Dr. Hansel Leavengood is a fifth-generation Floridian. He was born in Ocala, Florida and moved to Tampa in 1959. He is a 1985 graduate of the Universidad Nacional Pedro Henriquez Urena College of Veterinary Medicine in the Dominican Republic and did post-doctoral work at the Animal Medical Center in New York City before returning to Tampa. 

After gaining experience working in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco Counties, Dr. Leavengood joined Dale Mabry Animal Hospital as an Associate in 1990; becoming a partner in 1995 and sole-owner in 2011. 

'I grew up in South Tampa and fondly remember bringing my pets to Dale Mabry Animal Hospital for veterinary care. I'm happy to be able to return to my roots and continue the medical tradition of caring for Tampa's four-legged family members.'   

He shares his home and life with his happily-indulged, blonde Labrador retrievers Rio and BB.  Dr. Leavengood enjoys the outdoors, tennis, birding, canoeing and camping. He is actively involved in the community and is a certified Merit Badge Counselor for the Boy Scouts of America in Veterinary Medicine, Animal Sciences, Animal Husbandry, and Pet Care. He supports the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, the American Diabetes Association, Heifer International and the Southeastern Guide Dogs/Paws for Patriots.    

Hansel Leavengood, voted Best Veterinarian in South Tampa in the 2010 South Tampa News Readers Poll, encourages all to: 'Wag more, bark less'