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Same-Day Appointments(813) 501-2510

Healing Haven Animal Clinic

Same Day Appointments: Call (813) 501-2510

Person in a black T-shirt gently carrying a fluffy black and white puppy

About Us

Our Team

Known, never numbered. The people behind every visit.

Our Team

The People Who Make Healing Haven Feel Like Healing Haven.

From a warm hello at the front desk, to bonding with a nervous pet, to explaining a complex condition in understandable terms, each member of our team helps you feel seen, supported, and confident in your pet’s care.

Every patient. Every client. Every team member.

Dr. Chrysa Dunser, DVM
20+Years Caring for
South Tampa Pets

Founder & Medical Director

Chrysa Dunser, DVM

For more than 20 years, Dr. Dunser has cared for the pets and families of South Tampa as a veterinarian and as a neighbor. She founded Healing Haven so care could stay personal, purposeful, and built on relationships.

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, TuftsCertified Veterinary AcupuncturistCertified in VSMTUltrasound & EchocardiographyHospice & Palliative CareLow Stress Handling® Silver

Meet the Team

Every Role Matters

Outstanding veterinary care isn’t the work of a single person. It’s the cumulative result of what we build together.

Dr. Chrysa Dunser

Veterinarian

Dr. Chrysa Dunser

Founder and Medical Director

Founder and Medical Director of Healing Haven Animal Clinic, caring for South Tampa pets and families for more than 20 years.

DVM

For more than 20 years, Dr. Chrysa Dunser has cared for the pets and families of South Tampa, earning the trust of generations of pet owners through thoughtful medicine and genuine relationships.

After watching the practice and priorities of veterinary medicine change, she founded Healing Haven Animal Clinic in 2026 to create a place where veterinary care feels personal, thoughtful, and more connected.

Lucca Dunser

Veterinary Technician

Lucca Dunser

Veterinary Technician

A second-year veterinary student at Mizzou who returns home to Tampa during breaks to care for patients at Healing Haven.

VM2 student, University of Missouri CVM

I have been surrounded by veterinary medicine for as long as I can remember. I spent much of my childhood at the clinic, where I developed a genuine love for animals and an appreciation for the special bond between pets and their families.

I am currently a second-year veterinary student (VM2) at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. During academic breaks, I return home to Tampa and work as a veterinary technician at Healing Haven.

My goal is to help every patient feel safe and comfortable while providing attentive, compassionate care. I also enjoy getting to know our clients, answering their questions, and helping them feel confident in the care their pets receive.

I am especially interested in integrating modern veterinary medicine with holistic and alternative therapies. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue learning with the entire Healing Haven team.

I look forward to meeting you and your fur babies!

Amanda

Veterinary Technician

Amanda

Veterinary Technician

A veterinary technician with 22 years of experience, focused on surgery, anesthesia monitoring, and dentistry.

With over two decades of dedicated care in veterinary medicine, Amanda brings a wealth of expertise, precision, and heart to every patient she treats. A proud graduate of St. Petersburg College with a degree in veterinary technology, she has spent the last 22 years mastering the critical hands-on aspects of clinical practice.

Amanda’s core passions lie in surgery, advanced anesthesia monitoring, and veterinary dentistry. Driven by a commitment to baseline excellence, Amanda has completed extensive continuing education in both AAHA-certified anesthesia and dental procedures, including nerve blocks, ensuring that patient comfort, safety, and oral health remain at the absolute highest standard.

In addition to her advanced diagnostic skill set, Amanda is proficient in performing point-of-care thoracic and abdominal ultrasounds (GlobalFAST), providing rapid, non-invasive insights in high-stakes situations. Whether she is managing a complex surgical patient under anesthesia, performing a meticulous dental restoration, or delivering a soft touch to a nervous pet, Amanda combines advanced technical capability with deep compassion.

Dana

Veterinary Technician

Dana

Veterinary Technician

A vet tech who loves senior pets and spicy little personalities — and builds trust with calm vibes, tasty treats, and positive reinforcement.

Vet tech who loves veterinary medicine, senior pets, and spicy little personalities — especially the sassy ones who’d pick a fight over a nail trim! I’m all about building trust with calm vibes, tasty treats, and lots of positive reinforcement.

Every pet deserves to feel safe, respected, and understood, and every pet parent deserves the info and confidence to make the best choices for their animal. My goal is to make those “spicy” visits a little easier for everyone.

Preston

Hospital Manager & Receptionist

Preston

Hospital Manager

A CVT and CVPM in veterinary medicine since 2000 — and a devoted cat lover (Stephen, Biff, and Marty).

CVT, CVPM

I have been working in the veterinary field since 2000. I earned my Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) credential in 2004 and became a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) in 2021. I spent 11 years as a practice manager, gaining extensive experience in veterinary medicine, leadership, client service, and practice operations.

I have always had a genuine love for animals, especially cats. I currently have three cats named Stephen, Biff, and Marty. Outside of veterinary medicine, I enjoy traveling, shopping, going to the movies, and spending time with friends and family. After more than two decades in veterinary medicine, I’m still passionate about helping create a compassionate, personal experience for pets and the people who love them.

Greg

Hospital Manager & Receptionist

Greg

Receptionist

Over 20 years in animal care — with, in his words, Chihuahua energy and a golden retriever heart.

Greg comes to Healing Haven with over 20 years of experience in animal care, including veterinary clinics, grooming salons, and in-home pet sitting. His home is full of love with two dogs and two cats. Greg identifies himself as having Chihuahua energy and a golden retriever heart.

One Caring Approach

Every Member of Our Team Embraces Low Stress Handling®

Dr. Dunser is certified in Low Stress Handling®, and our whole team shares the same approach: listening first, letting your pet set the pace, and celebrating small wins.

Every positive experience builds confidence for the next visit. Over time, those moments become trust.

Woman in a grey t-shirt calmly cuddling a tabby cat on her lap
Calmer care, every visit