Courtney Lester, Veterinary Assistant  
Certified Fear Free Pet Professional

Courtney joined Animal Wellness Center in December of 2019 after just moving to the area from Georgia. Courtney has a Pharmacy Tech Certification and is a loving Pet mom to one cat (Bat) and one dog (Bear). 

Certified Practice Manager, Vacant


Associate Veterinarian, Vacant


Associate Veterinarian, Vacant


Associate Veterinarian, Vacant


Veterinary Technician, Vacant


Veterinary Technician, Vacant


Veterinary Technician, Vacant

 

Veterinary Nurse, Vacant​​

A friendly greeting

We want you to feel at home in our spacious waiting area.

 

Genuine concern

Every one of us is a pet-owner. We will treat your pets like they are our own.

 

Professional service

Our highly trained staff will provide the expert care your family deserves.

Lauren Compton, Assistant

Lauren is one of our seasonal assistants who joined our team in 2021. She is currently enrolled at LMU's College of Veterinary Medicine. She will make a great veterinarian!


Shalyn Hamilton, Veterinary Student 

Shalyn has worked as a seasonal assistant for the past 3 years, and plans to continue her contribution during her eduction  She is a natural and genuine lover of all walks of life. Shalyn is currently enrolled at Auburn University-Veterinary College! She is going to make a great Veterinarian!!

Dr. Dustin Anderson, DVM 
Certified Fear Free Pet Professional

Dr. Anderson is native to Pike County, Kentucky. He graduated from EKU where he earned science degrees of Chemistry & Agriculture. Additionally, he earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Auburn University in 2010. After veterinary school he remained a resident of Alabama and practiced as an associate veterinarian on both large & small animals. He and his wife decided to move to Kentucky in 2011.  Since relocating, he has practiced as a small animal veterinarian and was proud to open Animal Wellness Center in 2014. He enjoys camping, hiking, gardening, and reading. Dr. Anderson along with his wife, love their cat Napoleon. 

Dr Haley VanHoose,  DVM 
Certified Fear Free Pet Professional

Dr VanHoose holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine  from the Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine. She is a graduate of the class of 2020. from Lincoln Memorial University after finishing a bachelor’s degree at Morehead State University in 2016. She has five furry family members of her own which include: a 4-year-old German Shepherd, a 14-year-old Maltese/Yorkie mix, and three cats ages 10 years, 6 years and 9 months. Her passion is small animal, as well as, reptile and pocket pet medicine.

What to Expect

Vision Statement: To be the leader in providing family-centric care for the entire lifespan of all patients. Strive to make clients our partners in the patient's health through education and inspiration. Supporting a community and culture that promotes progressive animal healthcare, while also promoting health & mental well-being for patients, clients and staff. 

Quality Care-Preventative Care-Professional Care-Empowering care

PT Clinic Assistant, Lona Anderson 
Lona assisted in the genesis and opening of Animal Wellness Center in 2014. Assists Dr. Anderson the clinic functions and procurement outside of business hours. 


Samantha Smith, Veterinary Assistant
Certified Fear Free Pet Professional

Sam joined the Animal Wellness Center team in April of 2019.  Sam graduated from Belfry High School in 2016 and attended nursing school directly after graduation. Sam is a Certified Nursing Assistant but realized shortly after leaving nursing school that her true passion lies in veterinary medicine. She is the proud fur mom to three dogs, Sally, Buster, and Wren, and three cats, Opie, Minerva, and Stiorra. She enjoys gardening, hiking, and spending time with her fur babies.


Bailey Barbito, Veterinary Assistant  
Certified Fear Free Pet Professional

Bailey joined the Animal Wellness Center team in April of 2023. She holds a Bachelor’s of Arts in Anthropology and a certificate in Applied Data Science. Bailey has always been an animal lover but she never planned to go into veterinary medicine. Now, she loves learning about why we do what we do and how it helps ensure the health of the patients in our care! Bailey is the mom to three fur babies Tiger, Tempe, and Rogue! 

Samantha Epling, Veterinary Assistant​  
Certified Fear Free Pet Professional

Samantha joined the team in 2017. Samantha holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of Kentucky and a Juris Doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law. She is currently pursuing an associate degree in Veterinary Technology from Penn Foster and is a Fear Free Certified Professional. She is a proud fur mom to four cats (Arya, Thulhu, Eggo, and Viago) and one dog, Ginsberg. She enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time with her daughter.

Meet the Team

Animal Wellness CenterQu

Quality Care Preventative Care Professional Care Empowering Care

A Word About

Animal Wellness Center

     Quality Care -Preventative Care - Professional Care -Empowering Care

Tomie Allen, Assistant

Tomie is one of our seasonal assistants who joined our team in 2022. She has a dog (Mr Sox), a Guinea pig (Todd), and cats (Spook, Patches, Leo, and Bella). "I love animals and have always dreamed of working with them. I am always the car that stops when a turtle or injured animal is in the road. ". Tommy is enrolled at University of Pikeville, pursuing a nursing degree.