Our Story
River Road Animal Hospital began at the end of 2006 - not as a polished expansion plan, but as an opportunity to serve a community that needed consistent, high-quality veterinary care.
The practice had been opened just ten months earlier by another veterinarian who ultimately chose a different path. When the opportunity to purchase the clinic arose, we took a leap of faith. At the time, the hospital consisted of one veterinarian, one staff member, and a lot of potential.
For the first several years, River Road Animal Hospital was a solo doctor practice, built day by day through long hours, word of mouth, and a commitment to doing right by pets and their people. As the community grew and needs expanded, so did we - first adding a part-time doctor, then steadily building into the multi-doctor hospital we are today.
Today, more than a decade later, River Road Animal Hospital is home to three full-time veterinarians and a dedicated team of approximately fifteen staff members. Together, we provide thoughtful, progressive care in a beautiful but geographically spread-out coastal community.
Who We Are
River Road Animal Hospital is proudly independent, woman-owned, and veteran-owned. We believe diversity strengthens teams, perspectives, and care. We strive to create a welcoming environment for clients and staff from all backgrounds, and we value curiosity, respect, and lifelong learning.
Get to know us what makes our hospital different.
Growing With Our Community
Because specialty veterinary care can be difficult to access in our area, we’ve made a deliberate choice to expand what we offer in-house whenever possible. Our goal has always been to close gaps in care - so pets can receive advanced diagnostics, treatment, and ongoing management without unnecessary travel or disruption.
We are deeply committed to continuing education - not only for our doctors and team, but for our clients as well. We believe informed pet owners are empowered partners in care, and education is central to better outcomes. Explore our advanced services or ask us how we help pet owners stay informed and involved in their pet’s care.
Looking Ahead
River Road Animal Hospital is currently building a new facility following two devastating floods - Hurricane Florence in 2018 and PTC 8 in 2024. Rather than scaling back, we chose to reinvest in our community and build for the future. Our new hospital will be more than twice the size of our current space, expanding from three to nine exam rooms. This growth will allow us to provide more timely care, reduce wait times, and better serve the needs of our growing coastal community.
The new facility is designed with the future in mind, creating space for rehabilitation and physical therapy services and, eventually, advanced CT imaging - bringing even more specialty-level care closer to home.
Preventive Care for Pets You Love - Because They Deserve a Lifetime of Health
Progressive Veterinary Care, Longer Visits, and Local Advanced Services in Southport, NC
Community Matters Here
Being part of this community means more to us than providing medical care. We believe in showing up, giving back, and supporting the people and organizations that make this area special.
Over the years, we’ve been proud to support and participate in the local Chamber of Commerce, the North Carolina 4th of July Festival, beach clean-up efforts, Oak Island Loggerheads conservation, our local NPR station, and many other local organizations and causes.
See how we stay connected to our community, or ask us about local partnerships we support.
Why Independent Matters to Us
Being independent allows us to make decisions based on what’s best for pets and families - not corporate policies or quotas.
It means the freedom to practice medicine thoughtfully and ethically, the ability to invest in advanced care and continuing education, long term relationships with clients who know and trust us, and a hospital culture shaped by values rather than spreadsheets.
Independence allows us to stay curious, adaptable, and deeply connected to our community - while always putting patient care first.
Why This Matters
Rebuilding isn’t just about space - it’s about access.
By investing in a larger, more resilient hospital, we’re ensuring faster, more efficient care for pets, expanded services without long-distance travel, a facility built to withstand the realities of coastal living, and a long-term commitment to the community we serve.
This is our home, and we’re here for the long run.
Whether you’re a long-time client or new to our hospital, we invite you to be part of our story. Contact us today to schedule a visit or learn more about how we care for pets and the community we love.