Veterinary Medical Hospital Of Clearwater

At Veterinary Medical Hospital of Clearwater, our veterinarians and support staff are committed to providing exceptional veterinary care with kindness, expertise, and clear communication. We believe that trust begins with knowing the team behind your pet’s care, and we’re proud to introduce the dedicated professionals who serve our Clearwater, Safety Harbor, Dunedin, Oldsmar, and Palm Harbor communities

Veterinary Medical Hospital of Clearwater has proudly served pets and families in the Clearwater community since 1958. For over six decades, the hospital has remained independently owned and operated, with a continuous commitment to compassionate care, medical excellence, and long-term relationships with the families we serve. Founded by Dr. Stedman “Ted” Hall Carr, Jr. (1958). After earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Oklahoma State University in 1957, Dr. Carr established one of the area’s first animal hospitals, originally known as Gulf Coast Animal Hospital, later renamed to Veterinary Medical Hospital of Clearwater. Dr. Carr was known not only for his clinical expertise, but also for his contributions to the field. He played an early role in advancing veterinary dentistry and dermatology, lectured across the country, and contributed research to the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. Beyond medicine, he was deeply committed to the community, helping establish Pinellas County Animal Services and advocating for routine vaccinations and responsible pet ownership long before they became standard practice. In 2005, as Dr. Carr retired, he personally selected Dr. Mitchel Bendit to carry forward the hospital’s mission. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Bendit became a trusted presence in the Clearwater community, known for combining evidence-based medicine with thoughtful, compassionate care. In 2025, Dr. Efrain Vassallo became the owner of Veterinary Medical Hospital of Clearwater, continuing its legacy as a family-owned and operated practice

Mission — Continue VMHOC ’s legacy of care by being there for pets and the people who love them when they need most, with kindness, accessibility, and uncompromising quality