Jessica Luton
Dean A. Campbell knew from an early age that he wanted to be a veterinarian.
As a child, Campbell lived a country life — growing up on a farm and around age 9 — he realized that this was his calling, but he never thought that his dream would become reality.
After getting out of the U.S. Navy in 1994, Campbell set out on his journey to become a vet and obtained an associate’s degree from Georgia Military College, a bachelor’s degree in biology from Georgia College & State University, and he eventually attended the University of Georgia’s College of Veterinarian Medicine and received a doctorate in 2006.
All along, Campbell worked in the veterinary field under a veterinarian in Ivey.
Now his childhood dream of being a veterinarian has become reality.
Campbell’s very own animal care facility, Heart of Georgia Animal Care, opened its doors to the public in June.
Located at 62 Ga. Highway 22 West, just across from the Walter B. Williams Recreation Department, the state-of-the-art facility provides general care, vaccinations, general surgery, orthopedic surgery, dental care and boarding.
“We aim to provide good quality care, at a reasonable price,” said Campbell. “But most importantly we provide quality service. We tell you your options so you can make your own decisions about your pet’s care.”
Campbell describes himself as a ‘mixed practitioner’ providing care for household pets such as cats and dogs, large animals such as horses and goats, and even exotic animals like lizards and snakes.
The facility has a few unique offerings such as early pet drop-off for boarding, outpatient surgery for most procedures, after-hours emergency services for clients and mail service for prescription refills.
The facility also offers state-of-the-art boarding facilities with prices ranging from $8 to $15 a day.
The business is also currently in the process of remodeling and completing additions.
A separate room for cats and another room that will keep dogs with Parvo in isolation are in the works, and a pet grooming area has just been implemented at the business.
Additionally, Campbell’s business does a lot of work with the Heart of Georgia Humane Society and All About Animals Rescue by spaying and neutering rescued animals, providing medical treatments and even vaccinations, he said.
No appointments are necessary for the clinic. The Heart of Georgia Animal Care clinic is Monday through Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
To learn more about Heart of Georgia’s services, please call (478) 452-0200.
