About Firehall 4
Firehall 4 Animal Hospital has been proud to care for the pets and people of Athens for over 20 years. From our historic beginnings to the relationships we build with families today, we’re here to provide thoughtful, personalized veterinary care through every stage of your pet’s life.
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About Us
Our Story
For our community
Each morning, we walk through doors that remind us of our city’s history. Athens Fire Station 4 opened on January 6, 1965, staffed by eight firefighters working two shifts with a 1953 GMC fire engine. As fire trucks grew larger, they eventually outgrew the historic firehall, and a new station was built just down the street in 2003.
One year later, in 2004, Firehall 4 Animal Hospital opened its doors inside the original station. We kept the Firehall 4 name because we love the sense of trust and community it carries, and we’re proud to care for Athens in the spirit of the heroes who protected it more than six decades ago.
Compassion
Treating every pet with kindness, patience, and the same care we’d want for our own.
Respect
Listening to pet owners, understanding their concerns, and building lasting relationships based on trust.
Integrity
Providing honest guidance and thoughtful care focused on what’s best for each pet and their family.
Wellness
Supporting lifelong health through personalized care that helps pets live happy, healthy lives.
Local Business
Locally Owned by Our Veterinarians
Firehall 4 is owned and led by two veterinarians, Dr. Jennifer Peterson and Dr. Kelly Laas. Both graduated from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 2009, and after several years in practice they set out to own a hospital where they could offer a different kind of care: quality medicine, gold standard care for every patient, and genuine compassion for pets and their people.
Dr. Jennifer Peterson, Co-Owner
Dr. Peterson began her career in both large and small animal practice before purchasing Firehall 4 in 2016. She leads our team with a focus on preventive care and a holistic approach to wellness, and she loves mentoring pre-veterinary and veterinary students.
Dr. Kelly Laas, Co-Owner
Dr. Laas graduated first in her class from the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine. She sees veterinary medicine as a wonderful blend of science, animal contact, and community relationships, and she feels blessed to support the bond between people and their pets every day.
AAHA Accredited
Veterinary Excellence
The American Animal Hospital Association evaluated Firehall 4 Animal Hospital on approximately 900 standards of veterinary excellence in order for us to become accredited. AAHA-accredited hospitals are recognized among the finest in the industry, and are consistently at the forefront of advanced veterinary medicine. Our standards address patient care and pain management, surgery, pharmacy, laboratory, exam facilities, medical records, cleanliness, emergency services, dental care, diagnostic imaging, anesthesiology, and continuing education.
The Heart of Firehall 4
Meet Our Caring Team
Behind every healthy pet is a team that truly cares. Our experienced veterinarians, technicians, and support staff are passionate about providing compassionate, personalized care for every pet who walks through our doors. We believe in building lifelong relationships with pets and their families by taking the time to listen, answer your questions, and understand your concerns. Whether your pet is visiting for a routine wellness exam, preventive care, or advanced treatment, our team is committed to creating a welcoming environment where you and your pet feel comfortable, supported, and cared for. Together, we strive to deliver exceptional veterinary care that helps pets live longer, healthier, and happier lives.
Our Mission
Compassionate care. Trusted medicine. Lifelong Wellness for your pet.
Our mission is to provide exceptional, compassionate veterinary care grounded in high- quality, evidence-based medicine. We are committed to integrity, clear communication, and treating every patient as if they were our own as we partner with pet owners to support lifelong health and well-being for their best friends.
Our Community
Rooted in Our Community
At Firehall 4 Animal Hospital, caring for our community goes far beyond our hospital walls. As a locally owned veterinary practice, we believe in giving back to the people, pets, and organizations that make Athens such a special place to call home.
Over the years, we have been proud to support a variety of local organizations and initiatives, including Starry, Starry Night, Athens Pets, Athens-Clarke County Animal Services, the Athens-Clarke County Sheriff’s Office, and local public schools. Whether supporting community programs, animal welfare efforts, or educational opportunities, our goal is to use our resources and expertise to make a meaningful difference in the community we serve.
We are also passionate about investing in the future of veterinary medicine. Our doctors participate in University of Georgia mentorship programs, and Firehall 4 regularly welcomes veterinary students into our hospital for externships, giving them the opportunity to experience real-world veterinary medicine alongside our team. We have also had the privilege of speaking with veterinary students at the University of Georgia about practice management, leadership, and veterinary practice ownership.
For us, community involvement is more than something we do—it is part of who we are. We are grateful for the trust Athens has placed in Firehall 4, and we believe one of the best ways to show our gratitude is to continue serving, teaching, mentoring, and giving back.
Your Pet's Health Starts Here
As a locally owned, non-corporate veterinary hospital, we are committed to building lasting relationships with our community and providing personalized care for every pet.