Animal Hospital South
1304 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville NC 28803
Monday - Friday: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
About Us
Hours & Directions
We are located at 1304 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville NC 28803. Click HERE for a map of our location. You can find us most easily off of exit 50 from I-40, going south on Hendersonville Road. We’re less than three miles down the road on the left. We’re also less than a mile from where the Blue Ridge Parkway intersects Hendersonville Road.
HOURS:
Monday through Friday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Contact us
BY PHONE:
Animal Hospital South: 828-277-0600
BY EMAIL:
For questions regarding fees, scheduling, or other questions, click here or call for a more prompt response.
By Fax: 828-277-6162
Our Staff
All of our staff members are technically trained in order to facilitate a patient’s care in a careful and expedient manner. Animal Hospital South staff members have contributed generously to Brother Wolf, to the Asheville Humane Society’s recent education and adoption center as well as to the American Veterinary Medical Foundation, the latter of which is responsible for providing aid to victims of Hurricane Florence and Michael as well as other rescue organizations locally and statewide.
Veterinarians
Dr. Tom Kuhn, BS, DVM
2013 North Carolina Veterinarian of the Year
Dr. Tom Kuhn is a second generation Veterinarian, having grown up as part of a military family in the
west and southeast. His father graduated from the University of Washington, receiving his DVM degree from Washington State University as well as a Masters of Public Health from UC Berkeley.
Dr. Kuhn earned his Bachelor’s degree in chemistry and graduated from the University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine with high honors. He served as the 2016-2017 President of the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association.
In 1981, Dr. Kuhn and his wife, Dr. Margaret Kuhn, founded Animal Hospital East and in 1999 opened their second clinic, Animal Hospital South. They have three children. Both doctors are committed to their church and enjoy participating in community outreach and educational programs. Outside of the practice Dr. Kuhn enjoys boating, reading, hiking and singing in the church choir.
In his daily clinical practice Dr. Kuhn has a special interest and advanced training in ultrasonography, knee surgery, dentistry, and pain management. Dr. Kuhn has received the prestigious 2013 North Carolina Veterinarian of the Year award from the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association.
Pictured with him is Tank, the Animal Hospital East community kitty. Tank tries to be good most of the time.
DR. MARGARET A. KUHN, BS, DVM, MA
Dr. Margaret Kuhn also graduated with honors from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. Prior to veterinary school, Dr. Margaret Kuhn completed her undergraduate studies at Virginia Tech with a degree in biochemistry. She interned with Dr. Clint Lowry, a prior surgery professor from the University of Georgia, gaining valuable experience with multiple surgeries as well as emergency care.
Dr. Margaret Kuhn has raised three children and maintained expertise in small animal surgery. She is also involved in the management of both of her hospitals. Margaret is an accomplished ballet dancer and holds a Master’s degree from Duke University. While at Duke, she completed extensive coursework in animal ethics and wrote her thesis on the animal-human relationship.
Interestingly, Dr. Margaret Kuhn is a eighth generation resident of western North Carolina with roots in Hot Springs, Waynesville, Black Mountain, and Asheville. Both of her parents are graduates of UNC Chapel Hill.
Dr. Margaret Kuhn is also the proud parent of three beautiful horses, Jobono, Buttons and Sparkle. She is pictured here with Tuck, her beloved friend and companion who has recently passed.
Dr. Steve Valeika, BS, DVM, PHD
Before relocating to the southeast, Dr. Steve Valeika spent his youth in New York. He attended Vanderbilt University, graduating with high honors and a Bachelor’s degree in biology.
His studies resumed at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine where he graduated at the top of his class. He accepted an internship at the North Carolina State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital in small animal medicine and surgery when he was offered the very competitive Kenan Fellowship in epidemiology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Public Health.
He remained in the N.C. State University Teaching Hospital for several years while completing his academic studies for his PhD. Before completion, he was offered a faculty position at the University of Georgia College of Public Health, where he remained an assistant professor of epidemiology for several years. He has received several teaching awards validating his sincere love of teaching. Dr. Valeika is currently an adjunct professor in epidemiology for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Besides his expertise in infectious diseases, Dr. Valeika is also highly skilled in internal medicine, emergency medicine, and neurology. He has and will continue presenting continuing education seminars to both veterinarians and physicians. Dr. Valeika is delighted to resume daily clinical practice at Animal Hospital South and feels fortunate to work with such an excellent team of doctors. He is eligible to sit for the boards of the American College of Preventive Veterinary Medicine (ACPVM). Dr. Valeika is currently serving on the Buncombe County Public Health Board.
Dr. Valeika, along with his wife and daughters, enjoy the outdoor activities that the Asheville area is so well known for. This area also allows him to pursue other interests of photographing and identifying mushrooms! In fact, Dr. Valeika is the official mushroom identifier for the Veterinary Information Network. His family shares their home with a kitty named Max. Max has to share his home with their canine companions, Hazel and Boo. Dr. Valeika is pictured with Boo.
