Staff
Doctors

Jennie Hernandez, DVM
Mike and I graduated from Auburn University Veterinary College before North Carolina had its own veterinary school. I feel truly blessed to have chosen a career that I still enjoy after over 20 years. I'm proud of our community and served on the first Mills River Town Council and then the town's planning board. I am an active member of the Henderon County Board of Health. I especially enjoy being a general practitioner and consider our business a "family practice" caring for the four-legged family members of our clients. The clinic has three resident cats and a dog named "Bernie". At home, our family members include three dogs and a cat. Creating jewelry and making jams and jellies are some of my favorite pastimes.

Michael Hernandez, DVM
I was born and raised in Mills River, just up the street from the clinic. I've worked in veterinary medicine since high school when I assisted Dr. Betts. Starting in 1972, I attended Auburn University. I have always been particularly interested in large animal medicine. Dairy herd medicine is my speciality. For now, dairy medicine keeps me too busy to follow my other passion, equine medicine. However as dairy herds diminish in the area, I hope to have time to return to that aspect of my practice.

Laura Hopper, DVM
I have deep roots in North Carolina with generations of my family nestled here. I have been practicing veterinary medicine for over 25 years with a special love and experience in veterinary surgery. I believe in treating your furry family members as if they were my own and genuinely look forward to each fresh, new day at my profession. Personally, I have enjoyed years of coaching my daughter and other young ladies in soccer at the high school level. My husband and I enjoy motorcycling, horseback riding, rafting and fishing. Basically, being outside in our mountains is a rejuvenating experience for me. I look forward to providing your pets with the highest quality care we have available.

Audrey Ward - Office Manager
I began my career with Mills River Animal Clinic in April 1991 as the receptionist, cross-trained as a veterinary technician and ten years later, became the practice manager. The variety involved in my job, my love of animals, our friendly and devoted staff, and the care and compassion of our doctors are what make it so rewarding to be a part of this clinic. Our canine four-legged family members, "B.J.", "Hoss" and "Bella", along with their 2 feline "partners in crime", "Boogi" and "Booti", keep my husband and I on our toes! We also enjoy walking, going to drag races, camping and involved in activities with our church.
Technicians

Sandra Storey, RVT
Since I was 5 years old, I have always known of my desire to work with animals. I started working as a veterinary assistant in high school. When my husband and I were stationed in the Azores, I volunteered at the Air Force base veterinary clinic. Upon our return to the United States, I worked at the Dakota Hills Veterinary Clinic in Rapid City, South Dakota. The most interesting part of working there was the fact that Bear Country was one of our clients. In 2006, I graduated from Asheville-Buncombe Technical College as a veterinary technician. I joined the team at Mills River Animal Clinic in 2007. I enjoy working with this team of caring people that always puts the animals first. In my spare time, I enjoy art, crafts and hiking with my family. At home we have two dachshunds and a rabbit. My husband, Jeff, and I have also been blessed with two wonderful daughters, both currently in high school.

Vanessa Lopez, RVT
I graduated from the veterinary technician program at Asheville-Buncombe Technical College in 2009, and I'm a registered veterinary technician. I've been working in the veterinary field for the past 5 years. I absolutely love working with animals and working as a technician. My husband and I have two cats, Bengala and Plato. I enjoy reading, drawing, hiking, jogging, and playing computer/video games.
Receptionists

Elaine Cantrell
I am a receptionist at Mills River Animal Clinic and have worked here for 12 years. I love my job and enjoy working with the clients and their animals. I enjoy being here to answer questions and making sure their animals are seen when they are sick or just need vaccines. I strive to make sure that your visit here is a pleasant one and look forward to years of taking care of your pets. Of course, I love my own little critters: Black Jack, who is my little old man, a 14.5-year-old poodle; Whiskey, an 8 year old cat; and my beagle,Copper, who loves everyone.

Jamie Wischow
I am a receptionist at Mills River Animal Clinic. It has been said that if you choose a job you love, you will never have to work a day in your life. I love my job and feel so blessed to be a part of such an amazing team. Mills River Animal Clinic is my home away from home and like my second family. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family, friends and my pets, doing all the activities we enjoy.
Call Us Today At ♦ (828) 891-9685
Mills River Animal Clinic
Mills River, NC 28759
Phone: (828) 891-9685
Fax: (828) 890-3547
Email: inbox@millsriveranimalclinicnc.com
In Business Since 1988
Office Hours
Tuesday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Wednesday 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Thursday 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. - noon
Sunday CLOSED