Community Animal Hospitals

Community Animal Hospitals We are a state of the art veterinary facility located in St. Petersburg FL. We are a brand new state of the art facility located in Saint Petersburg, FL.

We strive to provide the best veterinary care possible.

Labrador Retriever vs. Golden Retriever: Which Is Right for Your Tampa Bay Family? Ask someone in St. Petersburg to name...
04/21/2026

Labrador Retriever vs. Golden Retriever: Which Is Right for Your Tampa Bay Family?

Ask someone in St. Petersburg to name two dog breeds, and there’s a good chance they’ll say “a Lab and a Golden.”

These two retrievers dominate dog parks from Crescent Lake to Walter Fuller and everything in between — and for good reason. They’re friendly, trainable, and family-oriented. B

ut they are not the same dog, and choosing the wrong one for your lifestyle is one of the most common mistakes new dog owners make.

At Community Animal Hospitals, we see both breeds daily. Here’s an honest, veterinarian-informed breakdown so you can make the right choice for your Tampa Bay family and lifestyle.

How to Tell Them Apart at a Glance

Lab or Golden — which retriever is right for your St. Pete family? Our vets break down temperament, health, grooming, and how each breed handles Florida's heat.

Why Your Cat Hides When They Feel SickA Survival Instinct That Works Against ThemIf your cat has ever disappeared under ...
03/20/2026

Why Your Cat Hides When They Feel Sick

A Survival Instinct That Works Against Them

If your cat has ever disappeared under the bed for days or suddenly stopped coming out for meals, your instinct to worry was right.

Cats are hardwired to hide signs of illness and pain — a survival instinct inherited from their wild ancestors. In the wild, a sick or injured cat that shows vulnerability becomes a target for predators.

So cats learned to mask their symptoms and retreat to safe, hidden spaces.

At Community Animal Hospitals in St. Petersburg, our veterinarians know that by the time a cat owner notices something is wrong, the problem has often been developing for weeks or even months.

Understanding this feline behavior can help you catch health issues earlier.

Subtle Signs Your Cat May Be Sick:

Cats instinctively hide illness. Learn the subtle signs your cat may be sick and when to bring them to your St. Petersburg veterinarian.

Giardia in Dogs and Cats: What St. Petersburg Pet Owners Should KnowWhat Is Giardia?Giardia is a single-celled protozoal...
03/16/2026

Giardia in Dogs and Cats: What St. Petersburg Pet Owners Should Know

What Is Giardia?

Giardia is a single-celled protozoal parasite that infects the intestinal tract of dogs and cats.

It is one of the most common intestinal parasites diagnosed in veterinary medicine, and our team at Community Animal Hospitals sees cases regularly throughout St. Petersburg and the surrounding Pinellas County area.

Unlike worms that you might spot in your pet’s stool, Giardia organisms are microscopic.

They exist in two forms: active trophozoites that attach to the intestinal lining, and hardy cysts that are shed in f***s and can survive in the environment for weeks or even months — especially in warm, moist conditions like we have here in Florida.

How Pets Get Infected:

What Is Giardia? Giardia is a single-celled protozoal parasite that infects the intestinal tract of dogs and cats. It is one of the most common intestinal parasites diagnosed in veterinary medicine, and our team at Community Animal Hospitals sees cases regularly throughout St. Petersburg and the sur...

Protecting Your Pet in Florida’s HeatFlorida’s heat is relentless, and your pet feels it more than you do. Dogs and cats...
03/16/2026

Protecting Your Pet in Florida’s Heat

Florida’s heat is relentless, and your pet feels it more than you do.

Dogs and cats cannot cool themselves as efficiently as humans.

They rely on panting and limited sweat glands in their paw pads, which makes them far more vulnerable to dangerous overheating.

At Community Animal Hospitals in St. Petersburg, we treat heat-related emergencies every summer.

Many of these cases are preventable when owners know what to watch for and how to respond.

Why Pets Overheat Faster Than People

Humans sweat across their entire body.

Dogs and cats do not have that luxury.

Dogs pant to release heat, but when the air is hot and humid — which describes most of Florida from April through October — panting becomes far less effective.

Cats are even more subtle about showing distress, often hiding when they feel unwell.

Brachycephalic breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, Persian cats, and Boston Terriers are at the highest risk.

Their shortened airways make cooling through panting extremely difficult.

Overweight pets, senior animals, and those with heart or respiratory conditions are also more vulnerable.

Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs:

Learn the signs of heatstroke in dogs and cats and how to protect your pet in Florida's heat. Community Animal Hospitals in St. Petersburg can help.

Toxic Plants for Pets in Florida: What’s Growing in Your St. Petersburg Yard Could Be DangerousFlorida’s year-round grow...
03/03/2026

Toxic Plants for Pets in Florida: What’s Growing in Your St. Petersburg Yard Could Be Dangerous

Florida’s year-round growing season means lush, beautiful yards — but it also means many St. Petersburg homeowners unknowingly have plants that are toxic to dogs and cats growing right outside their door. Some of the most common landscaping plants in Pinellas County can cause anything from mild stomach upset to organ failure in pets.

