About Firehall 4

For our community.

Each morning, we walk through doors that remind us of the history of our city and the legacy that endures in our service. We’ve kept the Firehall 4 name for our clinic because we love the sense of trust and community that it brings. We’re proud to continue to serve our area with the spirit of the heroes who protected Athens five decades ago.

Fire Station 4 opened on January 6th of 1965. The station was run by eight men who operated in two shifts and utilized a 1953 GMC Fire Engine. However, with new technology came new fire trucks, which became a bit too large for the historic firehall! A new fire station was erected in 2003, just down the street from our beloved Fire Station 4. Just one year later, Firehall 4 Animal Hospital was established by Dr. Karen Middendorf, and began its new role in looking after the pets of Athens. The goal in opening the clinic was to provide the people of Athens with caring, compassionate service for them and their pets.

Since its inception, the team has undergone changes in leadership and is run by two veterinarians, Dr. Jennifer Peterson and Dr. Kelly Laas. Caring for animals is our passion, and we strive everyday to improve the life and health of the pets in Athens so they can bring joy to the people of Athens.

For our community.

Each morning, we walk through doors that remind us of the history of our city and the legacy that endures in our service. We’ve kept the Firehall 4 name for our clinic because we love the sense of trust and community that it brings. We’re proud to continue to serve our area with the spirit of the heroes who protected Athens five decades ago.

Fire Station 4 opened on January 6th of 1965. The station was run by eight men who operated in two shifts and utilized a 1953 GMC Fire Engine. However, with new technology came new fire trucks, which became a bit too large for the historic firehall! A new fire station was erected in 2003, just down the street from our beloved Fire Station 4. Just one year later, Firehall 4 Animal Hospital was established by Dr. Karen Middendorf, and began its new role in looking after the pets of Athens. The goal in opening the clinic was to provide the people of Athens with caring, compassionate service for them and their pets.

Since its inception, the team has undergone changes in leadership and is run by two veterinarians, Dr. Jennifer Peterson and Dr. Kelly Laas. Caring for animals is our passion, and we strive everyday to improve the life and health of the pets in Athens so they can bring joy to the people of Athens.

Meet our Veterinarians

Meet our Veterinarians

Dr. Jennifer Peterson

After growing up just outside of Atlanta, Dr. Jennifer Peterson moved to Athens to begin her journey towards becoming a veterinarian. Dr. Peterson dreamed of being a veterinarian since she was a child and in May of 2009 she saw that dream become a reality when she graduated from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. She considers what she does an incredible blessing and she strives each and every day to give the utmost best to the pets and people around her. Dr. Peterson is actively involved in her church ministry and visits local elementary schools to teach children about animal health. She is also involved with several local charities and fundraising groups around Athens. When she isn’t helping in the community, she enjoys cooking, gardening, and spending time outside with her three cats, dog, and horse. She also loves spending time with her family and friends, and cheering on the Georgia Bulldawgs! Occasionally you might catch her husband, six-year-old daughter, or nine-year-old son helping out around the clinic, so be sure to say hello!

Dr. Kelly Laas

Kelly Laas (McCarty) originally dreamed of being the next James Herriot – both an author and a veterinarian. She received her bachelors degree in journalism but found that her true passion was with veterinary medicine and returned to school to pursue that calling. Dr. Laas went on to graduate first in her class from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. She feels that veterinary medicine is a wonderful blend of science, animal contact, and community relationships. Dr. Laas recognizes the importance of the bond between people and their pets and feels very blessed to be able to work in this profession.

Dr. Laas lives in Watkinsville with her husband and three children, Lillian, Olivia, and Cade, as well as a crazy young dog named Sven, two donkeys and a whole herd of sheep and chickens. When she is not working or running after toddlers, Dr. Laas enjoys cooking, gardening, reading, and outdoor activities.

Dr. Kelley Glikin VandenBerg

Dr. Kelley Glikin VandenBerg was raised in Athens, Georgia. She attended the University of Georgia where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Avian Biology before receiving her Veterinary Degree from the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine. In addition to small animal medicine, Dr. VandenBerg brings a special interest in exotic animal medicine and sees a variety of animal species including birds, ferrets, guinea pigs, bearded dragons, snakes, and rabbits. She has received additional experience in this field through volunteering for zoo programs and participating in field research. Dr. VandenBerg shares her life with her cat, Potato, and husband, Brin. In her spare time, Dr. VandenBerg enjoys working on home improvement projects, taking Potato for walks, and cooking large meals for her friends and family.

