Our hospital is a place where you and your cats are treated like family. We understand how you feel about your cat. You want your cat to be comfortable and happy and live a long, healthy life. We can provide everything you expect for your pet's good health and comfort. We treat your pet with loving care.

After 35 years of community service, we have a developed and dedicated staff of experienced professionals and one of the most advanced animal care facilities in Florida. Our services include preventive medicine, surgery, x-rays, pharmacy, laboratory, baths and dips, nutritional consultation, telemedicine, boarding, flea and tick control, and radioisotope therapy.

Respected for providing the latest options in diagnosis and therapy, we are pleased to be one of the few private animal hospitals in the USA offering this new medical cure. After meeting the strict qualifications required by federal and state agencies, we received accreditation by the Florida Dept of Radiation Control.

You can rely on the personal commitment of Dr. Hal Ott, Dr. Michael Waldy and their staff to provide high-tech, soft-touch veterinary services for your cat.

Staff Bios

Hal E. Ott, D.V.M.
After undergraduate study at the University of Florida, Dr. Ott attained his D.V.M. degree in 1969 from Auburn University. Licensed by Florida and Alabama the same year, he postponed private veterinary practice to serve as Captain in the USAF until he was honorably discharged 2 years later.

In 1972, Dr. Ott opened the Ruskin Animal Hospital and continues as sole owner and chief of staff of this busy 3-veterinarian practice. Over the past 35 years, he acquired extensive experience treating companion animals and developed a growing fascination and expertise in feline medicine and surgery.

He is the Medical Director of the Cat Thyroid Center, the third licensed facility in the state of Florida for radioactive treatment of feline hyperthyroidism. He combines clinical expertise and diagnostic skills with the wisdom that comes from experience. Dr. Ott is respected by his peers as an astute clinician, an expert on feline hyperthyroidism and an enlightened educator.

Susan Perkins, Supervisor
Susan has always had pet cats and adores felines. Susan deserves credit for ensuring special nursing care for all our kitty patients. A native of Indiana, she is a graduate of Ball State University with extensive management training and a graduate degree in food service. She plans and prepares the customized gourmet meals our feline patients love! She works closely with cat owners to be sure their pet is happy and eating while that are with us. And Susan is an expert in giving feline medications. She has perfected a medication delivery system that cats can't resist!

Ashlee
A true animal lover is hard to find. Born and raised on a farm not far from Ruskin, Florida, Ashlee has grown up with all types of animals from cows and chickens to cats and dogs. With more than three years experience as a veterinary technician in small animal practices, Ashlee has found her true calling. "Working in the Cat Thyroid Center has been a great joy and experience for me. Being able to work with these loveable creatures with the added bonus of meeting people from near and far has always been a passion of mine." Ashlee is currently working towards her degree and certification as a veterinary technician at a local college, and is looking forward to not only meeting your beloved cat but also meeting your acquaintance as well!

Michael Waldy, D.V.M.
Dr. Mike Waldy is a graduate of Kansas State University and he spent his first 15 years of practice in Kansas. When he got an opportunity to move to beautiful Florida and work with Ruskin Animal Hospital in 2004 he couldn’t pass it up. He has always had a passion for helping people and their pets. When he’s not at the hospital you will likely find him exploring a canoe trail or fishing along the south shores of Tampa Bay.

If you have questions regarding the treatment of Feline Hyperthyroidism and how we can help your cat, visit the contacts page and fill out the Inquiry Form and a representative will contact you.