Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Dallas Veterinarians Since 1924
Established in 1924, Rutherford Veterinary Hospital has served Dallas communities as the oldest locally owned animal hospital. Our commitment to excellence in veterinary medicine is rooted in nearly a century of providing compassionate care for pets of all species. As an American Animal Hospital Association-accredited facility, we maintain the highest standards of care through continuous staff education and state-of-the-art medical equipment. Our team believes every pet deserves individualized attention, reflected in our personalized wellness programs and low-stress environment. We prioritize preventative care while offering comprehensive services including diagnostics, surgery, and dental care.Located near downtown Dallas, we extend our expertise to surrounding communities like Highland Hills and Mesquite. Our historic facility, recognized as a county and state landmark, combines tradition with modern veterinary practices. With over 80 years of combined experience among our veterinarians, we ensure pets receive both emotional and medical support throughout their lives. Our dedication to the human-animal bond drives our mission to treat every patient as part of our extended family.
Services
Wellness Exams
Vaccinations
Sick Pet Care
Dental Services
Surgical Procedures
Telemedicine
Boarding
Daycare
Acupuncture
Cold Laser Therapy
Details
- Year established: 1924
Highlights and features
- Ninety-five years of veterinary excellence in East Dallas
- Personalized care tailored to each pet's unique needs
- AAHA-accredited with state-of-the-art medical technology
- Continuing education for staff ensuring up-to-date veterinary practices
- Historic facility combining tradition with modern medicine
Associations and certifications
- American Animal Hospital Association
What people say
Compassionate care
Knowledgeable staff
Trusted history
Personalized attention
Modern facilities
Services
Wellness Exams
Our wellness exams prioritize preventative care through comprehensive physical evaluations, blood work, and lifestyle assessments. Tailored to each pet's life stage, these exams include vaccination planning and nutrition counseling. Our Dallas veterinarians create customized wellness programs to maintain long-term pet health.
Pet Dental Care
We provide complete dental services including anesthetized cleanings, digital X-rays, and oral surgery. Our AAHA-compliant procedures address tartar removal, periodontal disease, and tooth extractions while emphasizing home care education for ongoing oral health maintenance.
Sick Pet Care
Our experienced team offers diagnostic evaluations and treatment for acute and chronic conditions. From kidney disease to infectious illnesses, we provide in-house lab testing, IV therapy, and isolation care while coordinating specialty referrals when needed for comprehensive treatment.
Surgical Services
Our equipped surgical suite handles routine and complex procedures with advanced monitoring. From spays/neuters to orthopedic surgeries, we implement pre-anesthetic screenings, multi-modal pain management, and post-operative care to ensure patient safety and recovery.
Vaccinations
We administer core vaccinations and lifestyle-specific preventatives for dogs and cats. Services include rabies, distemper, and leukemia vaccines, with titer testing options and personalized vaccination schedules based on age and exposure risks.
People
Teri Rowan
Owner, Veterinarian
Graduated from Texas A&M in 2007, Dr. Rowan owns Rutherford since 2013. Specializing in dentistry and integrative medicine, she's certified in acupuncture and passionate about geriatric care.
Shannon Reeves
Veterinarian
Joined in 2025 after graduating from Texas A&M in 2018. Focuses on clinical pathology while pursuing exotic medicine expertise. Began career as veterinary technician during Texas State University studies.
Carmenn Woolley
Veterinarian
Board-certified internal medicine specialist joining in 2025. Completed residency at Cornell University and practiced in California before returning to veterinary medicine after parenting leave.
Ronald Vaughn
Retired Veterinarian
Rutherford owner from 1979-2013, Dr. Vaughn practiced until retirement in 2023. Served in the Army post-A&M graduation and contributed to hospital's expansion through technological advancements.
Questions
What services does Rutherford Veterinary Hospital offer for new pet owners?
We provide wellness exams, vaccination schedules, parasite screening, and nutrition counseling to establish lifelong health for puppies and kittens.
Can I get emergency care outside regular business hours?
While we're not 24/7, emergency arrangements can be made through MedVet hospitals for after-hours critical care.
Do you offer dental care without anesthesia?
As AAHA-accredited providers, all dental procedures require anesthesia to ensure thorough examination and proper oral care.
What areas does Rutherford serve for veterinary care?
We treat pets from Dallas neighborhoods including East Dallas, Lakewood, and surrounding communities like Mesquite and Irving.
How do I schedule an appointment for my pet?
Contact us at (214) 826-4166 or use our online scheduling system for wellness visits, sick appointments, or prescription refills.
What makes Rutherford different from other Dallas veterinary hospitals?
Established in 1924, we combine historic legacy with modern medicine as Dallas' oldest privately-owned animal hospital.
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