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Orchid Springs Animal Hospital We are a privately owned, full service veterinary hospital serving Winter Haven, Lakeland, Polk county and Central Florida. We provide a variety of pet care options, such as traditional veterinary medical care, holistic treatments, pet acupuncture, chiropractic care and grooming. Our facility is also equipped with a boarding facility, including luxury boarding suites.

Our goal is to deliver outstanding client service, while also providing high-quality pet care. We are committed to working closely with you to offer your pet the best treatment and to strengthening the human-pet bond.
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Orchid Springs Animal Hospital was established in 1996 by Dr. Mitsie Vargas, a graduate of Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine in Alabama. After practicing in an exclusively feline practice in Coral Gables, Florida, she decided to venture out on her own and move to Winter Haven, Florida.
Hello, my name is Alicia. I am a mom of 4 kids who keep me very busy. When I am not at work you can find me at the softball/baseball field, this is where we spend most of our days. I also have a house full of 4 legged babies which include a Boxer, 2 Frenchies, 1 Chihuahua & a bottle fed kitty cat. I joined the OSAH family in May of 2021 but before my journey started here I was a stay at home mom. I've been working at OSAH for 13 amazing years. I always dreamed of being a veterinarian growing up in Canada.
Dr. Vargas received her DVM from Tuskegee University in 1994. In 1996, she established her AAHA accredited Orchid Springs Animal Hospital in Winter Haven, FL. In 2009, she began her studies at Chi Institute, eventually garnering certifications in Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Food Therapy, and Tui Na.
She previously worked at Orchid Springs Animal Hospital from 2007-2009. Dr. Hood graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor's degree in zoology in 1992 and also obtained her veterinary degree from the University of Florida in 1996. Dr. Hood was born in Washington DC, but spent most of her life in Florida.
Reviews (39)
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Susan Satterfield
Jun 19, 2022
Very nice staff. Excellent Vet. Diagnosed my dog's problem she has had for years when very expensive Emergency Veterinarians couldn't. I couldn't be happier. My dog doesn't have to suffer anymore. Highly recommend.
Jason Howard
Jun 06, 2022
Super nice. Like a spa. I wanted to get into the doggie pool. A little expensive
Joe Nobles
Jun 02, 2022
I took my cat for her first time at the vet's here there awesome with animals they put her on meds for her thyroid I like them over my last vet's
Joseph Hayhurst
May 20, 2022
Best vetinaran I've ever been to. I never have to wait long, the staff is nice, and the animals are treated with care. I would highly recommend.
Harriet LeMarbre
May 18, 2022
Very impressed with AAHA Vet clinics, VERY understanding about our Service Dog Samme and his condition with Broken Canine tooth. Seem very knowledgable about medical conditions. THANKS, H LeMarbre and Samme.6/18/2019 Took Samme to have a dew claw checked out as it was cracked and was concerned it would break off and be very serious. Simple fix, filed it a bit and done.

As for the broken tooth, it just needed to be removed. It was done in no time and created NO problems for Samme and as usual, they are VERY efficient and WE LOVE ORCHID SPRINGS VET HOSP. THANKS xox and Samme says WOOF. REVISED 3/15/2022 Samme is no longer with me as we had to put him to sleep Aug. 31, 2021. Very sad but he is no longer in Arthritic pain and falling down when trying to walk. Orchid Springs had him on the proper meds for as long as they were helpful for him but his time here was over and tho I miss my sweet boy every day I am very happy that he is no longer suffering. LOVE to Dr Moisa and all the staff at the hospital. I am praying that God will unite me with the Service dog HE brought into our lives to begiin with. GOD BLESS Orchid Springs.
Chris Law
May 11, 2022
Orchid Springs Animal Hospital, I more/less rather fell into. Admittedly, they tend to be more expensive than practically all other vets I've worked with.but they are excellent vets! You can have absolute confidence in them and they will be entirely honest about your pets needs.
Glenn Haller
May 10, 2022
I took my cats there on Monday the 9th of May for upper respiratory infection. Two cats equaled 2 office visits and 2 exams and 2 shots that cost me 276 dollars. Fast forward to Wednesday the one cat was still not improving so I brought him back. Now keep in mind he was just there on Monday. they charged me an 85 dollar fee for working him in. WAS NEVER TOLD THAT WHEN I CALLED! they looked at him and asked for permission to do blood work and I said yes.

