Meet Our Vets
Proudly serving the Athens community with compassionate veterinary care, trusted relationships, and a commitment to keeping every pet healthy and happy.
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Meets Our Vets
Our Vets
Meet Our Compassionate Veterinarians
Our experienced veterinarians are committed to providing exceptional, personalized care for every pet. With compassion, expertise, and a genuine love for animals, they’re here to support your pet’s health at every stage of life.
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Dr. Jennifer Peterson is a dedicated veterinarian, mentor, and community leader with a heart for service—both locally and globally. A 2009 graduate of the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, she began her career in both large- and small-animal practice before purchasing Firehall 4 Animal Hospital in 2016. Today, as co-owner, she leads a team known for providing gold-standard medicine with a holistic approach to wellness and preventive care. Dr. Peterson is passionate about mentoring young adults and regularly visits local public schools to inspire students and teach them about veterinary medicine, animal welfare, and responsible pet care. Her faith plays a central role in her life; she serves actively at Athens Church and has participated in mission trips to Belize and Nigeria, combining veterinary care with spiritual outreach. In 2025, she began pursuing a Master’s in Ministry and Leadership at Western Seminary to more deeply integrate her faith, veterinary work, and mentoring. Jennifer has been happily married for 25 years and is the proud mother of two children—and many furry ones.
Dr. Jennifer Peterson
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Dr. Kelly Laas graduated first in her class from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine and is passionate about providing compassionate, high-quality veterinary care. She values the special bond between pets and their families and is dedicated to building lasting relationships with the community. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, reading, and caring for her animals.
Dr. Kelly Laas
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Dr. Kelley Glikin VandenBerg is a University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine graduate with a passion for both small animal and exotic animal care. She enjoys caring for a wide variety of species and is dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized veterinary care to every patient.
Dr. Kelley Glikin VandenBerg
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Dr. Shannon Jones is a University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine graduate with a passion for compassionate small animal care. She enjoys building lasting relationships with pets and their families while helping every patient live a healthy, happy life.
Dr. Shannon Jones
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Dr. Molly Hughes graduated from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 2020 and is passionate about educating pet owners while strengthening the bond between pets and their families. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, running, reading, and baking.
Dr. Molly Hughes
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Dr. Ashley Noellert is a graduate of the NC State School of Veterinary Medicine with a passion for internal medicine and small ruminant care. She is dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality veterinary care and enjoys spending her free time exploring the outdoors.
Dr. Ashley Noellert
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Dr. Heather Falany is a University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine graduate with a special interest in internal medicine and animal behavior. She is passionate about providing compassionate, personalized care while helping pets live healthier, happier lives.
Dr. Heather Falany
Natalia Olson
Breeder
Natalia Olson
Breeder
Caring for Those Who Serve Our Community
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Ozone Media18 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Friendly and professional. Recommended.Posted on Google![]()
Suzanne Riffel OD74 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
The staff here is friendly, efficient, and knowledgeable. Highly recommend!Posted on Google![]()
Lindsey Lumsdaine79 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Firehall is the best vet I’ve been to, especially for exotic pets. They took great care of my very sick hamster, Hammy. Unfortunately, Hammy did eventually have to be put down as when I got her, she was already incredibly sick. Nevertheless Firehall was super compassionate and caring, and even sent me a letter in the mail afterwards, offering their condolences.Posted on Google![]()
Ginavz102 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
They saw my kitten right away because she wasn't eating. It was my first time calling them and they treated her so nicely. We were sent home with food and medicine, and the next day my girl was back to normal. Thank you!Posted on Google![]()
Greg Harmelink146 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I had a great experience here when I wasn't able to see my current vet. They were professional and quick and great with my pet.Posted on Google![]()
Austin154 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
The staff are extremely caring and always treat everyone with exceptional care. Highly recommend!Posted on Google![]()
howard diamond157 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Harley(Mccaw) and Lucy (English Bulldog) were treated like royalty, and they insisted I give 5 stars.Posted on Google![]()
Shannon Pasztor173 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I cannot say enough good things about Firehall 4! I have a dog that has allergies and deals with recurrent ear infections and they always are so sweet and caring when I bring him in. They even do house calls for my two great pyreenes that don't like to leave the house! They are by far the best vet practice we have used!!Posted on Google![]()
Lydia Murray176 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
This is long overdue as I’ve been going here for years. Firehall is my favorite general practice clinic by far- all of their staff is compassionate and kind, and we love the doctors. My dogs’ regular vet is Dr. Hughes who is literally amazing and every appointment feels like I’m talking to a friend (Grimm and Tuxedo say hi!) but all of the vets here are awesome. As a fellow veterinary professional, I’m super picky about the care my dogs receive, but I deeply trust Firehall. We’ll always come here!!! Thank you all for always being awesome :)+1Posted on Google![]()
Autumn Tobin204 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Dr. Vandenberg and Amelia provided excellent care when it was time for my senior cat to cross over. Throughout the process their compassion and kindness for both Kitty and her humans made it bearable. Since I brought the cat home, they have improved my cat’s quality of life until the end and educated me on how I can provide her care.+0Posted on Google![]()
Bill Hammock210 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Outstanding service and care!!!!Posted on Google![]()
Courtney Osterhage213 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
This review is long overdue. I’m terrible about writing reviews but I know they were so helpful when I was searching for a vet for our very anxious dog. We have been bringing our dog Norman here since we moved to Athens in 2022, and I truly cannot say enough good things about this practice. Norman is highly reactive and anxious, which can make vet visits stressful, but every single doctor and every person at the front desk has consistently gone above and beyond to make him (and us) feel safe and supported. The level of compassion and patience they show is rare. They never rush him, they respect his boundaries, and they treat him like he’s their own. It makes such a difference when you have a sensitive dog. There have been multiple moments that really stand out — when we were out of town and needed a prescription sent urgently, they literally offered to go to UPS themselves to make sure we got it in time. That kind of care is not normal. It’s extraordinary. And when we had a death in the family, they sent us a beautiful peace lily. It was such a thoughtful, unexpected gesture during a very hard time. It reminded us that they don’t just care about our dog — they care about our family. Norman also boarded with them in them when it was an option, and we always felt completely comfortable knowing he was in loving, capable hands. If you’re looking for a veterinary team that leads with both skill and genuine heart, this is the place. We are so grateful for every single person there.Posted on Google![]()
Anne Barthel218 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We had Dr. VandenBerg and Amanda today and it was such an amazing visit. My dog is pretty scared of the vet and getting blood draws but both were such professionals and went so slow with her. I was so impressed with their fear free handling and can’t wait to come back with my cat and dog in the future! Would highly recommend, especially if you have a sensitive pupper like me!Posted on Google![]()
Michelle Whitehead247 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Very friendly atmosphere, they take their time. Work and treat them as their own. They don't push anything on you.Posted on Google![]()
Nakita Lewis256 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
What can we say about Dr Molly Hughes. Let's start with her embrace, she is so kind and patient with my family. I'm a person with questions and she's always willing to provide answers. I've been bringing Ace for a few years now and the ladies upfront are so kind to us every single time. When you have to take your love ones to the doctor it's always scary. But somehow they seem to make it an easy. My baby, they know him by Ace Jones Lewis and we know him as Ace BADASS Jones... Lol. Anywho we Love y'all thank you for always putting Ace first❤️🙏🏿