Meet Our Team
The Paws and Claws team is dedicated to making every visit a personalized, educational experience for pet parents in Dunedin. Get to know our team, including our amazing veterinarian, by reading their bios below! And if you want to meet them in person, call us at (727) 953-6588 to make an appointment.
Dr. Cindy Culpepper Practice Owner, Veterinarian
Dr. Culpepper received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of South Carolina in 2002, and graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University in 2006. Immediately after graduation she spent some time working at Bienville Animal Medical Center, a multi-veterinarian practice in Ocean Springs, MS. Dr. Culpepper is a native of Dunedin, and she returned to Florida to practice veterinary medicine in 2010. After being an associate veterinarian at the Animal and Bird Hospital in Clearwater for eight years, she decided to open her own practice. In September 2018, Paws and Claws Animal Medical Center, a “mom and pop”-style practice, was born.
Dr. Culpepper enjoys the challenges of general practice, imaging, soft tissue surgeries, and internal medicine. She also enjoys the relationships she shares with her many wonderful patients and their human family members. Dr. Culpepper and her husband Jonathan have two daughters and many furry family members too, including two dogs, Izzy Belle and Ella Mae; two cats, Tonks and Willy; four guinea pigs, and fish!
Dr. Culpepper is a member of the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce, the Dunedin Downtown Merchants Association (DDMA), the Florida Veterinary Medical Association (FVMA), and Pinellas County Veterinary Medical Association (PCVMA).
Sheila Green Practice Manager, Certified Veterinary Technician
Sheila has more than 23 years of experience in the veterinary field. She graduated from St. Petersburg College with a Bachelor of Science in animal science, and became a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) in 2000. Sheila has participated in numerous community events over the years, including an outreach trip to the Bahamas to help provide medical care to animals in need free of charge.
Sheila has considerable experience working with exotic species, including birds and small mammals, and various wildlife, bringing a wealth of knowledge to our team. She also has vast knowledge regarding the use of the latest medical equipment and procedures.
Sheila’s passion for veterinary medicine and love for animals drive her to deliver the very best care. Her love for animals spills over into her love for people. In her free time, Sheila enjoys physical fitness on all levels, reading, hiking, playing sports, and spending time with her family. She lives in Clearwater with her son Dylan, husband Gabriel, and their furry family members Moo Moo a rescue dog from Suncoast Animal League and Ellie Nugget our cat.
Erin Head Receptionist, Technician
Erin is a graduate of St. Petersburg College and a full-time veterinary technician here at Paws and Claws. She was born in Atlanta, GA and moved to Clearwater, FL when she was five. Her love for animals started with her family’s cat, Mr. Chicken, and her life working with animals started when she took the opportunity to foster kittens as a young girl for Save Our Strays. The gratification she felt when placing a kitten with a loving family sparked her interest in pursuing a career that involved caring for animals.
At 15, Erin applied to work at a boarding facility where she spent the next 10 years. She has also worked in local animal hospitals, gaining professional knowledge in caring for cats, dogs, and exotic animals. She has been a technician, head receptionist, and kennel technician. Paws and Claws is a place that Erin is happy to call home, because she is able to express her love for and interest in animals while working with some of the best people in the business.
Erin’s pet family includes two cats and four dogs. Outside of work, she enjoys staying active and furthering her education in veterinary science.
Laura Receptionist
Bio coming soon.
Heidi
Bio coming soon.
Cassie Veterinary Technician/Nurse
Cassie wears many hats here at Paws and Claws. She does our daily medical follow ups as well as working as a part time nurse. Cassie was born in Sanford Florida, but lived in a small town in Indiana for most of her life. In middle school, Cassie took many courses on Pre-Vet and Marine Biology, she knew she was going to have a future working with animals. During her time in Indiana she worked at a local small animal Veterinary clinic in high school as a kennel technician/Veterinary Assistant. She spent nearly 3 years here learning many technical skills as well as starting her own business “Critter Sitter”. In 2018, Cassie and her now husband moved to Clearwater where they have 2 dogs, Brody and Hemi, and 2 cats, Ace and Gizmo. They love to spend time in nature and enjoy traveling as much as possible.
Cassie worked as a pet groomer in Dunedin before finding her passion was still in Veterinary Medicine and wants to further her knowledge and skills while still running her own pet care business full time.
What People Say About Us
"We are so grateful to Paws and Claws, especially, Dr. Culpepper and her entire awesome staff for their kind, compassionate, conscientious and professional care they always give."
- Betty K.