A privately owned practice led by a veterinarian who grew up in this community.
Owner and chief veterinarian · All four hospitals
Dr. Nina is a Sarasota native and a 2002 graduate of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. Before founding Wellness Animal Hospital, she owned Dr. Nina's Animal Hospital of Sarasota, on Fruitville Road, and Dr. Nina's Animal Hospital of Parrish. Her special interests are preventive medicine, dermatology, chronic internal medicine, and general, emergency, and dental surgery.
Lead veterinarian · White Eagle
Dr. Victoria Lear earned her veterinary degree from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. She has a special interest in exotic animal medicine and surgery and enjoys caring for a diverse range of patients.
Dr. Lear is dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care tailored to each animal’s individual needs. She values partnering with pet owners to support their animals’ well-being and help them live healthier, happier lives.
Outside the hospital, Dr. Lear enjoys spending time with her two dogs. As a pet owner herself, she appreciates the special bond between pets and their families.
Veterinarian · Lakewood Ranch
Dr. Jennifer Catalina is dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality veterinary care and building lasting relationships with pets and their families. She primarily treats dogs and cats and also enjoys caring for pocket pets and exotic animals.
Dr. Catalina earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2007. Her veterinary career began in 1995 and has included roles in kennel care, reception, technical support, management, and medical leadership.
With a special interest in veterinary dentistry, Dr. Catalina is a graduate of the Veterinary Dental Practitioner Program. She is passionate about improving her patients’ comfort, health, and quality of life through dental care.
A Michigan native, Dr. Catalina moved to Florida with her family in 2021. Outside the hospital, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their four children, playing golf, completing puzzles, watching movies, traveling, and tending her flower, butterfly, and vegetable gardens.
Veterinarian · Palmer Ranch
Dr. Kirstin Ruffner grew up in New Jersey and has spent much of her life in the South. She earned her veterinary degree from the University of Georgia in 2014 before moving to New Zealand, where she worked primarily with dairy cattle.
After several years enjoying the Kiwi lifestyle, Dr. Ruffner returned to the United States to serve as an assistant professor and college veterinarian for farm animals at Berry College in Georgia. She later spent six years practicing mixed animal medicine in the greater Nashville area.
In 2025, Dr. Ruffner moved to Sarasota to be closer to family and joined Wellness Animal Hospital. She brings a broad range of veterinary experience, a passion for small animal medicine, and a dedication to caring for clients and their beloved pets.
Outside the hospital, she enjoys playing tennis, relaxing at the beach, and traveling.
Veterinarian · Parrish
Dr. Drew Hahn grew up in the Bradenton area and graduated from Lakewood Ranch High School in 2013. He earned his undergraduate degree at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers before pursuing his veterinary education at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine on the island of St. Kitts, graduating in 2025.
Before veterinary school, Dr. Hahn worked as a kennel technician and technician assistant at several local veterinary clinics, gaining hands-on experience caring for animals in the community he calls home.
Outside the hospital, Dr. Hahn enjoys spending time with family, playing games with friends, and reading fantasy novels.
Behind our doctors is a team of veterinary technicians, assistants, and client care staff who get to know you and your pet at every visit.
We're always looking for qualified, enthusiastic veterinary technicians, both certified and non-certified. If that's you, apply on our Careers page.
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