Cleveland County Announces New Veterinarian

Cleveland County Announces New Animal Services Department Veterinarian

SHELBY, N.C. – Cleveland County today announces the addition of a North Carolina licensed veterinarian to its Animal Services team. The new veterinarian has over 29 years’ experience in providing veterinary services, managing a high-volume practice, and providing animal sterilization and wellness services to their community. The new veterinarian is expected to begin work July 1, 2022. The veterinarian’s name will be shared once they have transitioned out of their current practice.

Cleveland County Animal Services continues to provide a broad range of services to the residents of Cleveland County, including professional veterinary care for animals in the animal shelter and adoption center. 

“Since 2013, the Board of County Commissioners has continuously prioritized animal services and animal welfare.” County Manager Brian Epley said. “The mission of the department is to protect the health and safety of our residents, promote humane care and treatment of animals, and reduce the number of stray and homeless animals in our county. The addition of a veterinarian will help us succeed in that mission.”

Cleveland County conducted a comprehensive recruitment and selection process in the hiring of the new veterinarian. 

“Animal Services is thrilled that we have the opportunity to work with such a tenured and 
compassionate veterinarian,” Animal Services Director Tony Adair said. “There are a lot of exciting things on the horizon for both the department and the residents of Cleveland County.”

Commissioner Deb Hardin, who is also Director of Clifford’s Army Rescue, has personal experience working with veterinarians in animal shelters and rescues.

“Caring responsibly for a shelter population presents challenges,” Hardin said. “Many of the animals brought to the shelter have little to no medical history and may be stray, feral, or victims of cruelty, which makes this a population at higher risk for infectious diseases and problem behaviors. Having a veterinarian on staff will increase positive outcomes and help more animals find forever homes.”

For more information on Cleveland County Animal Services, please visit:
Cleveland County Pets