The Veterinary Staff

Jean K. McKnight, DVM

Dr. Jean McKnight, owner of Animal Emergency + Urgent Care, has practiced emergency veterinary medicine there since 1989. In clinical practice as a veterinarian for over 20 years, Dr. McKnight has focused on developing a respected, client-focused emergency animal hospital, anchored by a talented staff and high-quality services. Away from the animal hospital and at home, she is gratified to keep the peace between her cats and her Maltese Poodle mix. Dr. McKnight is a graduate of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Kevin Kelley

Dr. Kevin Kelley grew up in Panama City, Fl. He attended University of Florida for his undergraduate degree in Zoology, followed by receiving his doctorate from Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine. His background ranges from marine mammal trainer/handler, to zoo veterinarian at Six Flags Marine World in Vallejo, California, to full time emergency medicine and private practicing veterinarian here in Pinellas County.
With his diverse background and personal interest and love of exotics and emergency medicine he is a great addition to the Animal Emergency and Urgent Care Staff. His family includes his lovely wife Shar, Swedish elkhound Kodiak and children.

Ros S.

Ros has been an exceptional veterinary technician at Animal Emergency for 10 years. A conscientious care giver, she possesses an innate ability to comfort pets during their most anxious moments. During her career as veterinary technician, Ros has fostered and placed numerous cats with loving homes. She recently established and is the director of a rescue group Here Kitty Kitty Adoptions. Visit their website to see how you can help. herekittykittyadoptions.org. Ros has two German Shepherds, several cats, and an African Grey parrot.

Melissa S.

"The Cats of Animal Emergency"

The true soul of our animal hospital rests with three rather overweight cats who reside at the clinic: Zipper, Suki, Slice and Smooch.

Zipper is the "Jay Leno" of the practice. He greets clients and charms them into feeding him treats. Otherwise, he spends most of the time sleeping in the cabinets. Zipper was originally named "Filex the Cat" by his former, dyslexic owners.

Suki is friendly to both patients and their owners. He has perfected the science of "getting in the way" of anyone who is performing productive work.

Slice avoids being friendly to anyone, even less getting in their way. Since his coat has an orange hue, some people call him "Orange Slice." Really though, Slice was named for an early encounter with a car engine fan belt.

Smooch gets everywhere and into everything around the hospital. He seems to have a life mission of rubbing on every human that comes into the ER.