Our Team

Justin

Practice Manager / Operations Manager

As a Practice Manager at Animal Hospital of Whitfield County, Justin is responsible for overseeing and optimizing the daily operations of a busy and reputable veterinary clinic. Justin has more than twelve years of experience in managing and supervising teams of paraprofessionals, ensuring exceptional client service, and facilitating effective communication between associates, clients, and field leadership.

Justin has a Diploma in Veterinary Assistant from Penn Foster and a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration: Organizational Management from Bryan College, as well as an Associate’s Degree in Business Technology from Georgia North Western. Justin is skilled in auditing, business analysis, data analysis, reimbursement, document drafting, and healthcare management. His mission is to provide the best possible care and support for the pets and their owners, while also enhancing the efficiency and profitability of the hospital. He is passionate about animal welfare, preventive care, and continuous improvement.

Dr. Jeff Richmond

Owner / Veterinarian

Dr. Richmond has been taking care of animals in Whitfield County for over 20 years. He has owned the clinic now for over 15 years.

“I was introduced to the profession of veterinary medicine at a young age. Growing up in a rural area of southern West Virginia, my grandfather owned and operated a small gentlemen’s farm in which he raised cattle and housed my childhood pony. I would visit with him a couple of times a month and stay with him on occasion during the summer. He would take me to the stock sales sometimes when I was there. As I got a little older, my grandfather and I would discuss my plans to become a veterinarian. Although he felt I might do something less “physically dirty,” he was extremely supportive of my career choice. We had many occasions to discuss my career choice. Unfortunately, he passed during my sophomore year of veterinary school and never got the opportunity to see me fulfill my dream.

As a high school student, I got the opportunity to work for one of our local veterinarians. First, I started as a kennel worker; then, I did some work as a receptionist, a veterinary assistant, and some light grooming. I was allowed to travel and assist the veterinarians in practice with house and farm calls; I was hooked for life. Through this job, I was able to learn the profession from the inside out. I was also able to work on the practice owner’s farm, which housed cattle, sheep, chickens, and turkeys. My jobs on the farm were vast, to say the least. I had the opportunity to do and learn a great deal. Since that time, I have worked to achieve a career in veterinary medicine.

From studying Biology and Chemistry in college to being accepted to the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine’s class of 1995, I have dedicated my life to becoming the best veterinarian I could be. I graduated from the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine in 1995 and began my career with the Oak Hill Animal Hospital in West Virginia, practicing with a good friend and colleague. Several months into my career, I met a young woman who would eventually become my wife. During this time, she introduced me to the owners of the Animal Hospital of Whitfield County. In the summer of 1996, I was hired as an associate veterinarian and have practiced here since. I was fortunate to have excellent mentors and soon became a minority partner in the practice. In February of 2007, my wife and I became the sole owners of the practice, continuing my career here today. My goal of becoming a veterinarian has long since been achieved. However, I still strive to do the best job I can, using my strong background and upbringing as a basis for my practice. I am appreciative of my job and career daily as well as those that make my career possible.

​​​​​​​We at the Animal Hospital have a strong, dedicated staff and a great clientele. Working together, we can provide quality veterinary care to our community.”

Dr. Megan Preston

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Megan Preston is a local Murray County Highschool graduate. She earned her Bachelor of Biology degree at Dalton State College and Graduated from Lincoln Memorial College of Veterinary Medicine in 2021.

Like most in the veterinary field, doctors pursue veterinary medicine because of their love for animals. It was later that Dr. Preston would come to realize her true passion; the power of the human-animal bond and the compassion she has for the owners of the animals she treats.

Dr. Preston strives to take care of each patient as if they were her own pet and treats each client like she would want to be treated. She loves educating owners and strives to create a fear-free environment where owners can be open and honest without fear of judgment or intimidation. Owners are not expected to know everything about “fluffy’s” health and well-being – Dr. Preston feels that it is part of her job to educate the client on the best ways to care for their animal!

Dr. Preston’s professional interests include dermatology, surgery, ultrasonography, and exotic animals. She is willing to take on just about anything. If it can fit through the door of the hospital, or even the parking lot, she will be more than happy to see it.

When she not hanging out with her client’s furry/feathery/scaley family members, you can find her outdoors kayaking, fishing, and gardening. She is a self-proclaimed crazy schnauzer lady and the proud mom of a miniature schnauzer named June.

Courtney​​​​​​​

Brian

Gudi

Kaitlyn

Karrie

Lead Client Service Representative

Heidi

Client Services Representative

Madison

Client Service Representative

Ashleigh

Animal Care Giver Supervisor​​​​​​​

Courtney

Animal Care Giver Lead​​​​​​​

Kyra

Animal Care Giver/CSR​​​​​​​

Lillee

Animal Care Giver​​​​​​​