Sunshine Animal Clinic

4.5 (161)
4131 Southside Blvd Suite 205, Jacksonville, FL 32216, USA

Hours:

Monday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Thursday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Sunday: Closed

How to Save Money at Sunshine Animal Clinic

Schedule Regular Vet Visits

One of the best ways to save on vet bills is to prevent expensive health issues before they develop. By scheduling regular wellness checkups, your vet can detect health issues early, helping you to avoid costly treatments and surgeries down the road.

Price Shop for Pet Prescriptions

Oftentimes our fur babies are prescribed human drugs off-label. Your vet is apt to charge more for these medications than you would pay at your local pharmacy. In fact, big-box or chain pharmacies can offer steep discounts. So it’s best to price shop.

Pet Insurance

Most pet insurance providers will pay between 80% and 90% of the vet bill. You can even get coverage for routine care and things like vaccinations and dental cleanings. If you do the math, you’ll most likely find that pet insurance makes financial sense in the long run as well as gives you peace of mind.

How Do You Choose the Right Pet Insurance Provider?

Pet Insurance Review makes it incredibly easy for pet parents to select an insurance provider they feel good about. You can use our handy comparison tool to get the gist of what a company offers. We’ve also collected over 150,000 reviews of insurance companies from real pet parents like you to rank the top providers in the market. Here is the current ranking of each:

Top Pet Insurance Providers of 2024
Rating Provider Total Review
4.4 AKC 889
4.7 ASPCA 11,392
4.9 Embrace 14,179
4.9 Fetch 1,995
4.4 Figo 2,561
4.7 Hartville 164
4.9 Healthy Paws 7,475
4.9 Lemonade 781
3.2 ManyPets 2,145
4.6 MetLife 487
4.8 Nationwide 21,391
4.3 Pet Assure 12
4.7 PetPartners 110
4.5 Pets Best 7,194
4.3 Pumpkin 1,131
4.7 Spot 5,194
4.9 Trupanion 60,280
4.8 Prudent Pet 124

Or, you can simply get a fast quote from multiple providers and go from there.

Thinking of insuring your pet?

Get Quotes & Compare

Getting to Know Your New Vet: Essential Questions to Ask

Choosing a new veterinarian is an important decision for any pet owner. You want to find someone who is competent, compassionate, and a good fit for you and your fur baby. To help you get the most out of your first appointment, here's a list of essential questions to ask your new vet:

Tell me about your experience with [pet type].

Different vets have different areas of specialization. Some are experts with cats, some dogs, some pocket pets, and some horses. Knowing that your vet has vast experience treating your specific type of pet can bring you peace of mind.

How do you handle emergencies?

You must know what to do in case of a pet medical emergency. Inquire what after-hours policy the clinic has, whether they have on-site emergency care available, and if they have a relationship with any nearby emergency animal hospitals.

How do you communicate with pet owners?

Good communication is key to building a trusting relationship with your vet. Ask how they prefer to communicate (phone calls, emails, online portal) and how often you can expect to hear from them.

Are there any breed-specific health concerns I should be aware of?

Some breeds are predisposed to certain health conditions. Knowing what to watch out for can help you catch problems early and get your pet the treatment they need.

Do you have any questions for me about my pet?

This is a great question to ask because the answer will show that the vet is interested in getting to know your pet as an individual and is willing to listen to your concerns.

Bonus question: Can I take a tour of your facility?

Getting a feel for the clinic's environment can help you and your pet feel more comfortable during your visits. Remember, you’re not just looking for a veterinarian, you’re looking for a partnership. Do not be afraid to ask these questions and any others you can think of. Any vet worth their salt will be happy to answer them. Because the more informed you are, the better equipped you'll be to make decisions about your pet's care! And that should be every vet’s top priority.

Reviews from Google

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Jimmy Hightower

After breaking her arm couple of months ago at 8 weeks old Mylee was given a grim diagnosis by two other Veterinarians which both included amputation of the arm. We decided on Sunshine first out of convenience being much closer to home but noticed immediately a different vibe from previous clinics and they didn’t immediately start trying to cut her arm off but instead started a different plan with bracing and bandaging that eventually led to where she is now zooming everywhere and all over every thing. Of course the arm isn’t a hundred percent but at least she has it and able to use it for various things. Sunshine Animal Clinic is the absolute best as far as we are concerned and will definitely go above and beyond for you and your pet.

posted: 08/29/2023

Clara Sowers

Dr. Patel is a true professional. He cares and does what is best. I had a magnificent experience with him and all of his staff. He's a hidden gem in Jax. More than fair pricing and excellent quality care. Thank you for taking such fantastic care of my Copper and thank you for excellent explanations, calm demeanor, and time efficient treatment! UPDATE: had to take my Charlie to Dr. Patel on Monday (my oldest dog). Charlie ended up needing surgery and special treatment because we found out he has a clotting problem the hard way. He unexpectedly had to spend the night, and I was terrified because Charlie is old and has lived beyond expectancy. I can't begin to express the professionalism, care and huge heart of Dr. Patel. He saved Charlie's life and did it with love and generosity. I am forever grateful for the extra time (that he refused to bill me for), care, and effort to make sure Charlie was ok and happy. Charlie is now home, eating like a horse and on his way to a full recovery❤️. Thank you, Dr. Patel. You are now a part of our family.❤️

posted: 04/20/2023

ly55flipz

Dr. Patel is very kind and caring. He had a firm but relaxed attitude and I feel comfortable taking my dog here. They have been quick with responses and pricing seems fair. We previously went to the humane society and their offers here were much lower. Was concerned about masses I found in my dogs mouth and they took care of them cleanly and efficiently, my dog was comfortable and healed well. Will remain in their care!

posted: 07/27/2023

Veronica Patterson

I can't tell you how happy I am with this staff. Everyone was so sweet and complimented my baby's appearance, her bow collar, and they were very patient with her. She's my world, so it's crucial to have a wonderful vet. Finally found one...thank you thank you thank you!!! Drew didn't force anything on me which has previously occured; instead, he gave me options for flea/heartworm/tick medicine. He also used a flea comb and showed me how to administer her flea medicine just to ensure she's healthy and happy. Dr. Patil was thorough, quick, and efficient. I'm so happy, because they put the 2 shots in one in the PROPER place. She can actually walk and is herself. My fur baby, Marceline, immediately wanted out of the kennel, ate wet food and treats when she got home. They know what they're doing here!!! I appreciate it and will see you in October for her 3-year rabies shot if at all possible! I can't thank you enough for taking care of her and letting my entire family join us. 🥰😻🐈

posted: 07/15/2023

Judy Schnierle

Everyone in the office is so kind the doctor always patient to hear everything I have to say about my little dog my little chihuahua has enlarged heart he has been a complicated case anytime I've called or just showed up that always help me with questions or medicine I needed for him they're all very dear to my heart and my little Tigger thank you all and sunshine Animal Clinic for being who you are thank you thank you

posted: 08/09/2023