It came back perfect their words not mine. Gave me some eye drops and something described to me as an immune booster which I said yes too. Come home and find out its some Chinese medicine and basically an herbal supplement and that added 81 dollars to my bill. I have no problem with the blood work but charging me extra to come back when I was there a day and a half ago is outrageous and I should have been told that when I called to inquire about coming in again.

And then telling me it's an immune booster leading me to believe it was a medical remedy instead of the truth CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE was nothing less than scandalous. And they should tell you about how much it will cost. nothing involving money WAS EVER ADDRESSED OR EXPLAINED TO ME and the reason I didn't ask was because I was expecting to pay a couple hundred dollars and that's ok.

But to present me with a bill of almost 500 dollars when I am checking out is wrong. I will never come back to this money pit. UPDATE! Here we are a week later and almost 700 dollars and my cat has not improved one bit! So now I must find a vet who can really find out what is wrong with CASPER and yes I'm outraged that he has had zero improvement.

My cat is suffering from their clueless ability to properly diagnose my cat correctly. I am considering calling my credit card company and initiating a charge back for at least some of the inept service they provided. The last visit was 471 dollars and ZERO IMPROVEMENT! AVOID THIS PLACE! they are horrible.
Marilyn W.
Apr 20, 2022
Wonderful veterinary care! First time snowbirds and so happy to have found Dr Vargas - she is amazing! Staff is very attentive and friendly too
Ashley Lipton
Mar 23, 2022
We love this place we started off with dr bell who was amazing with treating our senior dog who gets anxiety type seizures she stated her with acupuncture & holistic herbs to help with it and she's been 100% better. we recently went back and saw dr. Farrar and she was just as amazing with our baby as dr bell we appreciate how well you take care of our baby!
Angelica V.
Mar 02, 2022
Wow, amazing facility and kind staff. They treated my 7 y/o Samoyed great, he got into some chocolate without my knowledge and was violently ill but OSAH was able to take him in and treat him. Also, he has been here for boarding and grooming, and it's the best experience i've yet to see in both areas. He did not get kennel cough or any weird behavior changes from boarding, and the groomer was actually knowledgeable on how to take care of a Samoyed's coat. Btw, the grooming here will make your dog smell fantastic and I am just addicted to that fresh scent!
Rachel B.
Mar 01, 2022
Everyone is so friendly and helpful. We brought our dog here for what turned out to be an end of life illness. Tons of support and care for us and our sweet pup. They later sent a card to check in on us and to inform they planted a tree in his name with the Arbor Day association. Care and concern not $$ are the focus.
David & Donna Born
Feb 07, 2022
This office is sooo professional and friendly. I just started going here leaving my baby for boarding for the first time.when you leave your pet here or see the dr you feel as if they love your pet as you do. They are wonderful. I have to travel to this office.it is not around the corner from my house but it is well worth it.! Paco loves them too!
Jamie W.
Jan 11, 2022
Great vet to take your pets. All the technicians and doctors are so sweet. Definitely, bring your pets here
Stan Orelove
Jan 05, 2022
These folks are the best! They can calm a skittish, out of sorts cat with ease. Friendly and personable, they carefully explain diagnosis and treatment plan, answering all questions in plain language until you fully understand the options. They inform you of costs and options before acting so you can make certain there are no unexpected charges. Clean and spacious facilities. 5 stars.
Pedro Gonzalez
Dec 20, 2021
Always! Nancy and me we are so happy with Orchid Animal Hospital! And my Little " LILY " too!
Gretchen Raulerson
Dec 17, 2021
Wonderful! My dog was a first timer. Everyone was so helpful and friendly. Very knowlegable. I am so glad I chose Orchid Springs as our new veterinarian.
Hillbilly Joe Merican
Sep 22, 2021
These people were Amazing with my Red, their knowledge and actual attention to the pet and the owner was uncomparable I suggest any of my 30000 followers take their pet here, you and your pet will be better for it
Tracy Brown
Sep 05, 2021
I would like to give out a big hallelujah to Marco, the behavioral specialist. He started working with my dog who is 4 1/2 yrs old and has fear aggression and hasn't been seen by a vet in 3 yrs. on June 6th. Today she was able to get her first shot in over 3 yrs! This man is amazing, honest and very patient! Ty so much for being here for my fur baby!
Alexander Keefer
Sep 03, 2021
Careing professional and quick but not rushed. Took my cat because he lost the ability to meow got meds and a shot he's talkative tonight fingers crossed its all he needs
Michelle Paiva
Sep 02, 2021
Dr. Vargas is amazing and the most trustworthy vet out there! Your baby is in good hands when you come here. I do wish the technicians were a little friendlier but Dr. Vargas and the girls at the front desk make up for that with their hospitality and warmth!
Dorothy Johnson
Aug 29, 2021
I had a emergency with my cat Daisy. Dr Vargas, Shay and Kristin took her in and treated her. She was very sick with pneumonia. Best care ever received from a vet. I can not thank them enough. Their compassion for animals is beyond anything I have ever seen. Thank You
Jessica Chappell
Jul 28, 2021
Oskar says Thank you for the love and compassion while having his surgery. Thank you for loving my pup!
Yeura S.
Jun 23, 2021
This is my baby boy's veterinarian! The customer service and care for my baby puppy is amazing! The office is clean, his care is always efficient and timely. We are patients for life!
Chrissy V.
May 12, 2021
I'm so glad to find a reliable vet clinic to take care of my pup. We've gotten our dog's vaccines up to date here and just had his cherry eye surgery here. It's easy to schedule and appointment and having an app available makes it convenient to contact the office. The entire staff, especially Dr. Farrar, tech Bryan, and Christine at the front desk have been very friendly, thorough and attentive each time we've come to visit.

