The Team Committed to Your Pet’s Care
At Gainesville Animal Hospital, our team is the heart of everything we do. From experienced veterinarians to skilled technicians, each member is dedicated to providing the best care possible for your pets. We believe in working together to keep every patient healthy, happy, and comfortable.
Our receptionists and kennel techs play a key role in making your visit smooth and stress-free. Whether it’s a warm welcome at the front desk or gentle care behind the scenes, you can trust that your pet is in good hands with us.
Meet our Veterinary Team
Our team of compassionate veterinary professionals is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of care for your beloved pets. With years of experience and a profound love for animals, we ensure that every pet receives the attention and care they deserve.
Dr. Jack Sameck, DVM – Owner & Senior Veterinarian
With over 50 years of veterinary experience, Dr. Jack Sameck has devoted his life to compassionate animal care and community service. A graduate of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine (Class of 1975), Dr. Sameck began his professional journey as a captain in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps before returning to his Florida roots.
In 1982, after several years as an associate veterinarian, he purchased Gainesville Animal Hospital with the mission of providing exceptional care to both pets and their owners. His dedication led to the expansion of his practice, founding Interlachen Veterinary Clinic in 1983 and establishing Gainesville Animal Hospital West in 1989.
Dr. Sameck is an active member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and Florida Veterinary Medical Association.
Outside the clinic, Dr. Sameck enjoys life with his wife, April, and their five children—Abby, Amy, Jacob, Karen, and Tommy—as well as eight beloved grandchildren. The Sameck family also includes two schnauzer puppies, Baby and Dolly. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, fishing, and traveling with his family.
Dr. Raymond Sujdak – Senior Veterinarian
Dr. Sujdak graduated from the University of Florida in 1992 and has been practicing veterinary medicine for over 33 years. He has been a dedicated member of the Gainesville Animal Hospital team for the past 30 years—a place he proudly calls his second family.
With special interests in oncology, internal medicine, dermatology, dentistry, and geriatric care, Dr. Sujdak brings deep expertise and compassion to every patient visit. He knew from the age of thirteen that he wanted to become a veterinarian and always envisioned himself as a general practitioner. What he enjoys most is the connection between pets and their people—watching those bonds grow and being a part of that journey is the most rewarding part of his work. He also thrives on the puzzle-solving nature of veterinary medicine, using every clue, no matter how small, to understand what a patient needs.
Outside the clinic, Dr. Sujdak is an active and social person who loves spending time with his children, friends, and family. His hobbies include going to concerts, attending sporting events, gardening, traveling, paintball, and enjoying game nights filled with board games, pinball, and strategic simulation or video games. He recently lost his beloved cat in 2024, but looks forward to welcoming a new feline companion into his life soon.
Dr. Brenda Ortiz – Veterinarian
Dr. Brenda Ortiz is a graduate of Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Class of 2000, and brings over 24 years of veterinary experience to Gainesville Animal Hospital. Her areas of expertise include internal medicine, dermatology, dentistry, and emergency medicine. She joined the GAH team in June 2023.
From a young age, Dr. Ortiz knew she wanted to care for animals—drawn to their gratitude and the special bond they share with humans. What she loves most about working at GAH is the strong, family-oriented atmosphere that not only exists among the team but extends to the clients and their pets as well.
Dr. Ortiz shares her home with five cats and a loyal German Shepherd. When she's not at the clinic, she enjoys shopping, relaxing at the beach, and spending quality time with her pets.
Dr. Laurie Jones – Veterinarian
Dr. Laurie Jones is a University of Florida veterinary school graduate with 31 years of experience specializing in small animal internal medicine. Becoming a veterinarian was a lifelong dream for her, and she values working at Gainesville Animal Hospital because its private ownership allows her to prioritize patient care above all else. She joined the GAH team in May 2023.
She also appreciates the strong teamwork among GAH employees, all dedicated to providing the best care possible for their patients.
At home, Dr. Jones cares for a large and diverse family of animals—including eight dogs, three cats, miniature cows, donkeys, sheep, goats, chickens, and horses. When she’s not working, she enjoys horseback riding and tending to her animals.
Dr. Louise Jones-Todd – Veterinarian
Dr. Louise Jones-Todd earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from The Ohio State University in 1980 and brings 45 years of experience to the Gainesville Animal Hospital team. For the first 35 years of her career, she practiced mixed animal medicine, caring for both farm animals and pets, and has since focused on small animal care. She joined the GAH team in December 2024.
With a lifelong love of animals and a strong interest in science and math, veterinary medicine was a natural fit for Dr. Jones-Todd. She is passionate about educating pet owners so they can provide the best possible care, and she values strengthening the human-animal bond to enhance the lives of both pets and their people. She has been warmly welcomed to the Gainesville community and enjoys getting to know the clients and animals at both GAH East and West.
Dr. Jones-Todd lives on a 40-acre farm with her husband, Dr. Todd, and shares her life with a cat, four horses, two burros, two beehives, and abundant wildlife. When she’s not at the clinic, she enjoys tending to the farm, with the shared goal of creating and maintaining natural habitats for local wildlife.
Compassionate Care Starts with an Exceptional Team
At Gainesville Animal Hospital, our team is made up of passionate, skilled professionals who treat your pets like their own. From the front desk to the exam room, every member of our staff is dedicated to making your pet’s experience safe, comforting, and full of care.
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who make it all happen—your pet’s extended family.
