to provide compassionate, high-quality veterinary care with warmth, professionalism, and heart.
Thank you for allowing us to care for your companions. We’re truly grateful and look forward to welcoming you soon.
Warmly,
The Hometown Veterinary Partners Team
We Can See You Sooner
Contact us or book online for primary and urgent care veterinary care in the Sarasota, FL area.
We are always open to same-day appointments. Contact us for any reason and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
Animals We See: Cats, Dogs, Birds, Exotics, Pocket Pets
Phone: 941-927-4567
Hours:
| Monday | 8:30 am – 5:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 8:30 am – 5:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 8:30 am – 5:30 pm |
| Thursday | 8:30 am – 5:30 pm |
| Friday | 8:30 am – 5:30 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Location:
5110 Clark Road, Sarasota, FL 34233
(Directions)
Primary & Urgent Care Services
We put all our focus into helping pets who require veterinary care. Our goal is to provide compassionate, high-quality care that keeps your pet happy and healthy for years to come. Some of our services include:
Illness Exam
Our veterinary service offers thorough examinations, diagnostics, and tailored care plans for pets experiencing illnesses ranging from digestive to respiratory issues. With scheduled follow-up exams and treatments as needed, our goal is to ensure your pet's swift recovery and improved quality of life. Schedule an illness exam today to get your pet back to their happy, healthy self.
Peaceful Passing & Grief Support
Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is one of the most difficult decisions you may ever have to make, and we’re here to support you and your pet through this emotional journey. Our peaceful passings and grief support services are designed to provide comfort, compassion, and dignity to both pets and their families during this challenging time.
Reptile, Avian, and Pocket Pet Care
We happily see reptile, avian, and pocket pets including, bearded dragons, chameleons, tortoises, ferrets, hamsters, rabbits, snakes, and more. We provide specialized care for each species, contact us for questions.
Diagnostics
Diagnostic testing plays a crucial role in identifying and treating health issues in pets. At our hospital, we offer a range of diagnostic tests to accurately assess your pet’s health and guide treatment decisions.
In-House Pharmacy
We have an in-house pharmacy to provide quick and timely access to your pet’s prescriptions.
Spay & Neuter
These procedures offer numerous benefits for both pets and their owners, contributing to a healthier, happier pet population and reducing the number of homeless animals.
Spaying and neutering are surgical procedures performed under anesthesia by our experienced veterinary team. Our team will discuss the associated benefits for your pet and walk you through each step of your pet’s care.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are a crucial part of your pet’s care plan, providing protection against serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. You can expect our veterinarians to discuss the core vaccines recommended for all pets, along with a customized vaccination plan that is tailored to your pet’s age, lifestyle, and risk factors.
Urgent Care
Our veterinary hospital provides life-saving procedures during our open hours, serving pets experiencing urgent symptoms such as coughing, ear infections, growths, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, poisoning, scooting, cuts or lacerations, eye infections, limping, persistent scratching, rashes, and urinary issues. While we're not an emergency hospital, we're equipped to handle critical situations and offer immediate care for your pet's well-being.
Kitten & Puppy Care
Our veterinarians will provide you with a comprehensive vaccination schedule, parasite evaluation and prevention plan, along with heartworm, flea, and tick prevention. They will also discuss spaying or neutering, along with other important topics to support your pet’s health.
Cancer Care
Our veterinarians are experienced in diagnosing and evaluating treatment options for your pet should a cancer diagnosis occur. These options may include care in our hospital or in some cases, consultation or referral to a cancer specialist.
Surgery
Whether your pet requires a routine procedure or complex surgery, you can trust our experienced veterinary team to provide compassionate care and expert surgical expertise.
X-Rays
X-rays are invaluable tools in veterinary medicine, providing detailed images of your pet’s internal structures to aid in diagnosis and treatment. We offer both full-body and dental X-rays to ensure comprehensive care for your furry family member.
Dental Cleaning & Health
Did you know that dental disease is one of the most common health problems in pets, affecting up to 80% of dogs and 70% of cats by the age of three?
Our dental cleaning services are designed to keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy, ensuring a lifetime of good oral hygiene. Regular dental cleanings are essential for preventing dental disease and maintaining your pet’s overall health and well-being. By addressing dental issues early, we can help prevent pain, infection, and other serious health problems down the road.
FAQ
What animals do you see at Hometown Veterinary Partners?
Currently, we specialize in serving our feline and canine friends. Typically, we refer birds, exotics, and pocket pets (hamster, guinea pig, rabbit, chinchillas, gerbils), and other small pet patients to the nearest hospital that specializes in their unique care. If you have any questions or concerns about the care of your pet, please don't hesitate to call us for guidance and referrals.
