Our Veterinarians

Dr. Howard Small

Dr. Small is a native of Philadelphia and a proud graduate of The Penn State University (1988) and The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (1992). Dr. Small’s passion, love, and respect for animals began at an early age when his Dad exposed him to the sport of sled dog racing. Learning to breed and treat his Siberian Husky dogs further nurtured his interest to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. In 1996, Dr. Small followed his family to Sarasota, and he has been a member of the community ever since.

Most recently, Dr. Small realized his dream of practice ownership with the purchase of Forest Lakes Animal Clinic (FLAC) after 10 years of employment at his Lakewood Ranch practice.

Dr. Small is an accomplished veterinary surgeon and enjoys treating challenging cases such as cancer and tumor management, dentistry services, allergic skin diseases, and diseases of the urinary tract.

Dr. Small also enjoys research and is the consulting veterinarian for The Roskamp Institute in Sarasota; a world leader in drug discovery and Alzheimer’s disease.

In addition, Dr. Small is the medical director for Donte’s Den Foundation; the premier canine pet sanctuary caring for homeless dogs.

Dr. Small is happily married and resides in Lakewood Ranch with his wife Alli and daughters Sophia (17) and Ava (13). His pet family includes 2 Shetland Sheepdogs (Sadie and Carmine), a Netherland Dwarf Rabbit (Mr. Bun), a Chinchilla (Ms. Chin), and Freddy the Betta fish.

He is looking forward to meeting all of Dr “K’s” wonderful clients and pets and also welcomes his previous Lakewood Ranch clients.
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Dr. Mac Griffin

Dr. Mac Griffin, the newest member of the Forest Lakes team, grew up in a military family which allow him to live in numerous place in the United States and Europe. Dr. Griffin graduated from Colorado State University with an undergraduate degree in microbiology then remained at Colorado State to finish with as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation, Dr. Griffin practiced primarily in the Denver Colorado area. He is the former owner of two practices. Dr. Griffin served on the executive board for the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association and on the executive board for several nonprofit animal rescue organizations. Janice, Dr. Griffin’s wife is excited to be joining him in Sarasota with all it has to offer. They are the proud pet parents of Priya, a Black Russian Terrier, and Evan, a rescued Golden Retriever. Dr. Griffin’s areas of special interest include dentistry and surgery. He is hoping to continue to add new services to the already outstanding at FLAC.

Dr. Rhiannon Lewis

Dr. Rhiannon Lewis was born in St. John's, Newfoundland but grew up in the greater Tampa Bay Area. She is a proud graduate of the University of Florida; College of Agriculture and Life Sciences for her undergraduate and College of Veterinary Medicine for her doctorate—go Gators! After veterinary school, she completed a small animal medicine & surgery rotating internship in Los Angeles where she found her passion in emergency & critical care medicine. For over 14 years, Dr. Lewis enjoyed the unpredictability and thrill of ER life in both Los Angeles and the Sarasota area. She started to miss the family relationships that came with general practice and began relief services at Forest Lakes Animal Clinic where she fell in love with not only the clients but our amazing staff!

Dr. Lewis’ interests include emergency medicine, surgery, and good old fashioned preventative care. She is proudly owned by two Pembroke Welsh corgis named Stella and Lucas, a "generic tabby" named Kevin Bacon, and a retired laying chicken named Bea. When not at work she can be found at Disney or boating in beautiful Sarasota Bay with her son, Mathis.