Laurel Park Animal Hospital is a full-service, small animal veterinary hospital providing comprehensive medical, surgical and dental care.
Our Core Values:
From the first interview in the hiring process to our regular staff meetings, our Core Values are defined and reinforced. These values guide our interactions with patients, clients and each other.
I ntegrity
C ompassion
A ccountabilty
R espect
E ducation
- We promise to place your pet’s health and safety above all other considerations.
- We promise to engage in open communication to assess the individual needs of your pet.
- We promise to help protect your pet against the most common dangerous diseases, using the best available technology.
- We promise to be proactive in evaluating and managing pain in our patients.
- We promise to constantly evaluate the most current information regarding disease prevention and healthcare for your pet.
Although our focus is on preventive medicine, our hospital is equipped with a wide range of diagnostic and treatment capabilities. From in-house Heska blood chemistry analyzers to x-ray, we are ready to meet our patients’ needs. When necessary, we work closely with local and regional Boarded Veterinary Specialists. Our hospital also includes patient-sized and friendly exam rooms, a well-stocked pharmacy, laser surgery suite, dental services station, a central recovery/hospitalization area for close monitoring and indoor boarding kennels with outdoor walking areas.
Jonathan Pernell, DVM
Dr. Pernell is a native of Western North Carolina and is a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology and minored in Chemistry. He went on to obtain his Veterinary Medical Degree from Mississippi State University, where he graduated with honors. As well as being a treating veterinarian, Dr. Pernell also spent several years on the Henderson County animal advisory committee, making recommendations for the shelter and for county ordinances. He also served on the managing board of REACH (now known as MedVet) for several years before it became privately owned. Dr. Pernell is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association, and the American Association of Feline Practitioners. He has worked closely with Community Partnership for Pets, Blue Ridge Humane Society, and the Henderson County shelter to aid sick pets that need adoption. In 2007, Dr. Pernell joined with Dr. Zehr to purchase Laurel Park Animal Hospital; eventually he purchased his partner’s shares to become the sole owner of the hospital. He has special clinical interests in ophthalmology, cardiology and dermatology in dogs and cats. Dr. Pernell also enjoys attempting to play golf, any type of fishing, and spending time at the beach with his family.
Kristyn Burns, DVM
Dr. Burns graduated from Auburn University, College of Veterinary Medicine in 2003 and practiced full time in Alabama for 10 years before starting a family. She took a break to be a stay-at-home mom for several years before coming back to veterinary medicine part time as a relief doctor as her sons grew. She relocated to Hendersonville with her husband, Patrick, her two sons, Stuart and Elijah, and their English Mastiff, Nala. After doing relief work locally, she accepted our invitation to be with us permanently! We are so glad to be able to have her years of experience, compassion, and commitment to animal health on our team!
Melanie Donofro, DVM
Dr. Melanie Donofro joined Laurel Park Animal Hospital part-time following a distinguished 38-year career as a practice owner in Tallahassee, Florida. A graduate of the Auburn College of Veterinary Medicine with a lifelong goal of moving to North Carolina, she now happily calls Waynesville home. Dr. Melanie brings nearly 40 years of experience, a wealth of knowledge, and a deep passion for animal wellness to the clinic. She focuses extensively on Internal Medicine, Preventive Care, and client education, firmly believing that an educated client is a pet’s best advocate. She especially enjoys helping senior pets live their best lives by utilizing specialized, integrated therapies like Acupuncture and Spinal Manipulation (chiropractic) Therapy to provide a comprehensive approach to pain management. Outside of the exam room, Dr. Melanie enjoys the peace of the North Carolina mountains by gardening, fly-fishing, hiking, playing the piano, and reading.
Sarah - Office Manager
Sarah began working in veterinary hospitals in 2004, starting out as a kennel attendant, and gained experience as she moved her way up to veterinary assistant. After receiving her Bachelor’s in Dairy Science from Virginia Tech, she continued to work in various practices in Western NC. She finally joined the Laurel Park Animal Hospital team in 2021 and has found her home! She was given the opportunity to represent Laurel Park Animal Hospital as office manager in 2022, striving to help the clients and pets of our community receive comprehensive pet health care. She resides in Hendersonville with her husband, Jeff, their two dogs, Agnes and Ruby, and a flock of chickens!
Valerie - Administrative Assistant
Valerie is a Florida transplant and moved here with her husband, John. They have been frequent visitors to the Hendersonville area for many years and heard the mountains calling! Valerie has a true love of animals and many years of clerical, customer service, and administrative experience.
Kelly – Veterinary Assistant
Kelly is from Charleston, SC and has been in vet medicine since 2001. Kelly has always loved animals and as a young child she would hold animals and hug them so tight that her parents would have to “save” them from her. Her greatest satisfaction is knowing that she plays a part in keeping animals healthy and supporting their owners through their pets journey. Kelly still loves to hold animals, she just doesn’t hug them so tight now! She lives with her husband, 3 dogs, and 2 cats in Bat Cave.