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Santa Cruz Animal Clinic

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Santa Cruz Animal Clinic in Brandon, FL, offers exceptional veterinary care, focusing on preventative health and modern medical procedures since 1971.



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Santa Cruz Animal Clinic is dedicated to providing outstanding veterinary care for the Brandon community pets, offering customized treatment plans for every patient. Your pet's health and comfort are our highest priorities.

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Santa Cruz Animal Clinic in Brandon, FL, offers exceptional veterinary care, focusing on preventative health and modern medical procedures since 1971.


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Nutrition &amp; Diet Counseling: Fueling Your Pet’s Health the Right Way Just like humans, nutrition plays a vital role in your pet’s health. The right food can boost energy, support healthy weight, improve skin and coat, strengthen the immune system, and even help manage chronic conditions. But with so many options out there—kibble, raw, grain-free, prescription diets—it’s not always easy to know what’s best.That’s where veterinary-guided nutrition and diet counseling comes in.Why Nutrition Matters at Every Life StageYour pet’s dietary needs evolve over time. A growing puppy or kitten requires different nutrients than a senior pet or one with food sensitivity. Breed, size, activity level, medical history, and even dental health can influence what kind of diet works best.Through routine wellness exams and tailored counseling, we help pet parents make informed decisions that align with long-term health goals.Common Reasons to Seek Nutrition Guidance<ul><li>Weight gain or obesity</li><li>Food allergies or sensitivities</li><li>Digestive issues (vomiting, diarrhea, or gas)</li><li>Kidney disease, diabetes, or pancreatitis</li><li>Poor coat condition or skin problems</li><li>Age-based dietary transitions</li><li>Switching food brands or formats</li></ul>If your pet has special medical needs, we may recommend a prescription diet to support their treatment plan.What to Expect from a Nutrition Consultation<ul><li>Thorough health review including lifestyle, age, and current diet</li><li>Body condition scoring (BCS) to assess ideal weight and energy needs</li><li>Customized feeding plan including brand, portion size, and schedule</li><li>Supplement recommendations when appropriate (e.g., joint, skin, digestive health)</li><li>Ongoing support for dietary changes, food transitions, or weight monitoring</li></ul>We work with you to create a plan that’s realistic, balanced, and easy to maintain at home.Should You Consider Prescription Pet Food?Some pets benefit from therapeutic diets that are scientifically formulated to support specific health conditions. These are typically available only through your veterinarian and are often part of a broader treatment plan for conditions like:<ul><li>Kidney disease</li><li>Urinary tract issues</li><li>Allergies</li><li>Diabetes</li><li>Gastrointestinal disorders</li></ul>We’ll let you know if this is a good option for your pet—and if not, we’ll recommend the best alternatives from trusted, high-quality sources.<div data-type="horizontalRule"><hr></div>Nutrition is one of the most powerful tools you have to keep your pet thriving. Whether you’re starting fresh with a new puppy or adjusting for age or health concerns, we’re here to guide every bite along the way.🐾 Looking to keep your pet healthy and happy? Visit us—we’re here to support every step of the way.

Get expert guidance on your pet's nutrition, weight, and feeding to support lifelong wellness.


Nutrition & Diet Counseling

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Manage your pet's health faster and easier with the Santa Cruz Animal Clinic 'PetDesk' mobile app, now available for iPhone and Android.



Preferred options for most of our clients.



We are pleased to offer access to a variety of financing options.



Save time at your first appointment! Complete your client registration and media release form online before your visit.

Karin Fraker

Kathleen

Taylor Joseph

Amy Sim

375+

Proudly serving Brandon since 1971, trusted for years of compassionate, dependable pet care.

Open on Saturdays - because pets don't just need care Monday to Friday.

Weekend Care

Consult Online

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Pet Portal

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Open on Saturdays - because pets don't just need care Monday to Friday. 

Get your pet's medications, food, and preventatives delivered straight to your door - fast and easy.


Pharmacy

Pharmacy Home Delivery

Not feeling like themselves? We're here to diagnose, treat, and help your pet feel better fast.

Illness/ Injury & Sick

A quick microchip gives your pet a permanent ID and increases their chance of being reunited if lost.


Microchipping

Treat and prevent internal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms with trusted care.


Deworming

Deworming & Parasite Control

From routine to advanced procedures, your pet is in skilled, compassionate hands every step of the way.


Pet Surgery

Spaying or neutering helps prevent health issues, unwanted litters, and certain behavior challenges.


Spay & Neuter

Protect your pet from fleas, ticks, heartworms, and more with year-round parasite prevention plans.


Parasite Prevention

Advanced diagnostics like bloodwork, X-rays, and ultrasound help us catch issues early and treat fast.

Diagnostics & Imaging

Protect your pet from preventable diseases with customized vaccine schedules for every life stage.

Vaccinations

Keep your pet healthy with routine wellness exams, early detection, and personalized care plans.

Wellness & Exams

When every second counts, our team is ready to treat injuries, illness, or sudden changes in behavior.

Urgent Care

We care for exotic pets with species-specific expertise and heart.


Exotic Pet Care

When every second counts, our team is ready to treat injuries, illness, or sudden changes in behavior.


Emergency Care

Emergency

Non-invasive laser therapy helps reduce pain, speed healing, and improve mobility for pets of all ages.


Laser Therapy

We offer advanced surgical care using skilled techniques, modern equipment, and compassionate support.


Nutrition & Diet Counseling

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