Athens Animal Clinic
When you’re searching for compassionate veterinary care for your beloved pets in the Athens area, Southern Hearts Veterinary Hospital stands as your trusted partner in animal health. Dr. Mandy Cox, our experienced owner and founder, has dedicated over 20 years to serving the Athens-Clarke-Oconee community with exceptional veterinary medicine. As the leading Athens animal clinic, we understand that your pets are family members who deserve personalized attention and the highest quality care. Our team combines decades of expertise with modern technology to ensure your furry companions receive comprehensive treatment in a warm, welcoming environment. From routine wellness visits to complex surgical procedures, we’re committed to supporting your pet’s health journey every step of the way.
Meet Our TeamOur Mission
Dr. Mandy Cox established Southern Hearts Veterinary Hospital with a clear vision: to provide personal and individual care for your furry loved ones while helping each pet live their happiest and longest life. We believe in treating pets and pet parents as family, not just numbers. Our philosophy centers on the principle that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” which guides our approach to veterinary care. We’re proud to be part of each pet’s story, from those early puppy training days to their golden years. Our locally-owned practice maintains the personal touch that corporate facilities simply cannot match, ensuring your pet receives individualized attention tailored to their unique needs and personality.
Read More”This was the best vet experience our dog, Leo, has ever had. It was the first time he ever tried to turn around and go back into the vet building. The Vet and tech did an amazing job making Leo comfortable and keeping him distracted. If I lived in this area, this would definitely be my dog's primary veterinarian.
Laura C.
Meet the Team
Our exceptional veterinary team brings over 44 years of combined experience to Southern Hearts Veterinary Hospital, making us the trusted Athens animal clinic for families throughout the region. Dr. Mandy Cox, our founder and owner, graduated magna cum laude from UGA College of Veterinary Medicine in 2003 as an Honor Graduate. She earned recognition as the 2019 and 2020 Best of the Best Veterinarian of the Year, reflecting her commitment to excellence in veterinary medicine. Dr. Julie Moore joined our team after spending most of her career in emergency medicine, bringing valuable critical care expertise. Dr. Ali Vavlas specializes in senior pet wellness, hospice care, and exotic animal medicine, while Dr. Blakely Brown focuses on preventative care and internal medicine. Our support staff, including Licensed Veterinary Technician Michelle Rampe, ensures every aspect of your pet’s visit runs smoothly and professionally.
Meet Our TeamDid you know we have an app for that?
Schedule appointments, request refills, track your pet’s care, and view their records all in one place with our PetDesk App! Click below to learn more!
Puppy & Kitten Care
Good health starts at the very beginning of your pet’s life journey. Regular checkups, vaccinations, parasite testing and deworming, and spaying and neutering will get them off to a great start. We can also advise you on proper diet, preventing bad behavior, and potty training. Ask about our new Puppy & Kitten Care Information Package.
Senior Pet Care
Just like their human partners, older pets have special health needs and concerns and should visit their veterinarian in Watkinsville more frequently than in their youth. We are very experienced at treating the physical conditions and ailments that pets often face as they age.
Wellness Care
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure is our motto, and we’ll keep your pet healthy through a combination of diagnostic testing, regular physical and dental exams, vaccinations and parasite control, and nutrition and lifestyle management.
Pet Dentistry
Regular dental care is very important for the overall health of your pet. Periodontal disease is common in cats and dogs, and if not treated early the infection can spread throughout the body. Regular dental exams and teeth cleaning will help to keep oral problems at bay.
Surgical Services
We maintain a well-equipped surgical suite and diagnostic lab and can perform surgeries of all types, from minor procedures to major operations.
Emergency & Urgent Care
When the unexpected happens, you can rest assured that you have a veterinarian in Watkinsville who knows your pet and is available and prepared to provide emergency treatment when you need it.
Pet Physical Exams
We provide thorough examinations to make sure your pet’s health is well-maintained through routine wellness visits. Having these routine exams means you are taking a proactive approach about protecting your beloved pet’s health. Small issues caught during a pet checkup can be addressed early with better health outcomes for your companion.
Our pet physical exams process begins with getting your pet’s weight and observing how they move around the exam room. We use a stethoscope to listen to your pet’s heart and lungs, then palpate or physically touch and apply pressure to several areas of your pet’s body. At Southern Hearts Veterinary Hospital, we examine your pet’s eyes, ears, nose, mouth, skin, and check lymph nodes for signs of discomfort or swelling.
