Dr. Federico N. Rivero
In 2021, Dr. Rivero sold the hospital to American Veterinary Group and is now our Lead Veterinarian. He has since moved us from an outdated building on Hwy. 321 to our custom built hospital on Nuway Circle in 2003. He is an avid LSU fan, master scuba diver, and he also loves to travel, snow ski and fish. He has been married to Susanne since 1987. He has two children, two grandchildren, and two grand dogs who visit often.
Dr. Rivero's interests include Orthopedic and Soft Tissue Surgery.
Education: Louisiana State University
Lead Veterinarian
Dr. Emily C. Salzer
Dr. Salzer joined our practice in 2018 after working as an emergency veterinarian in Memphis. She is originally from New England but always dreamed of living in western North Carolina. She is engaged as has five dogs. Dr. Salzer’s interests include internal medicine as well as emergency and critical care.
Education: Indiana and Iowa State University. Internship in Boise Idaho.
Veterinarian
Dr. Rebecca C. Whisnant
Dr. Whisnant has been a Veterinarian for us since 2000. She is the associate veterinarian with the longest tenure. She is married, has one daughter and a step-son. She has one dog, one cat, and a bird. In her spare time she likes to hike and enjoy the outdoors.
Dr. Whisnant's interests include acupuncture and exotic pets.
Education: North Carolina State University and University of Florida.
Veterinarian
Dr. Kiri de la Cerda
Dr. de la Cerda is a University of Florida graduate who practices small animal medicine. She lives in the High Country with her husband and three children, plus 2 dogs, 3 cats and their small flock of chickens. In her free time she enjoys all things outdoors including hiking and camping. Dr. de laCerdas veterinary interests include soft tissue surgery and client education.
Veterinarian
Dr. Constance Hatchard
Dr. Hatchard has been a veterinarian since 2005, and has been with us since 2019. She is married and has a daughter. Her family shares their house with 5 cats and 2 dogs. Dr. Hatchard and her husband have lived in several states in the midwest and eastern United States before settling in to western NC. In her spare time, Dr. Hatchard enjoys riding horses and hiking with her family. Dr. Hatchard’s interests include feline medicine and behavioral problems.
Education: Michigan State University
Veterinarian
Dr. Kristina Schultz
Dr. Kristina Schultz graduated from Mississippi State University in 2023 with an interest in small companion animal medicine. She is originally from South Carolina and currently has two dogs. Dr. Shultz loves reading, drawing, gardening, and exploring the great outdoors. She also enjoys cooking and DIY projects. Her special interests include internal medicine and behavioral medicine.
Veterinarian
