About Us

About Us

Veterinary Care with Heart

Town and Country Animal Hospital in Henderson is more than just a veterinary clinic—we’re a trusted partner in your pet’s health journey. Guided by compassion, we’re here to care for your beloved pets at every stage of life.

Compassionate Care

Guided by integrity

Lifetime Commitment

Health support for life

Whether your pet is a playful puppy or a senior companion, our team is committed to providing personalized care backed by experience, integrity, and a deep love for animals.

What Henderson Pet Owners Are Saying About Us

Why Choose Us

Caring for East Texas Pets with Purpose and Heart

At Town and Country Animal Hospital, our purpose is deeply rooted to serve both pets and the families who love them. We don’t just treat symptoms—we care for the whole animal, recognizing their place in your family. Every diagnosis, procedure, and comforting word is delivered with the same dedication we’d give our own pets.

Located in the heart of Henderson, TX, our full-service animal hospital is committed to building lifelong relationships with our clients. Whether we’re helping a new puppy get started on the right paw or supporting a senior pet through their golden years, our mission is to provide excellent veterinary care with honesty, warmth, and a heart for service.

Meet Our Team

Meet the Heart Behind the Hospital

Our veterinary team is made up of passionate professionals who see their work as more than just a job. With years of medical expertise and a shared love for animals, each team member is here to make your visit as comforting and effective as possible. We’re proud to serve the East Texas community with a blend of skill and sincere dedication to every pet that walks through our doors.

Dr. Christine Prior

I grew up in East Texas and love practicing medicine here. After earning my Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science from Texas A&M University in 2005, I continued my education at Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine, where I earned my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2010.

I became a veterinarian because I believe animals deserve more than treatment—they deserve compassion, patience, and someone who truly sees them. My approach blends medical precision with genuine warmth, so both pets and their people feel supported every step of the way.

Veterinary medicine can feel overwhelming, so I work hard to create a space where questions are welcome, worries are heard, and no one feels rushed. I believe calm energy changes everything, clear communication is essential, and kindness is just as important as clinical skill.

Outside the clinic you can usually find me spending time with my Beagle mix Maggie (pictured here) and my cat Gilligan (he’s too shy for pictures).  Maggie and I enjoy hicking easy trails (we’re working our way up to more challenging hikes).  Maggie, Gilligan and I love to snuggle up with a good book.  I also enjoy cooking tried and true recipes along with experimenting with new recipes.

Chris Kemper, Practice Manager

With over two decades of hands-on experience in animal care and welfare, I’ve dedicated my career to helping animals and the people who love them. I spent four years training dogs, followed by ten years in animal control, where I worked to protect both pets and the community. I then managed an animal shelter for eight years, overseeing daily operations and advocating for countless animals in need. Currently, I serve as Practice Manager at Town and Country Animal Hospital, where I’ve proudly supported our team, clients, and patients since the summer of 2024.

Laney, Licensed Veterinary Technician

My name is Laney. I am a licensed veterinary technician (LVT) with a degree in Applied Animal Science from TJC. I have four years of experience in emergency medicine and three years in mixed practice working with both small and large animals. Growing up on a ranch gave me a love for many species, with a special interest in wildlife. I have a miniature schnauzer named Roxy and a blue heeler named Tex. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors, going to live music events, working out at the gym, and being with my family.

Riley, Veterinary Technician

My name is Riley. I have worked in the veterinary field since 2019 with 7 years of emergency and animal shelter medicine experience. I love learning new things and sharing that knowledge with clients to better care for their pets. Outside of work, I like going to concerts with my sisters and my husband. We have 3 dogs: Doc, Wyatt, and Dilly and growing up on a ranch, the fowl have always been my favorite.

Kolby, Veterinary Technician

Hello, I’m Kolby. I have been with Town & Country for over six years and continue to be passionate about the work we do. I am happily married, and my wife and I are proud parents to a beautiful baby girl. I take great pride in educating and guiding clients so they feel informed, confident, and empowered to provide the best possible care for their pets. The outdoors has played a significant role in shaping both my life and my decision to become a technician, and it continues to influence my dedication to animal health and well-being every day.

Dina, Customer Service Representative

I have worked at Town and Country Animal Hospital as a receptionist/office clerk since the fall of 2007. I love helping our long-time clients and their pets, but also meeting and getting to know our new ones. I’ve been married to my husband David for over twenty years. Together we have six children and sixteen grandchildren. Also, a part of our family is our spunky little Carin Terrier, Kenzie. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, game nights, hiking, camping, and going to the movies.

Peggy, Part Time Customer Service Representative

Hi, my name is Peggy and I have been at Town and Country Animal Hospital since May of 1990. I have worked in the animal medical field since 1976, first with Dr. Lovick and then with Dr. Billy Irwin, who I worked with for 32 years. I was not ready to retire when Dr. Irwin retired, so I stayed. I love all my clients and their pets and was not ready to say good-by to them.  I have 2 dogs, Tori ( who is 12 years old) and Teddi ( who is 3 years old.). I also have a horse named Kidd (who is 19 years old). I love riding my horse and playing ball with Teddi ( which I have to do alot).  Both dogs are German Sheperds. Kidd is a Palomino, quarter horse. I love my church and love my Lord and I hope that I treat people and their pets like the Lord would want me too. I know one day that I will have to step down, but I hope not too soon.

Lillie, Part Time Veterinary Assistant

My name is Lillie, I joined Town and Country Animal Hospital about a year and a half ago as a volunteer. In December, I got offered a part time job, which I happily accepted. Since then I have learned a variety of things, all of which I’m more than excited to use in my future. I’m looking forward to learning many more things and spending a lot of time here. I am currently enrolled at Full Armor Christian Academy where I participated in and advanced to state for both volleyball and archery. I currently hold the position of Vice President on our student council.

Carissa Dale, DVM

Dr.  Carissa Dale grew up in the small town of Joshua, TX, near Fort Worth. She attended undergraduate and graduate school at Stephen F. Austin State University and veterinary school at Texas A&M University. Dr. Dale loves East Texas and always knew she would come back after finishing vet school.
Dr. Dale enjoys baking, being outdoors and spending time with her family, particularly her nephew and nieces. She currently has 3 dogs (Sheldon- 6 year old Labrador/Golden Retriever mix, Gus- 6 year old Golden Retriever and Gatsby-  1 year old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel) and 1 cat (Alvin- a 3 year old DSH). Odds are if she is at the clinic so are her dogs, and they would love to meet you!  

Jessica

Hi! I’m Jessica, and I am new to veterinary medicine.

I joined Town and Country in October 2021. I call this place my second family. I have a deep and growing love for all things with fur! In my short time in the field, I have completed my CVA 1, and I can’t wait to continue my education here. I am passionate about monitoring anesthesia and being there to wake up each patient. I’ve been married to the love of my life for seventeen years. Together we share five great kids who are now adults. I have two Brussels Griffons, Maggie and Miles, and a girl cat named George! I love football: Dallas Cowboys and the LSU tigers. My husband and I love to travel anytime we can!

Kiaya

I am a vet assistant at Town and Country Animal Hospital. I’ve always loved animals and working for Town N Country Animal Hospital. I own one amazing dog named Sassy Lynn. She is a Lab mix, which is why I fell more in love with animals and wanted to work with them. I rescued Sassy from the side of the road; she has been my best friend since that day. From that day, I’ve always had a place in my heart where I wanted to help animals get better and seek a happy life, and I have found that passion here at Town and Country Animal Hospital.