Your Favorite Family
Veterinary Hospital in Lake City, FL

Dr. Rachel Shaeffer attended the University of Florida for her undergraduate degree in animal science and doctorate in veterinary medicine, and graduating at the top of her class from both programs. During veterinary school, she was actively involved in shelter and community outreach programs and performed several externships at small animal hospitals in the North Florida area as well as an externship with the ASPCA to gain surgical experience.
 
After graduation, Dr. Shaeffer worked as a general practice veterinarian in Ocala, Florida and also spent time providing after-hours care to patients at UrgentVet in Gainesville. Her professional interests include dermatology, internal medicine, and delivering personalized care that fits the needs of both her patients and clients. She is Fear Free certified and works hard to ensure that her patients have low-stress and enjoyable veterinary visits.
 
While she is originally from Tallahassee, Dr. Shaeffer has always been a proud Gator fan—during her time in college, she even performed as the Florida Gator mascot, Alberta! Now she spends her free time watching Gator football games, hiking local trails, and learning how to cook and bake new recipes from scratch. She lives in Gainesville with her husband, Ryan, a beautiful rescue dog, Josie, and an orange tabby cat, Evan.

Dr. Taylor Burfeindt was born and raised in South Florida, and from a young age she strived to be involved with all thing’s animal related—from volunteering at an equine assisted therapy program to working with her childhood dog on an agility show team or raising orphaned wildlife. At Berry College in Rome, Georgia, Dr. Taylor completed her Bachelor of Science degree in animal science and while also competing on the Intercollegiate Western Horsemanship Team and working as a student activities planner and campus grounds crew.

During her time at the University of Florida while obtaining her doctorate in veterinary medicine, Dr. Taylor was actively involved with the shelter medicine club and completed the UF Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Certificate. She served as the events coordinator for the UF SCASV club and coordinated the Summer Lovin’ Adopt-a-thon for Alachua County Animal Services in 2019. Dr. Taylor performed two spay/neuter externships to gain surgical experience and completed an externship at Lake City Animal Hospital where she fell in love with the practice. Her primary goal as a veterinarian is to provide high quality care to both her patients and clients

In her free time, Dr. Taylor enjoys going on adventures with her dog, going to the springs and hanging out with friends.

Dr. Melanie Brewster was born and raised in Tallahassee, FL where she grew up with a Golden Retriever named Buddy who inspired her to become a veterinarian. Despite being raised a Seminole, Dr. Brewster entered the Gator Nation and received both her undergraduate degree and veterinarian degree from the University of Florida.

Dr. Brewster’s special interests include dermatology, dentistry, and preventative medicine. She strives to provide exceptional care that is tailored to the unique needs of her patients and clients.

When she’s away from work, Dr. Brewster enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband Kris and their beloved dogs, Finley and Zali.