Dr. Colleen Elligott

Dr. Elligott graduated from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. with a B.S. in Foreign Service in 1993. Following graduation, and for the next 5 years, she worked for US Assist Inc. researching and coordinating international emergency medical services ranging from care referrals to full organization of international air ambulance evacuations. She completed her science pre-requisites for application to veterinary school at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, while working as a veterinary technician assistant for Alexandria Veterinary Emergency Service in Alexandria, Virginia. Dr. Elligott attended veterinary school at The Ohio State University, where she was active in the Student Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society and the Student AVMA.

Dr. Elligott graduated from veterinary school in 2005. She then completed a year-long internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Florida Veterinary Specialists, now Blue Pearl, in Tampa, followed by an additional year of residency training in ophthalmology at The Ohio State University. She practiced emergency medicine at Blue Pearl from 2007 through 2011, and has been in family practice since. Prior to joining Lakeside Animal Hospital in May, 2014, she had the opportunity to work alongside a boarded-dermatologist. This extra exposure to dermatology has been very useful in managing challenging skin conditions.
Dr. Elligott maintains an active interest in all aspects of veterinary care, including preventative medicine, internal medicine, dermatology, dentistry, soft tissue surgery, pain management and ophthalmology. She enjoys treating each patient as an individual, focusing on customized preventative care, plans, disease screening, nutrition and weight management. In recent years, she has enjoyed advanced training in canine and feline behavior medicine and the management of complex feline co-diseases. Her devotion to ongoing continuing education far exceeds licensing requirements. She often spends time on her days off sipping home roasted and brewed (decaffeinated) coffee while listening to lectures on diverse veterinary medical topics.

Dr. Elligott is an active member of the American Association of Feline Practitioners. She has also been Fear Free certified and demonstrates an unwavering commitment to the emotional well-being and the reduction of fear, anxiety and stress in pets that visit the hospital. Dr. Elligott takes great pride in planning Fear Free visits, and is available in advance of appointments to help coordinate any necessary arrangements to ensure that your pet’s visit is as stress-free as possible. Dr. Elligott is on the Board of the Hillsborough County Veterinary Medical Society and currently enjoys coordinating continuing education conferences for Hillsborough County veterinarians.

Dr. Elligott is mostly fluent in Spanish and understands Portuguese. She is happy to serve families in their native language.
Dr. Elligott and her son share their home with several pets, many from local rescue organizations, including three cats and 2 chihuahuas.

In her free time, Dr. Elligott enjoys reading, running, yoga, karate, indoor rowing, kettle bell training, and dragon boat and stand up paddling.
Dr. Elligott looks forward to providing your loved ones with exceptional, individualized care and attention and to welcoming you to the Lakeside family!