Dr. Irene Houllis Juaristic was born and raised in Tarpon Springs. After receiving her undergraduate degree in Zoology from the University of Florida, she started working at Anclote Animal Hospital as a veterinary technician in 2007. While working for Dr. Cochran, she was accepted into the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida in 2009. She stayed in touch and worked summers and during breaks at Anclote Animal Hospital, and did a month-long externship during the summer of 2012 working as a veterinarian-in-training alongside Dr. Cochran. After graduating from vet school in 2013, she was hired as an associate veterinarian, working full time at Anclote Animal Hospital. Her familiarity with the patients, clients and staff has allowed her to make a relatively seamless transition into the practice. When she’s not busy saving lives at work, Dr. J enjoys spending time with her family and her 2 dogs, Aslan and Erasmus. She looks forward to contributing to Dr. Cochran’s legacy as a compassionate, caring veterinarian for the pets of Tarpon Springs.
Dr. Chelsey Tejas is an Associate Veterinarian at Anclote Animal Hospital. She attended Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, where she earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2018. She spent one year in clinical training at the University of Florida, and her areas of professional interest include surgery, preventative medicine, dentistry, and internal medicine. Dr. Tejas began working in the veterinary field in 2014 as a veterinary technician. Dr. Tejas has always had a love for animals, and as a two-year-old, her answer to the question ‘what do you want to be when you grow up?’ was ‘veterinarian’ which has never changed! She says one of her favorite parts about working in the veterinary field is being able to educate dog and cat owners about animal care, as well as puppy kisses.
Originally from Austin Texas, Dr. Tejas grew up in Land O Lakes Florida and currently lives in Tarpon Springs with her two dogs and cat Cooper Bradley, Clifford Douglas and Todd. When she is not providing veterinary care, she enjoys anything involving water: going to the beach, fishing, boating, scuba diving, and also enjoys biking downtown. A fun fact about Dr. Tejas is that she received her education in the Caribbean where she lived for 2.5 years.
Dr. Amanda Ditson is the newest Associate Veterinarian with Anclote Animal Hospital. Dr. Ditson attended St Petersburg College for her Associate's Degree in Art and Science (veterinary technology) in 2003, the University of South Florida for her Bachelor's Degree in Biology in 2008, and finally the University of Florida for her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2014. Her areas of professional interest include Preventative medicine, dermatology, nutrition, dentistry, acupuncture, and fear-free methods.
Dr. Ditson’s extensive veterinary career dates back to 1997 when she was able to complete a veterinary assistant program in high school. After graduating, she worked several different veterinary jobs, starting as a kennel employee and working her way up to a certified veterinary technician! Dr. Ditson worked as a CVT through the years until receiving her DVM, and she has now been working as a full-time veterinarian for the past eight years. Her love for animals and exposure to her high school veterinary program is what inspired her to follow a career path in veterinary medicine. In this career, Dr. Ditson loves to aid animals and their humans through every stage of life, all while fostering her love of science, education, and problem-solving.
Dr. Ditson has been a Floridian for the past 39 years and still loves being a member of the Palm Harbor community. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends, family, her dachshund, and three cats. When she is not on the water boating, Dr. Ditson loves to travel, and hopes she and her family can visit all 50 states one day!
Bio coming soon!
It is bittersweet for us to announce that our own Dr. Wesley Cochran decided to retire from Anclote Animal Hospital. Dr. Cochran has been serving the community’s pets and pet parents for many years and will truly be missed. We welcome any of Dr. Cochran’s clients to schedule future appointments with Dr. Irene Houllis Juaristic to receive the same high-quality standard of care.
Dr. Wesley Cochran was raised on a farm in Michigan where he enjoyed the outdoor life, with a special interest in fly fishing. He received his undergraduate degree in Biology from Central Michigan University. His compassion for animals led him to Michigan State University, where he graduated with high honors, receiving his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1978. After founding and selling 2 successful practices in Michigan, he founded Anclote Animal Hospital in 1985. Since then, Dr. Cochran has been compassionately caring for generations of pets in Tarpon Springs and the surrounding areas. Dr. Cochran still has roots in Michigan, where he keeps a cabin to enjoy the many outdoor activities.
Megan was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. She grew up on a farm in Chicago and someday hopes to have a small farm of her own. Her dream is to be an Equine Chiropractor as her favorite thing to do is spend time with her horse, Bling. The best part of her job is nursing patients back to health and being there for pets and their owners during difficult times.
Shelby is a Certified Veterinary Technician that has been in the industry for ten years. She has a passion for Veterinarian medicine and making a difference for pets and their owners. She has four dogs and in her spare time she loves to travel and be outdoors!
Angela is a certified Veterinary Assistant and is a Biology Major at USF, aspiring to become a Veterinarian. She is getting close to graduation and juggling school working and multiple jobs. Even though she is busy, she still gives her all to your pet. You will find her smiling face working as a technician on the weekends, and filling in as needed. Angela loves to travel, ask her about her recent trips to Thailand, Italy and Greece.
Ashley started at Anclote as a student volunteer for two years and has been a part of our team for almost 7 years. She is a certified Veterinary Assistant and she is attending college full time with the aspiration of becoming a Veterinarian, and we know she will achieve her goals! Ashley is an excellent team player and you all find her working all over the clinic. She knows every pet that comes in the door and is passionate about providing the best care possible. Ashley loves Rays baseball, hiking and paddle boarding.
Jordan loves working with her coworkers! She spends extra time making sure that each animal is taken care of as if they were her own pet! She hopes to be a Chiropractor and enjoys spending time with her family and friends outside of work.
Bio coming soon!
Gracie is a Certified Veterinary Assistant at Anclote Animal Hospital and is currently working towards her Marine Biology degree at SPC and plans to attend USF. She loves working with animals, and in her spare time, you can find her traveling or outdoors, especially at the beach.
Bio coming soon!
Bio coming soon!
Bio coming soon!
Originally from Delaware, Melina moved to Florida in 2008 and is currently a Receptionist at Anclote Animal Hospital. Currently, she is a student at SPC where she majors in Biology. Melinda recently moved to town her with husband, their 5 dogs, 2 cats, and plethora of aquatic creatures. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and discovering new places.
Bio coming soon!
Located on Pinellas Ave (Alt Route 19) off of Klosterman Rd. Just 0.6 miles South of Tarpoon Springs Golf Course and 1.7 miles East of Klosterman Point.
Phone: 727-934-0814
