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Our Veterinarians

Your pet’s emotional and physical well-being is prioritized with every visit. We put our patients first!
Dr. Elizabeth Price

Dr. Elizabeth Price

Owner, Veterinarian

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Unlike most of her colleagues, Dr. Elizabeth Price didn’t always have a passion for animals. In fact, as a child, she was downright terrified of dogs – even little puppies. Then one day her father brought home a German Shepherd puppy and, after several days of avoidance, the puppy was able to get close enough to lick Dr. Price’s hand. In that instant, all her fears were gone and the two became inseparable. Not only did that sweet pup win Dr. Price’s heart, but he ultimately played a role in shaping her future career!

Having always had a fascination with science and how things work, Dr. Price initially chose to pursue archeology and biology research. In the end, however, it was veterinary medicine that would capture her interest. Being able to combine science with patient care, and the best part – seeing animals every day, just seemed like the perfect fit! Dr. Price graduated from ETSU in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in biology and a minor in anthropology. From there, she went on to attend UTCVM, where she received her DVM degree in 2012.

Following graduation from vet school, Dr. Price decided it was time to move back home. The family friendly environment combined with excellent medicine attracted her to South Rhea Animal Hospital, so she gladly came aboard as soon as the opportunity to do so presented itself. After working as an associate vet here for four years, Dr. Price became part owner of the practice, partnering with Dr. Thompson.

Outside of the clinic, Dr. Price keeps busy with her husband Tommy and their three young children. The family has a couple of pets of their own, including two orange cats named Pumpkin and Cheeto. A big loveable golden retriever named Kush, who loves food and being the best family girl. A chihuahua named Pip who is a feisty little man and a bearded dragon. In her free time, Dr. Price enjoys outdoor activities, especially kayaking and hiking, and reading sci-fi novels. She hopes to one day get back into painting once life finally settles down a bit.

Dr. Sherle Thompson

Dr. Sherle Thompson

Owner, Veterinarian

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Dr. Sherle Thompson is proud to serve the area’s pets and animal owners as a veterinarian and co-owner of South Rhea Animal Hospital.

Dr. Thompson completed her undergraduate studies in animal science at Auburn University in 1993, then earned her Doctorate at the University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 1997. She joined the South Rhea Animal Hospital team in 2000, becoming a co-owner in 2005. Three years later, Dr. Thompson was instrumental in the founding and building of Sequoyah Animal Hospital, where she currently practices.

Dr. Katherine Ransom

Dr. Katherine Ransom

Associate Veterinarian

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As a child, Dr. Katherine Ransom was fascinated by science and anatomy. She would frequently perform “surgery” on her stuffed animals, opening up the seams, inserting a coin, and then sewing the “wound” back up. It came as no surprise that she would one day grow up to become a vet. Now she gets to put that childhood practice to work helping real animals live happier healthier lives!

Dr. Ransom’s career journey began in high school when she worked at both an animal rescue and a pet store. After graduating with her bachelor’s degree in biology from Mount Holyoke College, she spent some time working in her home state of Massachusetts as a veterinary assistant before going on to obtain her veterinary degree from Tufts University in 1999. Dr. Ransom joined the South Rhea Animal Hospital in 2022, after relocating to the Rhea County area.

At home, Dr. Ransom lives with her husband and their two children. The family has quite the collection of pets, including four dogs (Memphis, Izzy, Leia, and Indigo), two cats (Gringo and Pico de Gallo), one bunny, and 14 chickens. Indigo can jump so high that if he were a human, he could easily win a pole-vaulting competition. Dr. Ransom’s favorite pastimes include crafting, spending time on the lake, taking walks in the woods, and winning the occasional 5k race. Her favorite holiday is Halloween.

Dr. Becca Davis

Dr. Becca Davis

Associate Veterinarian

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Born and raised in Ooltewah, TN, Dr. Becca Davis first discovered her love for veterinary medicine when she saw a baby giraffe born on Animal Planet. This sparked a deep passion for animals that would only grow over time. As she got older, Dr. Davis volunteered at local animal clinics, which fueled her desire to become the veterinarian she is today.

As a youth in school, Dr. Davis worked on research projects with horses, goats, and sheep. This experience showed her how much she liked getting her hands dirty and working with both large and small animals. After obtaining her undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, Dr. Davis went on to earn her DVM from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine.

Outside of the clinic, Dr. Davis resides with her husband Charlie, their two Aussies, and an orange tabby cat. Lucy is considered a perfect angel and a professional athlete for a frisbee, Tony is a goofball but gives the best cuddles, and Bea loves to make biscuits.

A diehard VOLS fan, Dr. Davis tries to make it to Neyland Stadium as often as possible. She loves fantasy football, and, in the fall, you can usually find her on her couch all day on Sundays watching The Redzone and cheering on her fantasy teams. She also loves swimming with her pups, watching horror movies, and listening to true crime podcasts.

Dr. Katie Kirkendall, DVM

Associate Veterinarian

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Dog was Katie’s first word. Growing up in Melbourne, Florida, she preferred stuffed animals to dolls and imagined running a pet rescue, caring for zoo animals and treating patients as a veterinarian. But one childhood appointment with her family’s dog gave those games a clearer purpose.

When their dog became sick, the veterinarian opened a textbook and showed Katie illustrations of canine anatomy, explaining what was happening and why. She never forgot how he made a complicated medical problem understandable. Today, that memory influences how she wants to care for pets and communicate with their families.

Katie followed her interest in animals through volunteer work at zoos, shelters and sanctuaries. At the University of Florida, she studied marine science and participated in coastal conservation efforts. Still, the medical side of animal care continued to capture her attention.

In 2022, Katie moved to Tennessee to pursue a Master of Science and then a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Lincoln Memorial University. During veterinary school breaks, she volunteered in shelter operating rooms and trap-neuter-release programs, strengthening her interest in small animal medicine and surgery. She also fell in love with the mountains of eastern Tennessee.

After moving to Chattanooga, Katie joined South Rhea Animal Hospital as an Associate Veterinarian in August 2026. She particularly enjoys soft tissue surgery, including spay and neuter procedures, which support individual pets’ health and help reduce the number of homeless animals. Just as importantly, she values helping families understand their pets’ needs and supporting the relationships they share.

Outside the hospital, Katie and her fiancé, John, enjoy traveling and exploring new places with Artie, their energetic Airedale terrier mix. Artie loves cuddling almost as much as destroying stuffed toys with surgical precision.

For Katie, thoughtful explanations and compassionate medical care belong together, just as that childhood veterinarian showed her.

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Sloppy Kisses

19,389

Bellies Rubbed

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Treats Given