Proudly introducing the Doctors of Palmetto Animal Clinic

Dr. Lucas McClain: 

Originally, from east Tennessee and moved to Illinois during high school. Dr. McClain attended the University of South Florida for his undergraduate work where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences. He was then enrolled at the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine and graduated with the class of 2016, Go Gators! Dr. McClain has two fur babies of his own, a dog and a cat, and has special interests in dentistry, soft tissue surgery, and preventative medicine.  When he’s not at the clinic, Dr. McClain, enjoys being outside. He loves golfing and kayaking and sneaking away to the keys to go scuba diving when ever the opportunity arises.

Dr. Hawkins: 

Dr. Hawkins has earned a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences with a minor in French from Colorado State University before attending and graduating from the University Of Florida College Of Veterinary Medicine. While at UF, she also obtained her Certificate of Aquatic Animal Medicine.  After veterinary school, Dr. Hawkins moved to the Bradenton – Sarasota area with her husband and has been practicing here ever since.  She enjoys spending time with her fur babies.  She also enjoys kayaking, inshore fishing, gardening/landscaping, and crafting.  In addition to her fur children, she has 3 pet geckos and a 125-gallon reef tank.  Dr. Hawkins will even see fish patients if needed!  During her vacation time, Dr. Hawkins loves the beach and going SCUBA diving.

Dr. Christin Eley:

Born and raised in Delaware, Dr. Eley obtained her Bachelors degree in Animal Science with a Minor in Biology at the University of Delaware. After working as a Veterinary Assistant during her undergraduate years; she moved to Florida to attend veterinary school where she received her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 1997 from the University of Florida and graduated with honors.

After graduation, Dr. Eley worked in a progressive practice in St. Augustine, FL, for 5 years before moving to Bradenton, FL where she worked as a relief veterinarian at multiple practices for several years before working exclusively at Palmetto Animal Clinic.

Dr. Eley enjoys all areas of medicine including soft tissue surgery and has special interest in Veterinary Dentistry. When she is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 children and has many four legged children.

When this busy Doctor has any free time left she enjoys running, gardening, and cooking for family gatherings.

Dr. Ashleigh McKinnon

We are so excited to announce our new Veterinarian, Dr. Ashleigh McKinnon! Dr. McKinnon is an experienced practitioner, who graduated from the University of Missouri in 2017. She has a special interest in dentistry and a passion for medicine. Welcome to the team Dr. McKinnon!