Dr. Shannon Jones

Dr. Shannon Jones was born and raised in Alpharetta, GA.  Even at a young age, Shannon had a passion to become a veterinarian. She pursued this dream in Athens where she attended the University of Georgia for both a Bachelor’s in Animal Science Degree and a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine Degree.  Following graduation, she practiced equine medicine for 2 years before returning to Athens to practice small animal medicine. Shannon enjoys the variety of cases seen in small animal general practice, and the opportunity it allows to develop relationships with patients and their owners. Shannon lives on a small farm in Madison, Georgia with her husband Drew, their children Luke and Lucy, as well as dogs, cats, and horses. When she is not working, Shannon enjoys cheering on the Dawgs, riding horses, hiking, and being involved with their church in Madison.

Dr. Molly Hughes
Dr. Molly Hughes graduated from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 2020. One of her favorite parts of her job is educating owners about their pet’s care, and strengthening the bond between pets and their families. She lives with her husband Todd and their three dogs, Eli, Pepper, & Ronan. In her spare time, she loves to run, read and bake.
Dr. Ashley Noellert

A DC native, Dr. Ashley Noellert is a 2014 graduate from NC State School of Veterinary Medicine.  After graduation, she worked at a mixed animal/emergency clinic in Northeast Georgia.  She loves internal medicine and small ruminant medicine.  In her spare time, she prefers to be outdoors, hiking, biking, or kayaking.

Dr. Heather Falany

Dr. Heather Falany grew up in Loganville, Georgia and knew from a young age that she wanted to be a veterinarian. She attended the University of Georgia for both her undergraduate and veterinary degree.  Following graduation in 2014, she practiced at a small animal hospital in Warner Robbins for a year before returning to Athens. Dr. Falany has a special interest in internal medicine and behavior. When she is not at work, she can be found hanging out with her husband David and their dogs and cats. She enjoys reading, painting, hanging out at the lake, and all things Disney. 

Our team is authentic and close-knit, with every one of us striving to see the clinic grow and become more helpful to the pets in our area. We really are like a family, and we focus on communication and respect, both with each other and with our clients.

Our Leadership Staff

Our Leadership Team

Dot Conklin, Practice Manager
Hollie Blasen, Pet Stylist
Sabina Hoppe, Lead Veterinary Assistant 
Alicia, Office Manager
Madison, Lead Client Care Specialist

“At Firehall 4 Animal Hospital, we are a family and we treat our patients like an extension of that family.”

AAHA Accreditation

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.

Our Mission

Dr. Peterson and Dr. Laas graduated from the University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine in 2009. After several years working in the veterinary field, they established a goal to one day own a practice where they could offer a different kind of care, a care that embodies quality medicine, gold standard care for their patients, and compassion for people and their pets. They have achieved that goal. At Firehall 4 Animal Hospital, you will find a standard of care that looks at your pet as an individual with an understanding that every pet parent has individual needs and wants for their pet’s health. We understand that every pet’s lifestyle is different and their care should be catered to their specific needs. We desire life-long relationships with our patients and their owners. We spend time with our clients and their pets.  Having conversations about our patient’s health based on mutual respect, trust, education, compassion, and understanding are important to us. We believe in preventative care and making decisions and choices in our patient’s lives that identify issues early and lead to happier pets that live longer, healthier lives. We treat each and every pet as if they were our own and we constantly strive to offer the best care possible. We love our patients but we love their owners too. That is our mission and that is our promise.

Hands to paws.

We believe every pet deserves a chance at happiness, and by working with local pet rescues, we attempt to do our part in making sure they find a happy home and live a healthy life. We also enjoy staying active in our community, from hosting a fundraiser at The Southern Brewing Company to participating in 5ks and events for our favorite causes like Starry Starry Night.

Where knowledge
meets compassion.

Hours:

Mon - Fri: 7:30a - 6:00p
Sat: 8:00a - 12:00p

Location:

815 Hawthorne Avenue
Athens, GA 30606

Contact Us:

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© Firehall 4 Animal Hospital Privacy Policy | Designed by REVER

Contact Us:

706-583-9191

info@firehall4.com

Hours of Operation:

Monday - Friday: 7:30a - 6:00p
Saturday: 8:00a - 12:00p

Location:

815 Hawthorne Avenue
Athens, GA 30606

Follow Us:

 

© Firehall 4 Animal Hospital
Privacy Policy
Designed by REVER

Hours of Operation:

M-F: 7:30a - 6:00p
Sat.: 8:00a - 12:00p

Location:

815 Hawthorne Avenue
Athens, GA 30606

Contact Us:

706-583-9191

info@firehall4.com

Follow Us:

 

© Firehall 4 Animal Hospital | Privacy Policy | Designed by REVER