Wellness Lab Work
We believe preventive wellness lab work is essential for keeping your pet healthy throughout their lifetime. Our comprehensive testing helps detect early signs of disease, monitors organ function, and screens for common conditions like heartworm and tick-borne illnesses. For senior pets over seven years old, we recommend twice-yearly lab work to catch age-related health issues before they become serious problems.
Our state-of-the-art laboratory equipment at our Athens animal clinic delivers results within minutes, allowing for immediate treatment decisions. We perform blood cell counts, chemistry panels, electrolyte tests, and specialized SNAP tests for infectious diseases right in our facility. This rapid turnaround means we can quickly assess your pet’s liver, kidney, and pancreatic function during routine visits or emergency situations.
Pet Vaccinations
We provide core and elective vaccinations as part of preventive veterinary care for your companion. Regular physical examinations, core and elective vaccinations, fecal testing for parasites, and deworming are all important elements of good health for your puppy or kitten. Core vaccinations are essential vaccines for all puppies and kittens, while elective vaccines are based on individual pet needs and risk factors.
Our pet vaccinations process is commonly scheduled during routine wellness exams when we check your immunization records. If your pet appears healthy enough for routine preventive care, your veterinarian will discuss which immunizations are advised, plus parasite prevention including heartworm disease and ectoparasites. At Southern Hearts Veterinary Hospital, vaccination recommendations are tailored to each pet’s specific needs, lifestyle, and health status during wellness examinations.
Why Choose Us
Selecting the right veterinary care for your pet is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a pet owner. Our Athens animal clinic offers distinct advantages that set us apart from other practices in the area.
FAQs
Do you offer wellness programs for healthy pets?
Yes, our Athens animal clinic offers comprehensive wellness programs designed around your pet’s age, lifestyle, and specific health needs rather than using one-size-fits-all protocols. Our preventive care approach includes regular health examinations, customized vaccination schedules, parasite prevention, dental care, and early disease detection screening. We believe that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” and work with you to keep your pet healthy throughout their lifetime.
Can you provide care for senior pets with special needs?
Dr. Ali Vavlas specializes in geriatric medicine and understands the unique healthcare needs of aging pets. Our senior care services include modified examination techniques, pain management for arthritis and other age-related conditions, and customized treatment plans that focus on maintaining quality of life. Our Athens animal clinic also provides compassionate hospice and palliative care services to help families navigate difficult end-of-life decisions with dignity and support.
What surgical procedures can you perform at your facility?
Our fully equipped Athens animal clinic allows us to perform a wide range of procedures including routine spay and neuter operations, soft tissue surgeries, mass removals, and emergency surgical interventions. Dr. Mandy Cox and her team have performed thousands of successful surgeries using modern anesthesia monitoring equipment and comprehensive pain management protocols. We provide thorough pre-surgical consultations and detailed aftercare instructions to ensure optimal healing and recovery.
How do you handle anxious or fearful pets during visits?
Dr. Ali Vavlas is Fear-Free certified, which means we use scientifically proven techniques to reduce stress and anxiety during veterinary visits. Our approach includes gentle handling methods, calming pheromones, positive reinforcement, and environmental modifications that help nervous pets feel more secure. We take extra time with anxious animals and work at their pace to create positive associations with veterinary care.
Do you offer any convenient technology services for busy pet owners?
Our Athens animal clinic offers the PetDesk App which allows you to schedule appointments, request prescription refills, access your pet’s medical records, and receive care reminders directly from your smartphone. Our online appointment booking system is available 24/7 for scheduling convenience. We also maintain an online pharmacy partnership for medication delivery and offer digital communication options that keep you connected to your pet’s healthcare information between visits.
Couldn’t find the answer you’re looking for?
Your Trusted Vet in Athens is Ready to Welcome Your Pet
Your pet’s health deserves the expertise and compassion that only Southern Hearts Veterinary Hospital can provide. Dr. Mandy Cox and our experienced veterinary team are ready to partner with you in maintaining your pet’s optimal health and happiness throughout their life. Whether you need routine preventive care, specialized treatment, or emergency services, our Athens animal clinic offers the comprehensive veterinary services your pet needs in a warm, welcoming environment.
Contact us today at 706-769-3113 to schedule your appointment, follow us on Facebook for updates and pet care tips, and discover why so many Athens-area families trust us with their most precious companions.
Introducing Our New Online Pet Pharmacy!