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Business Details
35 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Carmel's Premier Veterinary Care Center
Since 1991, Carter Veterinary Medical Center has provided compassionate, comprehensive care for pets in Carmel, Fishers, Westfield, Zionsville, and surrounding communities. Founded by Dr. David R. Carter, our practice combines cutting-edge technology like the Accuvet CO2 Laser with personalized attention to ensure optimal pet health. We offer in-house diagnostics, full-service pharmacy support, and advanced dental care using ultrasonic cleaning and state-of-the-art diagnostics. Our surgical procedures prioritize minimized pain and recovery time through precision techniques. As dedicated educators, we empower pet owners with preventative care knowledge while maintaining the highest ethical standards.

Our team stays at veterinary medicine's technological forefront, offering regenerative therapies like laser treatment and stem cell therapy. We specialize in internal medicine for both cats and dogs, with a focus on nutrition, soft tissue surgery, and emergency care. Our commitment to community extends to creating the J. Everett Light Veterinary Assisting program, ensuring future veterinary professionals receive quality training. With three decades of continuous operation, we remain a trusted partner for pet wellness, senior care, and urgent medical needs.
Services
Wellness Exams Laser Surgery Dental Care Emergency Services Vaccinations In-House Lab Pet Pharmacy Senior Care Nutrition Counseling Regenerative Therapy
Details
  • Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
  • We utilize Accuvet CO2 Laser technology for less painful, faster-recovery surgeries
  • We provide in-house laboratory diagnostics with immediate results
  • Our dental care features ultrasonic cleaning and advanced oral diagnostics
  • Our team has 30+ years of continuous veterinary practice experience
  • We maintain the highest ethical standards with personalized client education
What people say
Helpful and caring Professional and competent Gentle care Educational approach Long-term trust
Services
Wellness Exams
Our comprehensive wellness exams ensure early detection of health issues through physical assessments and diagnostic testing. Using in-house laboratory equipment, we provide immediate bloodwork analysis for diabetes, organ function, and infectious diseases. We combine these findings with personalized preventative care recommendations tailored to each pet's age, breed, and health status.
Laser Surgery
We utilize the Accuvet CO2 Laser for precise surgical procedures that minimize bleeding, reduce post-operative pain, and accelerate healing. This technology allows for sterile incisions in delicate areas while preserving surrounding tissue integrity. Our laser surgery expertise covers spay/neuter procedures, growth removals, and complex soft-tissue operations.
Dental Care
Our dental services address periodontal disease through ultrasonic cleaning and comprehensive oral diagnostics. We use sedation protocols for safe, thorough examinations and treatments while maintaining patient comfort. Post-cleaning care includes polishing tooth surfaces and recommending home care products like enzymatic toothpaste and prescription diets.
Emergency Services
We provide immediate veterinary attention during business hours for critical conditions including trauma, poisoning, and respiratory distress. Our team offers triage assessment, stabilization treatments, and advanced diagnostics. For after-hours emergencies, we coordinate with trusted 24/7 specialty referral centers while maintaining continuity of care.
Vaccinations
Our vaccination protocols protect pets against core and lifestyle-appropriate diseases using killed, modified live, and recombinant vaccine technologies. We administer rabies, distemper, and parvovirus vaccines for dogs, and feline leukemia prevention for cats. Each program considers individual risk factors, with proper documentation for boarding and travel requirements.
People
Dr. David R. Carter
Veterinarian, Owner
Dr. Carter graduated from Purdue Veterinary School in 1983 and established this practice in 1991. He specializes in emergency medicine, soft tissue surgery, and regenerative therapies. A veterinary educator, he developed the J. Everett Light Career Center's veterinary assisting program and serves as its board chairman.
Sandra Carter
Hospital Administrator
Sandra manages daily operations while maintaining the practice's original commitment to compassionate care. She works closely with Dr. Carter to ensure smooth clinic administration and client service excellence, leveraging decades of veterinary practice experience.
Blake Hamby
Veterinary Technician
Blake joined in 2014, progressing from kennel attendant to certified technician. Currently pursuing Purdue's veterinary nursing program, he combines technical expertise with genuine animal care while managing inventory for the practice's medical supplies.
Elise Carter
Customer Service Manager
Elise brings hospitality industry expertise to veterinary client relations. With a business administration background, she enhances client experience through personalized service. Her equine experience informs compassionate care for all animal patients visiting the clinic.
Bridgette Carter
Director of Internal Operations
Bridgette combines nursing expertise with veterinary practice management. After working in human healthcare, she transitioned to small animal medicine, applying clinical precision to operational efficiency while maintaining patient-centered care standards.
Questions
What emergency services do you offer?
We provide urgent care during business hours for critical conditions. After hours, we coordinate with MedVet Indianapolis, a 24/7 emergency clinic serving the Carmel area.
Do you have in-house diagnostic capabilities?
Yes, our facility includes a state-of-the-art laboratory enabling immediate bloodwork, urinalysis, and infectious disease testing with results in minutes.
How often should pets receive dental care?
Annual professional cleanings are recommended, with daily home brushing using pet-safe toothpaste. Specialized diets and dental products help maintain oral health between visits.
What vaccination protocols do you recommend?
We follow American Animal Hospital Association guidelines, offering core vaccines like rabies and distemper, plus risk-based vaccines for pets' specific lifestyles and environments.
How can I schedule an appointment?
Call us at (317) 844-6868 during business hours or use our online portal for scheduling convenience with immediate confirmation.
What payment methods are accepted?
We accept cash, checks, and major credit cards for veterinary services, with payment required at the time of service.