Not only do they perform full veterinarian services, but they also offer obedience training and boarding. The clinic is clean and well stocked with pet supplies and food so you can get everything taken care of for your pet here!
M. D.
Apr 23, 2021
They're the best! This place is super clean and they love animals the do the best for them. My pitbull have an eye ulcer and Dr. Bell did a great Job Thank you Mitsie Vargas for everything!
John W.
Jan 25, 2021
Very over priced. Gave me a quote of $1,100 to $1,300 for cleaning my cats teeth. This bill included anesthesia between $300-400 with the actual cleaning at$165 with a lot of additional items. I checked other vets in the area and got a average price of less than $300.which includes the anesthesia. Best to always get a price quote.
Vjay L.
Jan 15, 2021
Chiropractic services aren't just for humans! One afternoon our normally very playful and energetic dog suddenly became extremely slow, and unlike himself. He suddenly had no interest in running and playing with his toys like he does all day every day or chasing us around the house, he simply wanted to lay on the couch. My wife went to pick him up to check on him and suddenly he yelped in pain and began to whimper.

We immediately knew something was wrong and took him to see his vet Dr. Vargas at Orchid Springs Animal Hospital in Winter Haven, FL. Dr Vargas ran blood work to rule out any strange internal issues and found he had nothing showing out of range. Next she performed X-Rays and discovered he had an issue in the center of his back with the vertebrae spacing being extremely narrow right where he was exhibiting pain and sensitivity.

Our fears were confirmed, he had injured his back. We know from past experiences this can be very painful for dogs and usually is only treated with harsh pain medications. Dr. Vargas offered us an amazing alternative instead of the traditional dangerous pain medications that can hurt the liver and kidneys with long term usage. Instead, she performed a chiropractic adjustment on our little boy!

We live an hour from the practice, and by the time we got home from the visit, we saw an AMAZING difference in him. He went from walking tilted and sideways whimpering, back to his old self and was ready to run off and dive into his toy box to play (which of course we stopped as he's still on rest per Dr's orders)! We couldn't believe the difference this one chiropractic session made. It's amazing to see there are alternatives to harsh drugs that TRULY work.

We highly recommend Dr Vargas and the Orchid Springs Animal Hospital for these services. We have seen firsthand that this type of treatment truly works miracles on our dog and is greatly increasing his quality of life without having to risk his health with heavy pain medication.
Greg R.
Apr 10, 2020
This was our first appointment to Orchid Springs, no doubt the last. We started with the Vet and the free health overview. Once the preliminary "free health review" was complete, the Vet's assistant told us that their policy insisted that we have the heart worm shots and the flea and tick treatment to the tune of about a $90+ per dog. Seriously?

We declined the two treatments for each dog. Then. the Vet visited with us, pressuring us to get the two treatments, then lied that heart worms were the worst in Florida. I called her on the lie, and she retracted the statement, explaining it was their policy. She then accepted our decline of the treatments and then pointedly said that the dogs were to be quarantined in the Preferred kennels.

So then, onto the Groomer, who was at least an hour late that morning, so the assistant groomer took our two dogs, with the written instructions from the prior groomer. $ hours later, the assistant groomer delivered the two dogs to us. She explained that she through away in the instructions and could only return her recollection of the instructions. Apparently, the assistant groomer didn't read the instructions.