Knowing which plants pose a threat — and what to do if your pet gets into one — can make the difference between a scare and a serious emergency.

Many common Florida yard plants are toxic to dogs and cats. Learn which St. Petersburg landscaping plants are dangerous and how to keep your pets safe.

If your dog is licking paws nonstop or your cat suddenly has flaky skin and is grooming more than usual, it’s not “just ...
03/02/2026

If your dog is licking paws nonstop or your cat suddenly has flaky skin and is grooming more than usual, it’s not “just being weird.” In St. Petersburg and across Tampa Bay, seasonal allergies are common—and pets usually show it through itchy skin and ear problems, not sneezing.

Florida’s warm weather and humidity can keep allergy triggers around for a long time. Below is what we see most often in our area, what you can do at home to make your pet more comfortable, and when it’s time to come in.

What causes spring allergy flares in Tampa Bay pets?

Spring allergies in St. Petersburg pets often show up as itchy skin and ear issues. Learn triggers, home tips, and when to see a vet.

In St. Petersburg, a “normal” week can include a backyard pool, a quick beach trip, and a surprise afternoon storm. If y...
02/27/2026

In St. Petersburg, a “normal” week can include a backyard pool, a quick beach trip, and a surprise afternoon storm. If your dog loves water, you’re not alone. The not-so-fun part: all that moisture can lead to ear irritation and ear infections.

If you’ve noticed head shaking after swimming, a funky smell from the ears, or your dog suddenly acting sensitive when you touch their head, it’s worth paying attention. Ear infections are uncomfortable, and they can get worse fast in warm, humid Florida weather.

Why swimming can cause ear problems in Florida

Florida swimming can trap moisture and trigger dog ear infections. Learn signs, safe prevention, and when to call your St. Pete vet.

If you’ve lived in St. Petersburg or anywhere in South Pinellas County for long, you know that our beautiful Florida wea...
02/09/2026

If you’ve lived in St. Petersburg or anywhere in South Pinellas County for long, you know that our beautiful Florida weather comes with a catch: fleas and ticks never really take a break. Unlike our friends up north who get relief during cold winters, our mild climate means these pesky parasites are active all year long. That’s why flea tick prevention St Petersburg pet owners can count on isn’t just a seasonal concern—it’s an everyday priority.

At Community Animal Hospitals, our veterinarians—Dr. Leslie Block and Dr. Mark Williamson—see the effects of flea and tick infestations regularly. The good news? With the right prevention plan, you can keep your furry family member comfortable, healthy, and parasite-free throughout the year.

Discover why Florida pets need year-round flea tick prevention. St Petersburg vets at Community Animal Hospitals share tips on protecting your pet from parasites.

Many pet owners today are asking great questions about vaccines, immunity, and how to keep their pets healthy without do...
01/30/2026

Many pet owners today are asking great questions about vaccines, immunity, and how to keep their pets healthy without doing more than necessary. One topic that often comes up is titer testing—what it is, how it works, and when it may be helpful.

At Community Animal Hospitals (CAH), we believe good pet care starts with understanding. Knowing how titer testing works can help you make informed decisions and have better conversations with your veterinary team.

What Is Titer Testing?
image of pet titer testing vials of blood
A titer test is a blood test that measures antibodies in your pet’s body for certain diseases.

Antibodies are made by the immune system after:

A pet is vaccinated
A pet has been exposed to a disease in the past
Instead of giving a vaccine automatically, a titer test asks a simple question:
“Does my pet still have protection against this disease?”

Read more:

Understand the concept of titer testing and its role in ensuring your pet has adequate protection against diseases.

What Your Cat Is Really Telling You When They PurrWhen a cat curls up beside you and begins to purr, it feels comforting...
01/23/2026

What Your Cat Is Really Telling You When They Purr
When a cat curls up beside you and begins to purr, it feels comforting and familiar. Most people assume purring always means a cat is happy—and often, that’s true. But purring is more complex than many cat owners realize. It can signal comfort, communication, stress relief, and even healing.

Understanding why cats purr can help you better recognize what your cat is feeling and when they may need extra attention.

How Purring Works Inside the Body
Purring starts in the brain. A specialized signal tells muscles in the voice box (larynx) to tighten and relax rapidly as the cat breathes in and out. This creates a steady vibration rather than a single sound.

Most cats purr at frequencies between 25 and 150 Hertz, which is important because these vibrations may support physical healing in the body.

Understand the science of a purr and how it influences your cat's communication, comfort, and overall well-being.

Address

5895 54th Avenue N
Saint Petersburg, FL
33709

Opening Hours

Monday 7:30am - 6pm
Tuesday 7:30am - 6pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 6pm
Thursday 7:30am - 6pm
Friday 7:30am - 6pm
Saturday 7:30am - 6pm

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