
Lakewood Ranch
6562 University Parkway Suite 100
Sarasota, FL 34240
Schedule
Monday
8am - 6pm
Tuesday
8am - 6pm
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
8am - 6pm
Friday
8am - 6pm (alternating)
Saturday
8am - 12pm
Sunday
Closed
About this Clinic
GoodVets Lakewood Ranch is led by Dr. Jade Kafer and her dedicated team. Dr. Kafer is proud to provide the best-in-class care to all Lakewood Ranch's dogs and cats.
What People Are Saying
What we offer
Our Services
Primary Care
We know what it takes to keep your pet healthy and happy with vaccines, diet and everything in between.
Our pets get stressed too! Whether it's aggression, separation anxiety or general manners, mental well-being is a critical element of your pets health. Come talk to your veterinarian to discuss options including identifying triggers, calming tools, medication or training references!
Skin and coat quality are an important part of your pets overall health and comfort level. Environment can play a huge role in overall skin health, and Here in Florida, there are more triggers leading to skin disease than most people know about. If your pet is suffering from hair loss, pruritus (itchy skin) or poor coat quality, come see your veterinarian for a tailored plan specific to your pet's dermatology needs.
Lab screening should be done annually, to compare patterns in your pet’s health year-over-year for early detection of issues, from dehydration to hormone issues to cancer. We use blood tests, urinalysis, fecal testing, parasite screening tests, and cytology to get to the bottom of what’s ailing your pet. We also provide advanced imaging on-site, from x-rays to ultrasounds – we’ll look inside your pet to see what they can’t tell us.
One of the most difficult decisions we make as pet owners is determining when to discuss end-of-life. Our veterinarians are here to walk you through the process and help you to make the best decision for you and your best friend by preserving dignity and creating comfort.
Bringing a new kitten into your home is such an exciting moment! But don't wait to make an appointment to establish care. Your veterinarian will be able to advise you about vaccination schedule, heartworm prevention, flea and tick treatments and other key practices to keep your kitty happy and healthy.
Microchipping can instill peace of mind for those of us with pets that are a little too curious about the outside world. If your pet gets lost, the chip is scanned to obtain your name, address, and phone number so you can be reunited.
These days there is an overwhelming amount of information out there regarding pet nutrition. Whether it is combating obesity, increasing longevity or maintaining a great energy level, your veterinarian can help to sort out what is nutritionally best for your particular pet.
When the worst happens, you want someone you trust by your side. Our veterinarians are well versed in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in pets and will help with early detection and navigating the specialized oncological care that has increased survival and care rates in the animal community.
Ongoing oral hygiene is key for pets and can prevent tooth loss, serious infections and diseases within the organs of the body. Annually, your veterinarian should examine and perform a comprehensive oral and radiographic evaluation of your pet's teeth and gums, all while under very closely monitored anesthesia. This will ensure identification and disease avoidance to prevent pain and decay as well as provide any additional necessary dentistry care or oral surgery, such as extractions.
Our in-house pharmacy ensures we can treat your pet quickly and conveniently at your visit and will recommend the best medications and products to ensure they’ll thrive. We also partner with pharmacies to deliver prescriptions to you as needed.
Start your pup off on the right paw to prevent problems later on! Your veterinarian will help design your vaccination schedule, discuss parasite prevention, address spaying or neutering, and help work out stubborn potty training snafus!
As your pets settle into more advanced age, it becomes more important to stay on top of their checkups, blood work, and dieting and exercise routines. Exams should continue every 6 months and oftentimes will need to be more frequent depending on any diseases present. Always talk to your veterinarian about any changes in appetite, abnormal behavior, or decreased mobility that could indicate joint pain and arthritis development to keep your pet comfortable and happy in their golden years.
Choosing to spay or neuter your pet can keep them healthy (and ensure you don’t end up with a bunch of unintended fur babies!). Spaying removes the ovaries, and typically the uterus, while neutering involves removing the testes. Both procedures end the ability to reproduce and spaying eliminates the heat cycle in female pets. This can also reduce the risk of certain cancers in some breeds along with limiting aggression, territorial behavior, and wandering to mate.
Our hospitals are equipped with state-of-the-art surgery suites, and our veterinarians are trained to perform routine and advanced surgeries, all while using the safest and most up-to-date anesthetic protocols. Keeping our patients comfortable during the pre-and post-recovery time is also a main focus during any surgical procedure. We provide a multitude of surgical services like mass removals and biopsies as well as advanced soft tissue reconstruction and minor orthopedic procedures. Your veterinarian will help to determine the right course of action.
