Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Veterinary Care in Athens, Georgia
Companion Animal Hospital was founded in 1971 with a commitment to providing compassionate and comprehensive veterinary care. Owned by Denise Weaver and Troy Pickerel since 1999, our practice combines decades of experience with a family-centered approach to pet health. Our team of skilled veterinarians and staff prioritize personalized care, utilizing advanced medical technologies and techniques to ensure the well-being of your pets. We offer a wide range of services, from routine wellness exams to specialized surgical and dental procedures, tailored to meet the unique needs of each animal. Our dedication to continuous learning and community engagement reflects our mission to be a trusted partner in your pet's health journey.With a focus on preventive care and client education, we strive to empower pet owners with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions. Our facility is equipped to handle both small and large animals, ensuring accessibility for diverse client needs. The strong family values of our owners extend to our practice, creating a welcoming environment where every pet is treated like part of our own family. We are proud to serve the Athens, Georgia community and surrounding areas, building lasting relationships through exceptional service and unwavering dedication to animal welfare.
Services
Preventive Medicine
Surgery
Dentistry
Large Animal Care
Bathing Services
Vaccinations
Diagnostic Imaging
Emergency Referrals
Pet Boarding
Nutritional Counseling
Details
- Year established: 1971
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of experience serving Athens pet owners
- Our team includes specialists in surgery, dentistry, and large animal care
- We offer 24/7 emergency referral services through local clinics
- Our facility combines advanced medical technology with personalized attention
- Family-owned practice prioritizing community pet health education
What people say
Saved my kitty's life
Successful saddle thrombus treatment
Compassionate emergency care
Expert diabetes management
Dedicated follow-up support
Services
Bath Service
Our professional bathing service includes deodorizing shampoo, ear cleaning, nail clipping, and anal gland expression. Available by appointment for dogs and cats, with pricing based on pet size. Our experienced groomers ensure a stress-free experience while maintaining your pet's hygiene and comfort.
Surgery
We perform spay/neuter procedures and advanced orthopedic surgeries like knee and hip repairs. Our surgical suite features state-of-the-art monitoring equipment and certified technicians. Pre-surgical bloodwork and post-op pain management ensure optimal patient safety and recovery outcomes for pets of all ages.
Dentistry
Comprehensive dental services include cleanings, extractions, and periodontal disease treatment. Our dental suite addresses both routine and complex oral health issues. Regular dental exams help prevent systemic health problems associated with poor oral hygiene in pets.
Large Animal Care
Dr. Troy Pickerel provides on-farm care for equine and bovine patients. Our services include embryo transfer, pregnancy diagnostics, and mobile treatment options. Fully equipped veterinary truck with ultrasound capabilities ensures quality care for large animals at their place of residence.
Preventive Medicine
Customized vaccination programs and annual health exams prevent disease transmission. We offer heartworm prevention, flea control, and nutritional counseling. Senior wellness exams with bloodwork help detect age-related conditions early for proactive treatment planning.
People
Dr. Troy Pickerel
Veterinarian
Graduated from UGA in 1995 with veterinary medicine degree. Specializes in reproduction, embryo transfer, and orthopedic surgery. Owns Country Health Large Animal Vet Services since 1995. Committed to advancing veterinary care through continuous education.
Dr. Denise Weaver
Veterinarian
UGA Veterinary School graduate since 1994. Focuses on small animal care and community pet health. Actively involved in local animal welfare initiatives. Balances practice leadership with family life while mentoring veterinary students.
Dr. Melissa Navarro Torres
Veterinarian
Ross University graduate from 2015. Fluent in English and Spanish with Portuguese studies. Passionate about exotic pet care and international veterinary medicine. Brings multicultural perspective to patient treatment approaches.
Dr. Lindsey Daniel
Veterinarian
UGA-trained specialist in ophthalmology and dentistry. Active in local sports communities while maintaining clinical expertise. Focuses on surgical innovations and client education about pet eye health and dental care.
Ginger
Registered Veterinary Technician
Certified technician since 2008 with Athens Technical College degree. Serves on veterinary technician program advisory board. Manages complex patient cases while mentoring junior staff in clinical best practices.
Questions
What vaccines does my puppy/kitten need?
Puppies need distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus vaccines starting at 6-8 weeks. Kittens require FDRCP and rabies vaccines. Additional vaccines depend on lifestyle factors.
How often should my pet have dental cleanings?
Annual dental exams are recommended. Frequency of cleanings varies by breed size and oral health, with small dogs typically needing more frequent procedures than larger breeds.
Do you treat large animals?
Yes, Dr. Pickerel provides on-farm care for equine and bovine patients, including embryo transfer services and mobile diagnostic capabilities through our fully equipped veterinary truck.
What are your emergency services?
We refer emergency cases to local 24/7 clinics but provide immediate care during regular hours. For after-hours emergencies, we recommend contacting the Animal Emergency Clinic in Athens.
How can I prevent heartworm disease?
Year-round preventive medication is recommended for all pets. Dogs over 6 months require testing before starting prevention. Regular blood tests ensure ongoing protection against this serious condition.
Do you offer pet boarding?
Yes, we provide boarding services for dogs and cats. Our facility maintains strict health protocols to ensure the safety and comfort of all boarded pets during their stay.
