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 bachelors 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, boating, and spending time with his dog and cat.

Dr. Andrew Armani, DVM

Dr. Andrew Armani grew up on the Eastern shore of Maryland and worked as a dockmaster in local marinas until moving to Colorado to complete a bachelors in Environmental, Population, and Organismic Biology. After graduation, Dr. Armani traveled to New Zealand and then to the Cook Islands in the South Pacific where he volunteered for a non-profit vet clinic called the Esther Honey Foundation. He then moved to New Orleans and worked as a veterinary technician before entering LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Armani joined our practice in 2007 after completion of a rotating internship at Florida Veterinary Specialists and North Bay. Dr. Armani likes to sail catamarans, cycle, landscape, cook, and travel with his wife, Megan. His professional interests include internal medicine, surgery, and ophthalmology.

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.

Dr. Lindsay Mc Crady, DVM

Dr. Lindsay McCrady grew up in Tucson, AZ and became interested in veterinary medicine during her eleven years of participation in 4-H showing pygmy goats. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Arizona and earned a B.S. in Veterinary Science with a minor in Chemistry in 2005. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Colorado State University in May of 2009. Dr. Mc Crady has eight years of experience as an emergency veterinary technician and has a strong interest in Emergency and Critical Care Medicine. Her other professional interest include internal medicine and small ruminant medicine. Dr. Mc Crady hopes to either do a residency in critical care and emergency medicine or enter a private practice after her internship. Ultimately, she plans to join in partnership with her sister, who is also a veterinarian, and be at the forefront of gold standard veterinary care. In her free time, Dr. Mc Crady enjoys snuggling with her three kities, riding her ATV, water-skiing, and playing volleyball. She is also very passionate about goats!

Dr. Christina Buchter, DVM

Dr. Christina Buchter is originally from Winchester, MA. She attended Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH for her undergraduate education, and earned her B.A. in biology in 2003. After graduation, she spent two years working as a veterinary technician in small animal hospitals in the Boston area. She graduated from the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University in 2009. Her professional interests include general practice, exotics, shelter medicine and internal medicine. In her spare time, she enjoys horseback riding, photography and being active in the Armenian Church community. She also enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and Polish rabbit.

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.

Kara, Hospital Manager

Kara is originally from Georgia, but has lived in Florida for most of her life. She has been with North Bay Animal Hospital since 1995. As Hospital Manager, Kara’s priority is to ensure upstanding individualized client care. Kara resides in Tampa with her three cats and husband. In her spare time she enjoys boating, fishing, and spending time with her family.

Our Team

Back Row: Andrew (Pet Resort), Shayna (Administrative Asst), Steve (Patient Care Coordinator), Lisa (Client Care)

Front Row: Shannon (Technician), Andrea (Technician), Kara (Hospital Manager), Chelsea (Pet resort Coordinator), Erika (Client Care), Debbie (Client Care Coordinator)