Jacksonville Animal Care and Protective Services

Dr. Susan Shelton grew up in Jacksonville, Florida. She attended Jacksonville University for her undergraduate studies and finished her education in 1991 at the University of Florida where she graduated, with honors, from the College of Veterinary Medicine. In 2000, Dr. Shelton earned specialist status and board certification in canine and feline practice through the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners.

Dr. Shelton’s veterinary career began when she opened Wells Road Veterinary Medical Center. In 2001, Dr. Shelton became extensively involved in local animal welfare issues. She joined, upon invitation, Mayor Delaney’s Task Force where she investigated the treatment and boarding conditions at Jacksonville’s Animal Care and Protective Services. After serving on the task force, she provided interim veterinary services for Jacksonville’s Animal Care and Protective Services; starting in January 2002, she held a seven month tenure as its first Senior Veterinarian. While working at Jacksonville’s Animal Care and Protective Services, Dr. Shelton designed and implemented the first on-site sterilization facility and oversaw the sterilization and adoption of over 3600 animals, three times the prior year’s numbers.

She founded Saint Francis Animal Hospital in 2003, and it is here that she spends her daily efforts caring for animals and providing affordable veterinary services for Jacksonville’s pet owners. Occasionally, Dr. Shelton will assist at Wells Road Veterinary Medical Center in Orange Park for surgery days. The doctor’s special interests lie in dentistry (endodontic and periodontics) and high volume spay and neuter. She resides in Jacksonville with her two wonderful sons, Blake and Lucas. Her family pets include Autumn, a rescue dog from Jacksonville’s Animal Care and Protective Services, Andy, another rescue dog that is learning to be her running buddy, and their cat Baby Mel.