In the lush, established neighborhood of Azalea Park, Underhill Animal Hospital at 4900 Lake Underhill Rd is a living piece of Orlando history. Founded in 1957 by Dr. Horace E. Caton, it was only the fourth animal hospital to ever open in Central Florida.
Today, it has evolved from a modest 1,500-square-foot clinic into an 8,000-square-foot state-of-the-art medical center that manages to keep the soulful, "family vet" feel that has kept generations of Orlando pet owners coming back for over 65 years.
The "Orlando Icon" Vibe
Underhill isn't just a local vet; it’s a pillar of the community's infrastructure. While it serves your family cat or dog, it also serves as the tactical medical hub for the region’s hardest-working animals.
The K9 Command Center: Underhill is the trusted veterinary provider for 22 city, state, and government agencies. If you see a specialized vehicle in the parking lot, it’s likely a K9 officer from the Orlando Police Department, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, or even Homeland Security getting their partner a check-up.
The Veteran Leadership: The hospital is led by Dr. Daniel A. Hill, a Vietnam veteran and UF Gator with over 40 years of experience. His leadership has fostered a culture of "practical wisdom"—knowing when to use cutting-edge tech and when a gentle, old-school touch is what a nervous pet needs.
Petopia: Adjoining the medical facility is Petopia, their dedicated "resort" branch. It transforms the standard, stressful boarding experience into a staycation, offering grooming, daycare, and enrichment activities that keep pets wagging even when they aren't at home.
What Makes it Unique?
The "Dual Pricing" Pioneer: In an era of rising costs, Underhill recently made headlines for its transparent "Dual Pricing" model. They empower clients by offering clear cash vs. card pricing options, ensuring that high-quality care remains accessible and that there are no surprises at the checkout counter.
Advanced Diagnostic Suite: Don't let the "since 1957" badge fool you; the tech inside is 2026-ready. They are experts in PennHIP and OFA screenings (critical for working breeds) and utilize Cold Laser Therapy to speed up healing for older pets and those recovering from surgery.
Emergency-Ready Lifestyle: While not a 24-hour trauma center, they are known for their "Same-Day Emergency" capacity during business hours. Locals know that if their pet has a sudden wound or acute illness, Underhill’s team of six doctors and 30 technicians is geared for rapid, high-stakes intervention.
The Snack Bar Waiting Room: In a small but legendary touch, the waiting room features a complimentary snack bar. It’s a nod to the fact that vet visits can be long and stressful for humans, too—providing a little "people fuel" while the experts handle the furry family members.
Local Pro-Tip: They have a massive, loyal following, so the parking lot can get busy. Use the PetDesk App to manage your appointments and earn loyalty points—regular clients swear by the rewards you can rack up just for staying on top of your pet's wellness. Also, if you’re a fan of local heroes, keep an eye out for the K9 units; it's the only vet in town where you might share a waiting room with a German Shepherd on active duty!
Services We Offer: General Health Prevention & Wellness Nutrition and Diet Dermatology In-House Surgical Center Dentistry Boarding Spa & Grooming Doggie Daycare Laser Therapy Vaccinations Wellness plans
Our appointment book is computerized, which allows us to efficiently make appointments for you and your pet. Our receptionists and team will attempt to accommodate all requests to the best of our ability. If you feel you have an emergency with your pet, please call us immediately. It is best to call before coming in so that a staff member can advise you on your particular emergency or recommend a local emergency center to go to.
We have veterinarian and personnel on duty six days a week who are trained and equipped to handle any urgent care your pet has. Usually, an emergency team consists of at least one veterinarian and several technicians working together to save a pet's life. Emergencies can be things such as accidental ingestion of rat poison, hit by car, and chocolate ingestion. If you ever feel that your pet needs emergency treatment do not hesitate to call immediately.
We are also available for most urgent care when the condition is not life-threatening. If you feel your pet needs to be seen before you are able to get an appointment, our veterinarians will work to "squeeze" you in between scheduled appointments. We ask you call before coming in to see if we can "squeeze" you and your pet in as only certain days and times we can do this.
For After Hours Emergencies, please call the Veterinary Emergency Clinic of Central Florida, 407-644-4449 or click here for additional information.
We are a small animal practice. Our veterinarians care for dogs and cats. Call us if you need any additional information.
Underhill Animal Hospital offers discounted services to senior citizens, military, first responders and local area rescue groups. Pre-approval is required to qualify for the rescue group discounts, please call us for more information.
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We will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule. Schedule an appointment today!
