Our Team

Dr. Link V Welborn , DVM, ABVP (canine and feline)

Dr. Welborn was the valedictorian of his 1976 graduating class from King High School here in Tampa and as a President's Scholar, he earned an undergraduate degree from the University of South Florida. Dr. Welborn graduated with honors from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 1982. He is Board Certified in Canine and Feline Practice and is past President of the American Animal Hospital Association. Scuba diving and attending Tampa Bay Buccaneer and Florida Gator football games are among his favorite activities. Dr. Welborn's family includes: wife, Laura, daughter, Kaitlin, son, Christopher, a Springer Spaniel named Spicy, two cats, Mongo and Rand, four birds, Harper, Milliku, Connie, and Bink, and a large marine aquarium full of aquatic companions.

Dr. Timothy Lassett, DVM, ABVP (canine and feline)

Dr. Lassett is a native of Tampa. He attended the University of Florida receiving a Bachelor's Degree in microbiology in 1978 and a Doctorate in veterinary medicine in 1982. After completing a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Oradell Animal Hospital in New Jersey, Dr. Lassett returned to the Tampa Bay area. Dr. Lassett is Board Certified in Canine and Feline Practice and his areas of special interest include soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, oncology, diagnostic ultrasound, endoscopy, dermatology and cardiology. Dr. Lassett has held board positions with the Humane Society of Tampa Bay and the Hillsborough County Veterinary Medical Society. He enjoys fishing and boating.

Dr. Paul Langston , DVM

Dr. Langston joined our practice in October of 2005. He is from Ft. Walton Beach, FL.

Dr. Langston obtained his Veterinary degree from Auburn University and enjoys working out, sailing, and stock trading. He has 2 children (10 and 9), 2 yellow labs (Chance and Oz), and 2 cats (Belle and Julie).

Megan O'Connor , DVM

Dr. O'Connor is originally from upstate New York (Albany area). She joined our team in August of 2007. She and her husband, Dr. Armani, share their home with their pets, Lucy and Rainey. Dr. O'Connor enjoys running, downhill skiing, sailing, baking, and other outdoor activities.
She earned her undergraduate degree from Cornell University and went on to obtain a Master's degree in animal science at the University of Georgia. Dr. O'Connor earned her veterinary degree from Mississippi State University. After completion of veterinary school, she completed a small animal medicine and surgery internship from Oradell Animal Hospital in New Jersey.

Dr. Peter Helmer, DVM, ABVP (avian)

Dr. Peter Helmer grew up in Toronto, Canada. He graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 1997. Following 2 years in avian/exotic animal practice in Calgary, he returned to school to pursue an internship in Zoo and Exotic Animal Medicine at Kansas State University. Dr. Helmer continued his migration south after finishing his internship and joined a practice in Largo,FL for the next 8 years. In 2003 he completed the requirements to become Board Certified in Avian Practice by the American Board of Veterinary Practioners. Dr Helmer has been a member of our team since 2008 and spends time at North Bay, Temple Terrace, and Pebble Creek Animal and Bird Hospitals.

Dr Helmer and his partner share their home with 2 dogs, a cat, and 2 parrots. When he's not working he enjoys cooking, gardening, kayaking and has recently taken up tennis. Professional interests include medicine and surgery of avian and exotic pets, including reptiles, rabbits, ferrets, and other small fuzzies. He is the author of several journal articles and textbook chapters and has lectured at state and national veterinary conferences.

Cassandra Allbritton, CVPM, CCRA

Raised on a working horse ranch, Cassy began working in the veterinary field at the age of 15 as an assistant. From 1993 to 2000, she worked as an emergency and day-time veterinary technician. Since 1995, she has served our four hospital group, and is our Practice Administrator. Cassy graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry from the University of South Florida in 1998. Residing in Tampa, Florida, Cassy shares her home with her four cats and her dog. Her interests are client advocacy, team building, physical rehabilitation, communication, and compliance. Cassy’s hobbies include reading, outdoor activities and teaching. Cassy has been a member of the VHMA since 2001. Cassy earned her Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) designation in 2005 and her Certified Canine Rehabilitation Assistant (CCRA) designation in 2008. Cassy co-chairs the Bay Area Managers Network Group in Tampa. She is also an adjunct professor for Webster Veterinary University.

Crystal Michaud

Crystal, originally from Massachusetts, began working with animals in 1988. She moved to Florida in 1998 and joined the organization in 1999 as a technician at North Bay Animal & Bird Hospital. She went on to manage The Cat Doctors and now provides employee training for all four hospitals. Crystal enjoys spending time with her significant other, 3 dogs, 4 cats, and 3 turtles. Her hobbies include boating, bowling, and playing softball.

Kristi Stinson, CVT -Hospital Manager

Kristi has always been passionate about animals. While growing up in New Mexico, she spent most of her time showing horses. After attending the University of New Mexico, Kristi moved to Colorado and graduated from Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology and soon was certified as a Veterinary Technician. After having her son Tyler, Kristi worked at a mixed animal practice where she was the on-call equine anesthetist and lead technician. Kristi and her family moved to Florida in 2005 and joined the Temple Terrace team. Kristi lives with her husband Ben, son Tyler and keeps busy taking care of thier furry family members - 2 cats (adopted from TTAH), golden retriever, and blue & gold macaw. Kristi enjoys kickboxing and weight training at the gym.

Our Team

the team

Back row: Dr Welborn, Jenny, CVT (Patient Care), Heather (Pet Resort), Kristi, CVT (Hospital Manager), Dr. O'Connor, Dr Langston

Front row: Dan (pet resort), Kathleen (Client Care), Elisa, CVT(Patient Care Coordinator), Vicki (Pet Resort Coordinator), Andrea, CVT (Patient Care)