What types of payment do you take?
We accept major credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) at the time of service. Many of our hospitals also offer payment plans through CareCredit or Scratch Pay for added flexibility. Please feel free to reach out with any questions regarding payment options.
How is Hometown Veterinary Partners different from traditional veterinary practices?
At Hometown Veterinary Partners, we're focused on pets and people. We understand the importance of building strong relationships with both our clients and our team members. That's why we strive to create a supportive and inclusive work environment where veterinarians can thrive and provide the highest quality care for your pets. Founded by individuals who left corporate veterinary practices behind, our organization is driven by a commitment to fostering a culture of empowerment and support.
Do you offer cat-only rooms?
We understand that cats have unique needs and can often feel stressed or anxious around dogs. To ensure a calm and comfortable environment for our feline friends, our larger locations offer cat-only exam and treatment rooms. These rooms are designed to provide a peaceful and safe space for your cat, free from the presence and smell of dogs.
For our locations that do not have cat-only rooms, we use a low-stress handling approach including pheromone diffusers, and minimizing wait times and interactions with dogs. If you are concerned about your cat's anxiety, contact our hospital and review our tips to help reduce your cat's anxiety during transport and visits to the vet. Tips on transporting your cat to the vet
Are you a corporation?
At Hometown Veterinary Partners we are not a corporation. Our entity is set up as a partnership, founded by individuals who have transitioned from corporate veterinary practices. We are driven by a commitment to fostering a culture of empowerment and support, aiming to provide the best possible care for your beloved pets.
Pet Health Resources
Why Year-Round Flea & Tick Prevention Is a Must for Every Pet
Why Year-Round Flea & Tick Prevention Is a Must for Every Pet Fleas and ticks may be small, but the problems they cause can be huge. These parasites don’t just irritate your pet—they can carry serious diseases, lead to infections, and cause lasting health...
A New Chapter for Best Friends Animal Hospital – Sarasota
A New Chapter for Best Friends Animal Hospital – Sarasota We’re thrilled to announce that Best Friends Animal Hospital in Sarasota is now part of the Hometown Veterinary Partners. This partnership marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter—one grounded in a shared...
Meet Dr. Longtin: Compassionate Veterinary Care Rooted in Experience and Heart
Caring for animals isn’t just what Dr. Longtin does—it’s who she is. With nearly 30 years of experience caring for pets and their people, Dr. Longtin brings a wealth of knowledge, empathy, and a deeply personal approach to every appointment. A proud graduate of the...
Lidia Rivas, DVM
Veterinarian
A proud graduate of California State University, Northridge, with a degree in Environmental Biology, Dr. Rivas has a passion for wildlife research, including her fascinating work studying bat species in Costa Rica. She went on to earn her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Western University of Health Sciences in 2014, followed by a comprehensive rotating internship in internal medicine, exotic medicine, cardiology, emergency care, radiology, and surgery.
Dr. Rivas cares for a wide variety of pets, from dogs and cats to reptiles, birds, and pocket pets!
Outside the clinic, you’ll often find Dr. Rivas exploring Southern Florida with her beloved dogs—Nova, a Great Dane, and Bella, a fluffy little companion. She enjoys soaking up all the fun and beauty the area has to offer with friends and family.
Madonna Fugent, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Fugent is passionate about focusing on each of her patient’s needs. Her focus includes getting to know your pet’s uniqueness —so she’ll take the time to put them at ease. Her patients are often excited to see her again at their next appointments.
Dr. Fugent earned her doctorate degree in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Florida in 1990. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Florida Veterinary Medical Association.
Tammy Clarkson, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Clarkson is committed to providing each of her clients and patients the personalized and compassionate care they need and deserve. She is dedicated to diagnosing your sick pet and then providing you with a treatment plan to ensure his or her recovery. By practicing for over 20 years in Florida she is uniquely qualified to advise you on the special medical dangers unique to Florida pets.
Dr. Clarkson earned her doctorate degree in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Florida in 1990. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Florida Veterinary Medical Association.
Sasha Zitnick
Hospital Director
Sasha is a dedicated and experienced veterinary professional with a multifaceted career since 2006. She has worked in various specialties, including exotics, dental, emergency/critical care, urgent care, and general practice.
In 2018, she founded her own relief veterinary technician company, driving positive changes, improving hospital standards, and elevating medical staff skills. Sasha is a certified veterinary business leader and a fear-free certified professional. She served as a practice manager for two years, showcasing her business acumen and industry knowledge. Sasha co-founded a local animal charity in 2023 and now serves as the Chair of the Board, continuously impacting the community positively.
Outside of work, Sasha enjoys spending time with her husband and three boys, cooking, golfing, and fishing.
