ABOUT US

Meet the Veterinary Staff Who Cares for Your Beloved Pets

At Care Animal Hospital of Seminole, our commitment is to provide exceptional veterinary care, treating every patient with the compassion and attention they deserve. We consider each pet and their family an integral part of our extended family, and we strive to foster a warm, welcoming environment for all.

By blending time-honored values with cutting-edge diagnostic techniques and modern medications, our dedicated team of experienced professionals is devoted to ensuring the well-being and comfort of every patient, tailoring treatment plans to meet their unique needs.


We aspire to set a new standard in veterinary medicine, creating a community where pets thrive, and families find solace in the knowledge that their cherished companions are in the best of hands because when it comes to your pets, they’re not just animals; they’re cherished members of the family.

At Care Animal Hospital of Seminole, our commitment is to provide exceptional veterinary care, treating every patient with the compassion and attention they deserve. We consider each pet and their family an integral part of our extended family, and we strive to foster a warm, welcoming environment for all.


By blending time-honored values with cutting-edge diagnostic techniques and modern medications, our dedicated team of experienced professionals is devoted to ensuring the well-being and comfort of every patient, tailoring treatment plans to meet their unique needs.

We aspire to set a new standard in veterinary medicine, creating a community where pets thrive, and families find solace in the knowledge that their cherished companions are in the best of hands because when it comes to your pets, they’re not just animals; they’re cherished members of the family.

Meet the Team

Highly Trained Veterinarians

Nicole Canavan

Dr. Canavan graduated cum laude from St. George's University School of Veterinary Medicine after completing her fourth-year clinical rotations at The University of Tennessee. She then completed a one-year rotating internship in medicine, surgery, and emergency care at Nashville Veterinary Specialists in 2013. She practiced at a busy small animal hospital in metro Atlanta for 4 years before relocating to the sunny beaches of St. Petersburg in 2017. After 4 years of full-time general practice here, she started Help Animals Veterinary Relief to better serve her family's needs and the community of St. Petersburg and surrounding areas. Now, she is embarking on a new journey into practice ownership and is excited to provide compassionate, expert veterinary care to all pets in her new home, Care Animal Hospital of Seminole.

Nicole Canavan

Dr. Canavan graduated cum laude from St. George's University School of Veterinary Medicine after completing her fourth-year clinical rotations at The University of Tennessee. She then completed a one-year rotating internship in medicine, surgery, and emergency care at Nashville Veterinary Specialists in 2013. She practiced at a busy small animal hospital in metro Atlanta for 4 years before relocating to the sunny beaches of St. Petersburg in 2017. After 4 years of full-time general practice here, she started Help Animals Veterinary Relief to better serve her family's needs and the community of St. Petersburg and surrounding areas. Now, she is embarking on a new journey into practice ownership and is excited to provide compassionate, expert veterinary care to all pets in her new home, Care Animal Hospital of Seminole.

Michelle Newkirk

Dr. Michelle Newkirk was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. She attended Ohio State University for both her undergraduate and veterinary medicine degrees. Dr. Newkirk graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and Magna Cum Laude in 2006 as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation, Dr. Newkirk stayed a few years in Ohio, working in both general practice and emergency medicine. She then grew tired of living in the "snow belt" of northeast Ohio and wanted to find some sunny weather, which led her to move to St. Petersburg in 2012. She continues to practice for both general practice and urgent care medicine, along with working for non-profit organizations. She joined Care Animal Hospital of Seminole in 2022 and loves working so close to the beach! Dr. Newkirk loves educating clients on preventive care and keeping pets healthy for life! She enjoys the beach and bicycling around St. Petersburg in her free time. She travels as much as possible. Her favorite activity is in the fall, watching her Ohio State Buckeyes win football games. O-H-I-O!

Michelle Newkirk

Dr. Michelle Newkirk was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. She attended Ohio State University for both her undergraduate and veterinary medicine degrees. Dr. Newkirk graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and Magna Cum Laude in 2006 as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation, Dr. Newkirk stayed a few years in Ohio, working in both general practice and emergency medicine. She then grew tired of living in the "snow belt" of northeast Ohio and wanted to find some sunny weather, which led her to move to St. Petersburg in 2012. She continues to practice for both general practice and urgent care medicine, along with working for non-profit organizations. She joined Care Animal Hospital of Seminole in 2022 and loves working so close to the beach! Dr. Newkirk loves educating clients on preventive care and keeping pets healthy for life! She enjoys the beach and bicycling around St. Petersburg in her free time. She travels as much as possible. Her favorite activity is in the fall, watching her Ohio State Buckeyes win football games. O-H-I-O!

Michael Buckner

Dr. Canavan's surgery partner.

Veterinary Technicians

Veterinary Technicians

Veterinary Assistant

Office Staff

Office Staff

Share by: