University of Florida Veterinary College Graduate Receives Distinguished Alumnus Award

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Richard Kane, D.V.M., a 1984 graduate of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, has received the UF Distinguished Alumnus Award in recognition of his accomplishments and service.

Kane is the founder and chief of staff of Care Animal Hospital and is co-founder of Surgi-Care Center for Horses in Brandon, Florida. His community involvement includes serving on the board of directors of the Humane Foundation for Animals, as a past president of the Hillsborough County Veterinary Medical Society and as chairman of the Board of County Commissioners’ animal advisory committee. He is active with the Brandon Chamber of Commerce and business community and has been recognized with awards from several organizations in his community over the years.

He has been featured numerous times in local and national media for his accomplishments in veterinary medicine and for his charitable work. Kane’s practice also cares for many of his county sheriff’s office K9s.

An honors graduate of the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, Kane has served on its admissions committee and its alumni council. He also is a lifetime member of the Dean’s Circle of Excellence, a group of elite college supporters. He received the college’s Alumni Achievement Award in 2004 and is a 14-year Bull Gator at UF.

Kane and his wife, Cheri, founded True-Pet Wellness Program, which offers plans to advance pet health wellness care through client and patient management. Kane’s daughter, Stephanie Kane Suiter, D.V.M, is a 2012 graduate of the UF College of Veterinary Medicine and practices alongside her father at Care Animal Hospital.

The award was presented December 17 during UF’s commencement ceremony.