Veterinarians of Punta Gorda Animal Hospital
Punta Gorda Animal Hospital is fortunate enough to have some of the most talented and passionate veterinarians serving Charlotte County. We are a well-established, full-service, small animal veterinary hospital providing comprehensive medical, surgical and dental care. Learn more about our knowledgable and dynamic veterinarians below.
Shelley Kingsbury, DVM
Growing up in Punta Gorda, Florida, Dr. Shelley Kingsbury received an undergraduate degree in Biology from Maryville College in 1983. She then went on to graduate from University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 1988.
Specializing in dentistry and internal medicine, Dr. Kingsbury is also a proud member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Animal Hospital Association, and the Florida Veterinary Medical Association. She has had a fulfilling career with Punta Gorda Animal Hospital since January of 1990.
Dr. Kingsbury has a Chihuahua named Tia, a domestic short hair cat named Malibu, and three American Paint horses named Josie, Gus, and Tommy. In her free time, she loves horse showing, hiking, and biking. Married to our own Dr. Kurt Winter, her daughter Megan is a registered nurse, and her son Matt is currently attending veterinary school at the University of Florida.
Kurt Winter, DVM
Dr. Kurt Winter is another one of our incredible Veterinarians here at Punta Gorda Animal Hospital for many reasons. He is a compassionate veterinary care provider who strongly considers the best interests of our patients and clients. Dr. Winter works remarkably hard to make sure the people and animals that come to our hospital leave better off than they came in.
He attended Michigan State University for both undergraduate education and veterinary school. Dr. Winter has been on 2 volunteer trips to the San Carlos Indian Reservation in Arizona and to Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation in North Dakota. During his trips he volunteered his time to provide medical care to the animals on the reservations. Dr. Winter also volunteers his time at the local animal shelter helping with spays and neuters. He takes a professional interest in ultrasonography.
Dr. Winter likes to stay active in his spare time. He enjoys going hiking and kayaking whenever he has the chance. He also practices agility training with his dog, an Australian Shepherd named Ryker. Dr. winter is also happy to spend some quality time with his loving family.
Christy Vernet, DVM
Dr. Christy Vernet grew up in Palm Bay, Florida. In high school, she volunteered with the local wildlife hospital and several animal rescues, and then worked and volunteered as a zookeeper at the University of Florida during undergrad, focused on fruit bats and large cats.
As she worked closely with the veterinarian teams during their rounds, the knowledge she gained bolstered her confidence in moving from animal care to animal welfare. After graduating from the University of Florida in 2010, she went on to attend their College of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 2018.
Dr. Vernet also attained a master's degree in Veterinary Forensics in 2018 from the University of Florida. In July of 2023 she joined our team, specializing in feline medicine, exotics, and surgery.
Asked what the most satisfying part of her job is, Dr. Vernet says, “Being the person in the moment that can help guide an owner through a difficult decision, or being the person to give care that makes a difference to an animal’s comfort, reuniting safe and happy with their owner again.”
She is a member of the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians, the American Association of Feline Practitioners, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the Florida Veterinary Medical Association.
Dr. Vernet has three cats: Zaphad, 15-years-old, Vicious, 13-years-old, and Arya, 10-years-old. She also has two dogs, a 12-year-old hound mix named Nellie and a seven-year-old terrier mix named Aiden. When she’s not working, she enjoys bird watching, hiking, and reading sci-fi novels. She and her husband Robert have one son named Douglass.
Carolyn Knight, DVM
Dr. Carolyn Knight started with us in 2020. She received a B.S. in Biology from Tulane University and soon after attended Louisiana State University Veterinary School. She is a member the American Veterinary Medical Association.