Business Details
32 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Veterinarian in Knoxville, TN
Callahan Drive Animal Hospital has been dedicated to providing exceptional veterinary care in Knoxville, TN since 1994. We prioritize preventive care and early detection through comprehensive wellness exams while maintaining expertise in urgent care and complex medical treatments. Our team combines decades of experience in treating both common and specialized conditions, including reptile medicine and exotic pet care, using advanced diagnostics and surgical facilities.As active members of the veterinary community, we emphasize client education and transparent communication about treatment options. Our small, focused staff builds long-term relationships with clients and patients, ensuring consistent care across routine visits, chronic condition management, and end-of-life services. We operate with full accreditation compliance and maintain strict hygiene protocols to protect both animal and human health.
Services
Annual Check-Up
Vaccinations
Dental Care
Emergency Services
Surgical Procedures
Exotic Pet Care
Boarding Services
Microchipping
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- We have 20+ years of experience treating exotic pets
- We offer urgent care during business hours
- Our services include digital diagnostics and dental procedures
- We provide preventive wellness exams for early detection
- We maintain specialized expertise in reptile medicine
What people say
Best veterinarian in Knoxville
Knowledgeable and kind staff
Reasonably priced services
16-year client loyalty
Specialized exotic care
Services
Annual Check-Up
Our annual check-ups detect health issues early through comprehensive physical exams, parasite testing, and blood work. We monitor vital signs, dental health, and organ function while providing personalized nutrition advice. This preventive care helps extend pets' lifespans by addressing potential problems before they escalate, particularly for geriatric animals requiring bi-annual evaluations. Our exams include behavioral assessments to identify anxiety indicators.
Vaccinations
We administer core and elective vaccinations following AAHA guidelines to protect against rabies, distemper, and other infectious diseases. Our protocol considers each pet's lifestyle and risk factors, including separate schedules for indoor versus outdoor cats. We maintain proper storage and handling records for all vaccines to ensure efficacy while tracking boosters through our electronic medical records system.
Dental Care
Our dental services include ultrasonic scaling, polishing, and digital X-rays to identify hidden oral disease. We perform extractions when necessary under monitored anesthesia with pre-operative blood testing. Post-procedure care includes pain management and home maintenance guidance to prevent periodontal disease. We also offer fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel and reduce sensitivity in dogs with dental issues.
Exotic Pet Care
We treat small exotics including reptiles, rabbits, hamsters, and sugar gliders with specialized knowledge in unique physiological needs. Our services include nutritional consultations, diagnostic testing, and surgical procedures appropriate for these species. We provide environmental enrichment advice and disease prevention strategies specifically for exotic animals that differ from standard companion animal care requirements.
Emergency Services
During business hours, we handle urgent medical situations with immediate diagnostics and life-saving interventions through our mobile resuscitation unit. Our staff manages acute trauma, poisoning, and severe infections requiring immediate attention. We stabilize critical patients before transferring complex cases to specialty centers after hours. Emergency care includes continuous monitoring of vital signs and pain management during initial treatment phases.
People
Dr. James Hilla
Veterinarian
Dr. Hilla graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in 1994. He has specialized in exotic animal care for 20 years while maintaining expertise in general veterinary medicine. His practice philosophy emphasizes client education and preventive care for both companion and unusual pets.
Gwen Graning
Hospital Manager
With over 30 years in veterinary care, Gwen started in local practices before working at the University of Tennessee's exotic medicine department. She focuses on creating compassionate environments while managing daily hospital operations and client relations.
Kristin Nipper
Lead Technician
Kristin has worked in veterinary medicine since 2012, progressing from kennel technician to lead veterinary technician. She manages patient care, coordinates IT systems, and assists in complex procedures while maintaining hands-on animal care expertise.
Questions
Can I get a Rabies vaccine without an exam?
No. We require a full health assessment before administering any injections to ensure your pet is healthy enough to receive vaccinations.
Does a drop off appointment cost more?
No. We offer flexible scheduling options without additional fees for drop-off appointments during regular business hours.
What should I bring when boarding my pet?
Please bring your pet's regular food to maintain dietary consistency. We provide toys, blankets, and treats but welcome personal items for comfort.
Can you spay or neuter my exotic pet?
We perform neutering on male rabbits, rats, and sugar gliders. Consultation is required to determine if your exotic pet qualifies for surgical sterilization.
Should I bring my pet in for apparent symptoms?
If you're concerned about your pet's symptoms, prompt veterinary evaluation is recommended. Our staff can help assess urgency during phone consultations.
What's the difference between medications from this clinic versus online pharmacies?
Our medications come directly from manufacturers with quality assurance guarantees, unlike some online suppliers with uncertain sourcing practices.
