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 is married and he and his wife, Michelle, live in Hendersonville with their children. Dr. Pernell also enjoys attempting to play golf, any type of fishing, and spending time at the beach with his family.
Lil Herron, DVM
Dr. Herron has a combined experience of 23 years. She was a certified veterinary technician and ultimately decided to earn her doctorate in Veterinary Medicine at Oregon State University in 2008. Dr. Herron lives in Hendersonville with her cat, Francis and a King Charlies Cavalier mix, Ramona. She volunteers regularly at the Blue Ridge Humane Society. Her specialties are emergency medicine, specialty care, palliative and hospice veterinary care.
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!
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, a cat, Alice, 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.
Loretta – Veterinary Assistant
Loretta Studied at Blue Ridge Community College and received an office-administration/medical office diploma. Loretta is a mother of two boys, Nicholas and Bentley, and one daughter, Elizabeth. She has four dogs, Duke, Sadie, Bruno, and Fredrick, and a cat named Chester. She enjoys spending her free time with her children and family.
Karen - Client Relations
Karen is Native to Asheville, NC. She has been in the veterinary field since 2005. She has an Associate in Science degree from AB Tech. Karen lives with two pomeranians, Niko and Kylie, some cats and other furry and feathered friends. For Fun, Karen loves going to the beach and spending time with family.