About Us

🐾 Welcome to Hiawassee Animal Hospital

Your Pet's Home for Personalized Veterinary Care in Hiawassee, GA

Are you searching for a veterinarian in Hiawassee or Towns County where you and your pet are truly seen and heard?

At Hiawassee Animal Hospital, we understand that great vet care shouldn't be rushed. For over 30 years, we've delivered modern veterinary medicine with a warm, personal touch, making us the trusted vet of choice for local pet parents.

We are dedicated to changing the typical hurried clinic experience. Here, we take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and treat your four-legged family member with the individualized care they deserve.

We proudly serve the communities of Hiawassee and Towns County with a simple pledge: We will work with you to find the best solutions for your pet's health, your budget, and your peace of mind.

We invite you to experience the difference personalized care makes!

Our Veterinarians

Kirk Vardeman

DVM, Owner

Dr. Kirk Vardeman has owned and operated Hiawassee Animal Hospital since 1989 after graduating from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Vardeman is also active in his community through Sharp Memorial United Methodist Church and the Lake Chatuge Rotary Club.

Taylor Vardeman Morton

Veterinarian

Dr. Taylor recently graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and joined her Dad to work and learn “from the best.” Taylor is a graduate of Towns County High School and LaGrange College. She lives with her husband Matthew Morton and their dog, Buddy, and two island cats, Harry and Ron.

Lynnette Bihl

Small Animal Veterinarian

Dr. Lynnette combines her lifelong love of animals and science with a DVM from Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine. She has a special interest in surgery, preventive care, and building lasting relationships with pets and their families.

Ray Crain

Small Animal Veterinarian

Bio coming soon

Our Care Team

Julia Sutton

Office Manager

Julia, who has served as the beloved Office Manager here at Hiawassee Animal Hospital since Dr. Vardeman took over in 1989. Prior to that, she’d spent a couple of years at the former practice. For more than 36 years, Julia has shared her love of animals and passion for helping people with countless clients and patients.

Susan Vardeman

Director of Operations

Bio coming soon

Becky

Veterinary Assistant

Animals have always been a huge part of her life. When tasked with caring for a severely injured horse, Becky knew she’d found her calling. As a veterinary assistant, Becky is doing what she loves most: making a difference in the lives of people and their pets.

Amber

Veterinary Assistant

Amber’s career journey officially began at the tender age of 12, when her grandmother talked Dr. V. into letting her shadow. As Amber puts it, after that they couldn’t get her to leave! She has been an integral part of the Hiawassee Animal Hospital team ever since.

Mareena

Pharmacy Veterinary Assistant

She even completed her high school senior project on the topic of veterinary technology. Eventually, her dedication paid off and she was offered a full time, paid position. Mareena has been working with Dr. Vardeman since 2013.

Susi

Front Desk

Susi spent several years in the advertising industry as an Art Director and Graphic Designer. Even then, she found herself gravitating toward animals, which were central to many of her campaigns. Ultimately, her passion for pets would draw her to the veterinary world. She started working at Hiawassee in March of 2023 and hasn’t looked back!

Deborah

Front Desk

After trying desperately to find help for the feral momma cat and her kittens living in her yard, Debbie was introduced to an organization called Catalyst for Cats. Not only did they help vet, spay, and neuter the cats, but the experience launched a passionate 25-year career of volunteer and foster work for Debbie.

Kadie

Kennel Technician

As one of the kennel techs here at Hiawassee Animal Hospital, Kadie is putting her passion for pets to work, ensuring that all the animals in our care are in excellent hands! Kadie joined the Hiawassee team in March of 2023. She enjoys working with different breeds of dogs and cats, earning their trust, and learning new skills.

Nimci

Veterinary Assistant

Nimci has always been drawn to animals. During her senior year of high school, she completed an internship at a veterinary clinic close to her campus. The experience solidified Nimci’s desire to work with animals as a profession and she couldn’t be happier with her chosen career path!