I stated to my wife that if I had returned from the groomer with the poorest ever haircut on the labradoodle, she string me up. She certainly didn't disagree. Still looking for a competent groomer. Oh, BTW did I mention that the price for two dogs jumped from the quoted price of $95 to $146. I am sure there are several legal terms for this experience, but I'd prefer you make your own decisions.
Leah-Jean J.
Feb 04, 2020
Very over priced with hidden fees and unclear information from staff to staff. My animals have been in within the year yet bc it was a new doctor and/or over a year they needed an exam. But when asked they said it was bc they hadn't been in for 6 months.
William A.
Oct 15, 2019
This place is absolutely amazing. I brought my Service Animal (American Bulldog) suffering from a severe esr infection and a stroke. Dr Vargas knew right away what she needed to do and started acupuncture treatment. We are now 3.5 months post stroke and she can walk, run, eat and be the amazing Dog she was again all thanks to this amazing Animal Hospital and the people working here. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Jessica R.
Aug 28, 2019
After three years of believing Orchid Springs Animal Hospital was the best choice for my greyhound, I learned the hard truth this summer. In early June, Freida began showing signs of illness and on June 11 I took her in for an evaluation. Her temperature was 105 and after a few tests, injections and prescriptions we went home. We were back two days later because the medicine hadn't worked.

I feared cancer (common in senior greyhounds) and paid for an abdominal x-ray. X-ray was clear, she was given more meds and I was told she's just aging and no serious problems could be identified. A few weeks later Freida started limping. On June 9 we had another inconclusive x-ray and more meds. In mid-July her breathing became labored, she was coughing often and continued to be lethargic.

We took her into OSAH and after an exam, we were prescribed two meds. The very next day we were back. More tests, another x-ray, partial day hospitalization and more meds. On this day, July 24, the doctor concluded (after another THORACIC x-ray) that Freida had pneumonia. Freida never got better. After spending $2,200.00 in less than two months at Orchid Springs Animal Hospital, and watching my dog's health worsen every day, I went to another Vet in Winter Haven on August 6.

Within 90 minutes I saw an x-ray showing two masses in her lungs. Cancer was confirmed the next day. Orchid Springs let my dog suffer, making extra money on exams, x-rays (looking back, I was NEVER shown any of the x-rays so now I wonder if they were taken), tests and prescription medicines. I understand they couldn't have prevented the cancer, but they could have treated her humanely. I will never recommend this business and anyone reading this should look for an alternative veterinary clinic. RIP Freida.
Cheryl J.
Jul 06, 2019
This place is lovely and has staff who actually care! We bring all of our animal family here.
Randy Y.
Aug 09, 2018
Well I have learned my lesson. Go to Orchid Springs Animal Hospital for all your pets needs. Grooming, boarding, daycare, Vetrinarian care. They are very trustworthy and caring. They have it all.
Nicole H.
Nov 16, 2017
Update. Jayda was spayed today and the dr did amazing. She was in good hands. Thank you Dr Moisa and Dr Vargas and staff.
Stephen M.
Aug 07, 2017
*update* So after a couple days and time to reflect and relax, and hearing from the doctor I felt I should post a more relaxed review. We have been clients here for around 9 years now and have received good service from Dr. Vargas. One off day should not color my opinion of the overall service here. I continue to recommend her when anyone asks where to take their pet. So I apologize to Dr. Vargas and her staff for my rash comments and hope that we can move forward.
Carmen V.
Jul 26, 2017
Dr Vargas and the staff at her facility are so awesome and they are caring and very much a team working as one my baby Davinal was treated like there very own and Dr Vargas I have the utmost respect for you for all you do for our furry babies Thank you may God Bless you and your staff and thank you for your support with me while going through this surgery my Husband and I Love and respect you for all you do especially with our family members you rock.
Trashprince A.
Jul 19, 2017
By Far the best Vet in POLK County. Amazing staff, amazing facility. The doggy daycare and boarding is great. These people treat your little family members like family. Also very reasonable pricing. Dr. Moises ROCKS.
Whitney C.
May 20, 2016
Great staff and facility. You can tell they love what they do. The world suites luxury boarding is very impressive.
Patty T.
Jul 08, 2015
Very pleased with the newest staff member, Marco.they are lucky to have him there. Dr. Hood has also been exceptional in treating our kitty and puppy. Most technicians are very helpful and knowledgeable, but it is apparent that a couple of them need more training--- I would think that working in an animal hospital you would know how to put a dog's leash on and be able to communicate what and how your puppy did on the first day of doggie daycare. All and all very satisfied with the doctors and the treatment of the animals.