Dr. Josh Von Szalatnay, BS, DVM
Dr. Josh von Szalatnay received his undergraduate degree in biology from the College of Charleston with high honors, followed by a veterinary degree from the University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine.Dr. von Szalatnay has devoted much of his time and expertise to the welfare of homeless animals as well as extensive participation with Remote Area Medical, an organization devoted to rural medical and veterinary care.
Dr. von Szalatnay has a unique interest in international veterinary medicine evidenced by his participation in externships in Germany, Mexico, and Brazil. He speaks many languages and, according to him, some are spoken better than others!
He is an avid kayaker and spends much of his free time on the local creeks and rivers. He is the recipient of the prestigious Global Citizen Award given by the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine. He is pictured here with Sensi MacEachern, a visiting friend!
Dr. Susan Welsch, BA, DVM
Bio to come
Asheville Dental Health for Animals
Dr. Ron Altman, BA, DVM
Office Manager
Jamie, CVT, Head Nurse
Jamie is an Asheville native who attended Warren Wilson College and is a graduate of the Veterinary Medical Technology program at Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College. His career at Animal Hospital South has spanned over eleven years.
Jamie is an avid bird watcher and has engaged in psittacine education, understanding these unique birds’ behavior and health.
When he is not at work Trixie and Jacque love to hike surrounding farmland and Jacque has even had a swim-in with a local beaver! Scary! Jamie also has a keen interest in black bear wildlife biology and is looking forward to attending veterinary medical school with this interest concentration in mind.th.
Anyone who has frequented Animal Hospital South knows the calming reassurance Jamie brings to all of his patients. Jamie is shown holding Trixie. Trixie looks as though she has no trouble telling the doggie in the picture who is boss here!
Technicians
Brittany, CVT
Brittany loves the beach! She grew up on it in sunny Florida. As a small child, she decided she would be a veterinarian. What she discovered as an adult was how much she enjoyed the hands- on experience associated with being a veterinary technician. She traveled to Asheville because of close friendships and graduated from the Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College Veterinary Medical Technology program.
She interviewed with several hospitals and was immediately struck with how "super friendly" Mindy, our practice manager was to her. Brittany says Animal Hospital South and Animal Hospital East feels like a family. She describes her employment as a necessary "puzzle piece" in her life. "Everyone here cares. I love this place!" We couldn't be more thrilled she picked our hospitals!
When she has time away from her patients, she enjoys movies, music, and traveling.
Roody is pictured with Brittany. A doggy daycare Brittany worked in many years ago had a Dog Bus. As the bus was pulling out, a small 6 month old puppy ran toward the vehicle, they opened the door, and little Roody entered the Dog Bus. Eleven years later, Roody can notch that day as his best!
Krista, RVT
Krista initially decided to pursue attending veterinary school when she considered her plans for advanced education. She received her associate degree tangentially with her high school diploma through the Buncombe County Early College. Her senior project was interestingly a complete filming of a TPLO orthopedic surgery on a patient with a ruptured cranial cruciate ligament. She transferred to Western Carolina University in the pre-veterinary program where she spent her junior year.
After some soul searching, she decided to apply to the Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College Veterinary Medical Technology program on the last day before admissions applications were no longer accepted. She received acceptance with flying colors! She is now a graduate of that institution.
Zoe, who is shown in Krista’s arms, was adopted from Brother Wolf by Krista’s mother a few years ago. What Krista and her mother discovered was that Zoe thought Krista was tops! Hence, Zoe moved in with Krista to live her best life in her forever home.
Krista chose Animal Hospital South to continue her quest of excellence in veterinary medicine because of the extraordinary care focused on all patients. She particularly seeks to establish relationships with her patients and enjoys assuring they have everything they need for a healthy and fun life.
When Krista is not at the hospital, she can be found with friends, hiking, or pool lounging with a cooler and hotdogs. She is an avid grower of succulents and there is even one tattooed on her arm!
Cheyenne, RVT
Cheyenne and Eli make a special twosome. Eli was previously an Asheville Humane Society kitty with a healed bullet wound to the femur. Cheyenne was working her clinicals at the Humane Society as part of her degree program in veterinary medical technology. Post amputation, the stars aligned, and this kitty found his most beautiful life with one of the most compassionate humans on the planet.
Growing up with chickens, ducks, nine bunnies, a hamster, a german shepherd named Malavita, and milking goats, Cheyenne’s natural path in life was to continue care for those with no voice. Her moment of revelation was when she was only thirteen years of age and her family rescued a giant schnauzer puppy who lived to be three years of age. The multiple trips to the doctor coupled with the needed continual medication cemented Cheyenne’s path into veterinary medicine.
She is now a proud graduate of the Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College Veterinary Medical Technology program. She chose to continue her life’s work at Animal Hospital South because of the “over the top” care given to each and every patient.
