At Companion Animal Hospital, caring for pets is our passion
Here, we treat pets like family. We understand how important your companion is to you — because they’re there for you through the thick and thin of life, with a wagging tail or a happy purr, and unconditional love. Our goal is to be your partner in taking care of your pet’s physical and mental wellbeing, so you can enjoy many happy years together. So, whether your pet needs a checkup with a doctor… a caring team and top-notch medical treatments when they’re ill… or, some advice on the best food for them or how to care for them at home — we’re here for you! Here, we see dogs and cats. And, we’ll strive to make their visit a comfortable and positive experience. Come in and get to know us, and see why both you and your pet will love coming here!
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OUR PARTNER FOR AFTER-HOURS, WEEKEND, AND HOLIDAY URGENT CARE FOR PETS
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We partner with UrgentVet, an affordable alternative to the ER vet. They specialize in after-hours and weekend care for minor injury or illness in cats and dogs. We work with them to make sure your pet receives needed care even if we’re closed. With their unique model, you can minimize wait time by saving your spot online on their website. They also accept walk-ins.
Meet Our Veterinarians
Dr. Dawn Dateno
Dr. Dawn Dateno is a 2006 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary medicine is her second career as she was an officer in the US Navy with 11 years active duty and 10 years in the reserves. She has traveled all over the world with the Navy and retired as a CDR (O-5).
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She and her family relocated to the area from Raleigh, North Carolina, approximately 8 years ago. Her professional interests include preventative medicine (she enjoys educating owners about how to best care for their pets), dermatology, and surgery, including dentistry.
Dr. Dateno lives in the Tampa area and enjoys spending her spare time with family and friends, at the beach, traveling, biking, kayaking and most outdoor activities. She currently shares her home with two dogs and three cats, and occasionally rehabilitates raccoons and opossums.Patricia Mattson, Veterinarian
Dr. Patricia Mattson came to Lakeland from Albany, Georgia, her hometown. She grew up with a strong family background surrounded by hunting dogs and owned her own horse since the age of 10. She originally attended veterinary school with the goal of becoming an equine practitioner but opted for our small animal friends instead. She graduated from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1993. After working for one year in Georgia, Dr. Mattson decided to return to sunny Florida where she worked for various clinics over the past eighteen years. She opened Companion Animal Hospital in 2009 where she strives to have a great facility with a caring and friendly staff.
Read MoreDr. Lynsey Paschal-Bennett
Dr. Lynsey Paschal-Bennett is originally from Fayetteville, Georgia. Since she was a young child, she has always had a love for animals, with her favorite being poodles. She attended Jacksonville University on a full basketball scholarship and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. For veterinary school, she attended Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine and graduated in 2016. After being away from Florida for several years, she decided for move back to sunny Florida and continue her career as a small animal veterinarian. In her free time,
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Dr. Paschal-Bennett enjoys going to the beach, working out at the gym, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Our Services
We offer a full range of services — including preventive care, diagnostic tests, surgeries, treatments for illness or pain, consultations for behavior or nutrition, and more — for your pet’s well-being. When they’re ill, we’ll help get them feeling better quickly. And, we offer personalized preventive care, to help keep them healthy in the first place.
Your First Visit
No need to be nervous. Here’s what you can expect at your pet’s first visit…
Forms
Save time by filling out your forms before you arrive. Use these for your first visit, boarding, and behavior consults.
Payment & Insurance
We accept a variety of payment options, including Care Credit. And, we can help you with pet insurance forms.
FAQs
Have a question for us? Check our list of frequently asked questions, or give us a call at 863-688-7000.
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Happy Pet Parents
I've never had a bad visit. All of the staff is pleasant to be around, and they're knowledgeable. Dr Mattison has helped with my fur babies more than she had to. You definitely don't see many people like that anymore.
Absolutely the best veterinarian I have ever dealt with. Very compassionate staff who makes you feel like part of the family and not just a $, I no longer live in Polk County and travel all the way to Lakeland from New Tampa to see Dr. Mattson, highly recommend this facility.
Best vet clinic in Florida! Companion Animal Hospital lives up to its name and provides the best possible care for animals.
Always professional and compassionate service. Love all of them. I wouldn't take my pet anywhere else.