Our Team

Sebring Animal Hospital owes much of it’s success to the compassionate and professional team that helps keep the hospital running day in and day out. From our Veterinarians to our Receptionists, we all love animals and want to do our absolute best to help your furry family member when they need it. Take a few moments and learn about our amazing staff!

Wm. Lawrence Jernigan, DVM

Owner / Veterinarian

Years in Practice: 38
Education: Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine, 1982.

Dr. Larry Jernigan is a 5th generation Floridian and native of Sebring, Florida. He attended the University of Florida as a Plant Science major, was accepted into the University of Florida College of Veterinary medicine in 1978 and graduated in June 1982 with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Jernigan is a member of the Florida Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association. He grew up working with his father in the practice since 1963, has worked at Sebring Animal Hospital as a veterinarian since 1982 and has been the owner since 1996. He is also a third generation member of the Rotary Club of Sebring (Noon club), as well as an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Sebring.

Erin M. Hinds, DVM

Veterinarian

Years in Practice: 8
Education: BS, Warner Southern College, 2008; Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, 2012.

Dr. Erin Hinds grew up in Sebring and worked at Sebring Animal Hospital while attending Sebring High School. She graduated from Warner Southern College in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Upon graduation, she attended the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Hinds graduated in 2012 with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. She is also a member of the FVMA and the AVMA. Upon graduation, she and her husband, Jacob, returned to the Sebring area and she came back on staff at Sebring Animal Hospital as an associate veterinarian. Her husband, Jacob, is also a veterinarian and is on staff at Citrus Animal Clinic in Lake Placid. They are both active in their church, enjoy spending time with each other, their son Charles, and their pets.

Leah C. Altvater, DVM

Veterinarian

Years in Practice: 35
Education: BS, Animal Science, University of Florida, 1981; Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine, 1985.

Andrew C. Altvater, DVM

Veterinarian

Years in Practice: 1
Education: BS, Animal Science, University of Florida, 2010; Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine, Ross University, 2017.

Dr. Andrew Altvater was born and raised in Highlands County. He graduated with a BS in Animal Science from the University of Florida in 2010 and then graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2017. He was active in the Veterinary Business Management Association, leadership roles with the University, and intramural sports. His wife, Dr. Jennifer Altvater, is also a small animal veterinarian at Veterinary Healthcare Associates in Dundee. In their spare time, they enjoy horseback riding, movies, and relaxing at home with their 3 cats, Italian Greyhound, 2 horses, fainting goat, and flock of chickens.