Winter Park Veterinary Hospital: Compassionate Care and Community Commitment in Veterinary Medicine

Winter Park Veterinary Hospital was founded with a mission to provide compassionate, high-quality care for both pets and local wildlife. Dr. Robert Hess, a native Floridian with a deep respect for animals, pursued veterinary medicine later in life and eventually purchased the Winter Park practice where he had first worked. In 1983, he transformed it into a family-owned hospital, dedicated to serving the community. His son, Billy Hess, took over in 2010, carrying forward his father’s legacy. Under Billy’s leadership, the hospital has grown into a thriving practice with 87 employees, reflecting the family’s ongoing commitment to exceptional veterinary care.

Winter Park Veterinary Hospital’s strength lies in its dedication to team development and creating a supportive culture. Hess believes that building a motivated, knowledgeable team is essential to providing quality patient care. “We’re focused on being a compassionate employer, not just a compassionate veterinarian,” he explains. Offering extensive career pathways and benefits, the hospital invests in its employees’ professional growth, providing opportunities from entry-level roles to advanced veterinary positions. The result is a committed and skilled team driven by purpose and pride in their work.

Winter Park Veterinary Hospital stands out for its dedication to integrating the latest veterinary technology and treatments, including advanced allergy and arthritis therapies. By continually adopting new techniques and medicines inspired by human healthcare, the hospital provides pets with innovative care options. “There’s always something new we can offer,” says Hess. This forward-thinking approach, paired with comprehensive, empathetic care, gives Winter Park Veterinary Hospital a competitive edge in the industry.

Overcoming Challenges

As a family-owned practice, Winter Park Veterinary Hospital has faced challenges adapting to changes in the veterinary industry, from wage expectations to rising operational costs in Central Florida. Hess remains committed to retaining independence in an increasingly corporatized field, focusing on growth that prioritizes care quality over quantity. “The challenge is maintaining the level of care that only independent practices offer,” he shares, noting the importance of balancing patient needs with team support. By investing in his team and making thoughtful choices about expansion, Hess ensures Winter Park Veterinary Hospital remains a trusted resource in the community.

Winter Park Veterinary Hospital extends its commitment beyond pets to support the broader community. Hess and his team are actively involved in local wildlife conservation, offering care for injured birds and other animals through partnerships with organizations like Audubon. “Our mission has always been to support the health of all animals in our community, from pets to wildlife,” Hess shares, adding that these partnerships highlight the hospital’s commitment to Central Florida’s ecosystem and its residents.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Being named a GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch 2024 honoree has been a meaningful recognition for Hess and his team. “It’s an honor to be celebrated alongside innovative tech companies and other ambitious businesses,” he says. “As a veterinary hospital, we’re unique on this list, and it speaks volumes about the impact compassionate, service-driven businesses can have.” The recognition affirms the hospital’s dedication to advancing both veterinary medicine and community engagement. Hess’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs reflects his own leadership style: “Don’t be afraid to surround yourself with people smarter and better than you—hire them, and let them thrive.” He emphasizes the importance of building a skilled, empowered team, allowing each person’s expertise to drive the organization forward.