Domestic and International Health Certificates are federal documents stating your pet is safe to travel or fit for sale, indicating no threat of disease or risk. Our veterinarians are USDA accredited to provide either of these services. When travelling with your pet, check with your destination for entry requirements and come see us to ensure smooth sailing.
Vaccinations are critical in the fight against, and prevention of, disease. Your veterinarian can advise you about foundational vaccines, including rabies, parvovirus, hepatitis, bordetella, canine influenza, distemper (panleukopenia in cats), feline rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, chlamydia, and leukemia. Depending on your pet’s age, lifestyle and habits, we recommend tailored treatments
Semi-annual checkups are the cornerstone of great pet care. Our best friends can’t tell us what hurts, so a veterinarian can diagnose problems early before they become larger problems. During the exam, we will perform a nose-to-toes examination, closely inspecting ears, teeth, skin and other sensitive areas. We’ll discuss your pet’s lifestyle, diet, and other key factors that drive healthy day-to-day life and recommend additional treatments such as vaccinations, heartworm, or tick and flea prevention.
Urgent Care
While we're not an emergency hospital, we perform life-saving procedures in moments of crisis for our patients, during our open hours.
Pets get colds, too and if their coughing persists, come see us. It could be bordetella (kennel cough), which presents with a dry cough, occasionally followed by dry heaving or vomiting.
It’s very contagious, but there is a preventative vaccine and your pet can be medicated if it occurs.
Superficial lacerations may heal by themselves, but if the cut is deep or won’t stop bleeding, come see us, as it may require stitches or antibiotics to stave off infection.
Ear infections are very common in pets and can worsen without medication.
The infected ears often look red and puffy and may develop a smell or black or yellowish discharge. You might also notice frequent head shaking or ear scratching.
Eye infections can cause discomfort, redness, or sensitivity to light. Common causes of eye infections are viruses, bacteria, fungal spores, irritants, or allergens, such as smoke or shampoo.
Eye infections require immediate treatment to avoid complications, and any medication placed in the eye should be reviewed by your veterinarian.
You may occasionally see growths appear on your pet, which can be alarming. Watch the growth to see if the shape, color, or size changes and if the pet’s behavior has changed. Growths can appear for many reasons such as infections, allergic reactions, fat, tumors, cysts, warts, or abscesses, and your veterinarian can guide you on the appropriate treatment. Some may be surgically removed or biopsied to determine the severity and if further treatment is necessary.
If your pet is limping, bring them in as soon as possible. Limping indicates pain, and the sooner we are able to identify the reason, the better the prognosis, and the quicker the recovery.
Reasons for limping can include things as simple as a broken toenail to others as serious as ACL tears or fractures. It is important for your veterinarian to perform a full physical exam to help get your furry friend back to full health.
We all know pets sometimes eat something they shouldn’t. Occasionally they snag something you were really looking forward to… These tummy troubles can be minor or severe.
Persistent or bloody diarrhea or vomiting is a cause for urgent concern and will likely need urgent attention, especially if in combination with dull hair, weight loss, fatigue, or a swollen belly.
Itching can often be a reaction to environmental or food allergies, and your veterinarian can test for allergies to keep your pet comfortable and safe in the future.
Scratching can also be a harbinger of fleas or ticks, which can spread to humans. Ask your veterinarian about the best options to protect your pet and your family.
Pets can be mischievous and may sometimes ingest toxic substances! Signs can include changes in urination, diarrhea, skin or gum discoloration, tremors or shaking, changed heartbeat, panting, reduced appetite, and collapse.
Identify the poison, if you can, and confer with your veterinarian about how best to treat the toxic ingestion within your pet’s system.
Your pet may also get rashes, which may look alarming and uncomfortable, but they are quite common. Rashes can be anything from a simple bacterial skin infection to a more serious underlying condition.
Consult us about new or persistent rashes on your pet.
Scooting is your dog's attempt to alleviate irritation on the glands around their anus. Dogs have two sacs, called anal glands, on either side of their rear end, which are typically emptied by regular bowel movements but can clog, causing discomfort, infection, and bad smells for you. Your veterinarian and their team will express the gland to get things back to normal.
If you notice changes in your pet’s peeing habits or accidental / inappropriate urination in the house – often a significant change in volume or frequency, discoloration or smell – your pet may be suffering from a urinary tract infection, cystitis, urinary stones, or enlarged prostate.
Urinary issues can quickly become serious in pets, so visit your veterinarian for urinalysis and treatment.
Your Pet's New Best Friends
Dr. Jade Kafer
Role:Medical Director
DVM College:Missouri
Megan
Hospital Operations Manager