On her days away from her work, she enjoys hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway and Pisgah Forest. When not hiking she chills with her furry loved ones as well as her fiance’ Shannon. Shannon is one lucky man!
Francis, RVT
What a compliment to her parents, that Fran loves to spend her time with her family!
Client Care
Kailah
Kailah was drawn to Animal Hospital East and Animal 
Hospital South because of the one hundred percent emphasis on patient care. Having spent several years managing puppies, kittens, and pocket pets in a pet sales division, she was ready to expand her knowledge and abilities. She was already aware of the compassion and care that every patient receives at Animal Hospital East and Animal Hospital South.
Kailah volunteers for the Furever Friends Animal Rescue Organization.
She was interviewed on WLOS for her tireless commitment to the job of taking care of animals whose pet parents lost their way and could no longer care for their pet. This is a mammoth job as anyone engaged in this work can relate.
Kailah has ten rescued guinea pigs and a bunny in her home! She rec
ently added to the smallish herd a surrendered kitty with many medical problems. Kailah is apprenticing at Animal Hospital East as a Veterinary Technician. She will take this knowledge and complete her certification at the Veterinary Medical Technology program at Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College.
Kailah is also a writer of children’s books of which several have been published. Many of her themes are developed out of a keen awareness of caring for those who have no voice. She also enjoys listening to popular culture music of the 1920’s to the 1950’s. Kailah is shown here with Poncho and his adorable sweater. Poncho is so lucky to have found his forever home with someone who loves him!
Tina
Taylor
Kiatcha
In 2017, Kiatcha moved to the California desert south of Los Angeles. It was not long before she encountered the wildfires in that area and had to make a lightning-fast decision to evacuate her pets as well as other’s pets in need of escape.
Dahlia is her sweet doggie with the big doggie smile in the picture. Dahlia loves to hike and swim, having lots and lots of energy. Two kitties also live in Kiatcha’s household, Ashton and Mike Jones. All three furry friends enjoy each other’s company.
Dina
Dina familiarized herself with the world of animal protection working in the Brother Wolf Shelter for several years as a supervisor. Obviously she had a great affinity for care of those not able to care for themselves.
Originally from the Bronx, she left to move to Colorado. She discovered Asheville through a friend and has not left yet! Nash, shown hamming it up with Dina, and a kitty named Frankie round out Dina’s household. The two boys do very well together eager to hear Dina’s voice when she arrives home.
When asked what Dina loves most about Animal Hospital South, she is quick to respond “the doctors and the team.” Also she “loves the animals who come here every day.” Dina is sharp and always quick with the answer needed when anyone calls the front office.
On her days spent with Nash and Frankie, she enjoys a good bonfire hanging with friends. Nash loves to hike around the lake at Montreat. Frankie, not so much.
Patient Care
Vanessa
Vanessa has consistently shown to always be helpful in all ways possible. That is because she loves what she does, caring for pets who come in the Animal Hospital East and Animal Hospital South.
Vanessa is enrolled in the University of North Carolina at Asheville working toward her degree. We are fortunate she has joined our team consisting of state of the art skill as well as compassionate care!
Richard
Richard is a true out west native having grown up in Texas and New Mexico. He is accustomed to the desert life and hot dry air. He knew some friends in Hendersonville and they invited him to visit. He came, he saw, and he stayed.
Richard was making a living in the customer service industry when he felt the need to make a change which would create a difference in his life work. He felt led to inquire of a position at Animal Hospital South. He found for what he was searching.
Richard is shown in the picture with Nutmeg who is small. She is in strong contrast to the doggies Richard shares his life with in his home. His red lab, Moses, his Catahoula lab, Aaron, his Bloodhound, Joshua, and his German Shepherd, Echo all get along well and as one can imagine, eat large amounts of food. Joshua, in particular, has a wee bit of trouble understanding personal space. Richard shops for bulk when he purchases food for his dog family.
When Richard is not engaged with clients and patients at Animal Hospital South, he plays music. He plays pretty much everything having been in several bands. Jam sessions and gigs are a part of his daily routine.
The furry companions in Richard’s home are lucky to have such high quality background music!
Kiah
AAHA Member
Animal Hospital South is proud to be an accredited member of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Our accreditation demonstrates our commitment to the highest standards of veterinary care. AAHA regularly inspects our hospital to ensure that we comply with the association's standards for facilities, equipment, and quality procedures. AAHA standards are recognized around the world as the benchmark for quality care in veterinary medicine. Approximately 12 percent of animal hospitals in the United States are accredited by AAHA.
Pictures from AHS
1304 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville NC 28803
Monday - Friday:
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday:
8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Office Location
Animal Hospital South
1304 Hendersonville Rd
Asheville, NC 28803
© Animal Hospital South
All rights reserved
Contact Us
Phone: 828-277-0600
Fax: 828-277-6162
Email: