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Your local veterinarians in Roanoke, VA

Southern Hills Animal Hospital was opened on May 15, 1994 by Doctors Preston and Mary Thornton. Having settled in Franklin County shortly after graduating from veterinary school, they quickly fell in love with the Roanoke Valley. Although Dr. Preston is originally from Pulaski, Virginia and loves the country life, Dr. Mary is from Hampton, Virginia and enjoys the city life. The Roanoke Valley was the perfect compromise. Living in Franklin County and working in Roanoke provides the best of both worlds to grow their business and family.

We’re proud to provide a wide variety of veterinary medical services for pets in Roanoke, VA & surrounding areas!

Our caring and compassionate veterinary care team!

Meet the Veterinarians & Team of Southern Hills Animal Hospital in Roanoke, VA! We’re pleased to provide exceptional vet care for your pets!

Please call us at 540-343-4155 to speak to one of our caring veterinary staff members!

Drs. Preston & Mary Thornton
Practice Co-Owners, Veterinarians

Dr. Preston received a Bachelors of Science degree in Animal Science with a minor in Biology and Chemistry from Virginia Tech prior to going to veterinary school. After graduating he worked at Farm Veterinary Services & Pell Animal Hospital in Franklin County. He enjoys providing care for both Large and Small animals, spending some time out on local farms and stables; and most days in the hospital with the smaller creatures. He enjoys surgery, especially orthopedic procedures. Outside of the office Dr. Preston is an avid nature lover and enjoys hunting and fishing.

Dr. Mary received a Bachelors of Science degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry and Nutrition and a minor in Biology from Virginia Tech. After graduating she worked in Yorktown, Virginia then moved to provide emergency veterinary services in Lynchburg Virginia. Dr. Mary enjoys cardiology, dentistry, nutritional management and behavior counseling. In her spare time, Dr. Mary enjoys gardening and Hokie Football (most seasons).

Technician

Janene

Janene has been one of our technical assistants here at Southern Hills for several years. She has earned her Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture and Life Sciences with a double minor in Biology and Animal & Poultry Sciences at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg where she enjoys the great outdoors with her dog Ronan and husband Brandon. While working here at the hospital, Janene enjoys interacting and educating clients along with assisting in surgery or pulling blood for lab work. She continues to provide outstanding medical care to all of her patients while working towards admission to Vet School.

Assistant

Dakota

I have been here since February of 2021. My goal is to become a Veterinary Technician. I enjoy working with the pets and clients while learning something new about veterinary medicine every day. I enjoy hiking and hunting.

Assistant

Jeremy

Hi I’m Jeremy! I’ve been here since September 2020 as an assistant. My teammates and Doctors call me a pet whisperer because I can help animals feel calm and less anxious. I enjoy working with all animals.

Assistant

Mari

Hello! My name is Mariana and I joined the SHAH family in December 2022. I own two dogs and one cat, who I love very much! Outside of work/school, I enjoy hanging out with friends, reading, and listening to music.

Assistant

Josh

Hello, I’m Josh. I’ve been with SHAH as an assistant since July of 2019. I love working here with the animals. My main hobbies are hanging out with friends and going to see movies.

Assistant

Richard

I have been a part-time assistant since December 2020 while attending college and now work full time as a technical assistant in surgery, dental, and examinations. I have many pets of my own and enjoy helping with urgent care appointments and hospitalized patients.

Office Manager/Reception

Kayla

Hello I’m Kayla, I have been with Southern Hills since October 2019, and I am the primary Office manager and Receptionist. I have 1 dog, 1 gecko, and 2 snakes whom I love so much; in my off time I love to travel and make all kinds of arts and crafts.

Office Manager/Reception

Anna

I’m Anna!  I have been with Southern Hills since May of 2016 as a Receptionist and Office Manager. My fiancé, Devon, and I have 4 dogs- Shadow, Joker, Cletus, Matco and 3 cats- Ted, Albert, Pickle. I enjoy spending my off time outdoors, off-roading, making arts and crafts, and creating memories with my friends and family.

Reception

Hayley

Hello! I’m Hayley! I’ve been with the SHAH Family since February of 2021 as a Receptionist. I have a bunny named Eclipse which I enjoy caring for. In my free time I enjoy spending time with friends, shopping, and driving around.

Assistant

Morgan

Hello, I’m Morgan I started with Southern Hills back in 2017. I did venture off for a couple of years but ended up finding my way back here. I own three dogs Freya, Mia, and Arkham. I have a horse, and a Donkey named Mercedes and Peter. I enjoy making sure all of the animals and clients have a positive experience with us.

Assistant

Johanna

Hi, I’m Johana and I started with Southern Hills in 2023. I love working with and taking care of all the animals, however, cats are my favorite. I enjoy being part of a team that focuses on making sure all the animals we see feel better.

Assistant

Taylor

Hey, I’m Taylor! I joined SHAH in May of 2024! I have always been passionate about animals and am currently studying Animal and Poultry Science at Virginia Tech. My goal is to become a veterinarian! I also have 3 cats – Ittybitty, Gabbie, and Maddie, and 3 geckos- Remy, Rico, and Roku!

Hospital Kitty

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