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. 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
Prior to her relocation to the southeast, Dr. Susan Welsch hailed from the New Jersey, New York area. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in biology from Rutgers University and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University. Dr. Welsch extended her studies at the prestigious Animal Medical Center in New York City.
She is a skilled sonographer, having trained under Dr. Eric Lindquist, the founder of Sonopath. This expertise is highly sought in veterinary diagnostics and we are fortunate she has chosen to join Animal Hospital South.
Having previously owned a practice in New Jersey, Dr. Welsch understands the value of a state of the art facility as well as tenured and certified professional staff, both evident at the Animal Hospital South. She understands the importance of the bond between human and animal and respects the opinions of those whose lives are so closely aligned with their companion.
She and her husband enjoy their small farm in Henderson County where they raise berries and vegetables. Helping them on their farm are their two "girls," Fiona Francis Bean and Emmy Lou, both wire haired pointers! The couple enjoy seeking the outdoor beauty our mountains offer as well as a nice night listening to good music!
Dr. Sam Yale, BS, MS, DVM
Dr. Sam Yale was a schoolteacher before he was a veterinarian. He taught middle school science in Portland, Oregon, which was a long way from his home town in Pennsylvania. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in biology and a Master’s in Environmental Education K-12 at Pennsylvania State University.
He considered the possibility of veterinary school and visited several hospitals in the Portland area. It was not long before he was accepted into the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Graduating with honors from veterinary school, he completed an internship with VCA Veterinary Care Hospital in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The year following found him at a small animal hospital in Washington state. Seattle was the next move for Dr. Yale joining The Humane Society of Seattle to facilitate their animal health care needs. A revisiting of Portland included working in emergency medicine and surgery. Interestingly, Dr. Yale was a member of a couple of bands, playing banjo, mandolin, and guitar.
It is apparent Dr. Yale has tremendous compassion for his patients as well as the people who care for them. He is careful and caring and treats every patient as though he or she were a member of his own family.
We are delighted he has chosen to join Animal Hospital South. He especially likes the staff! The feeling is reciprocated.
Dr. Annie Golden , BS, MA, DVM
When cattle and horses roaming the land around Fort Lauderdale, Florida were a common sight, Dr. Annie Golden was a young child. A lot has happened in that area in the years since, but Dr. Golden’s path to veterinary medicine was cemented by her early experiences.
She graduated with honors from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science. She then completed a Master’s degree focusing on Parasitology with a minor in Higher Education. Her time spent in university studies saw her actively working in a local small animal hospital gaining valuable experience. Her Master’s degree studies were complimented by employment in the Large Animal Hospital of the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida. Once graduated she took a position as an adjunct professor at Santa Fe College.
Veterinary school was Dr. Golden’s next pursuit, graduating from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. Post-graduation, she worked in clinical small animal practice. With her academic as well as her teaching prowess, she was asked to direct the Veterinary Technology program in Fort Lauderdale. Her successful reputation did not stay quiet and she was then asked to head the program at Gainesville, Florida.
Dr. Golden is obviously compassionate to the needs of animals as well as to the people caring for them. She supports an engaged work atmosphere where all are informed and valued.
We are fortunate Dr. Golden chose Asheville for her home. We are thrilled with her affiliation with Animal Hospital South. Her goals of careful compassionate animal care align with the Animal Hospital South philosophy.
When Dr. Golden is not attending to her many doctor duties, she can be found tending to her garden alongside her beehives. Andi, her agility dog, eagerly awaits her arrival home for play and serious dog work! Andi, no doubt, is bilingual since Dr. Golden also speaks Spanish!
Dr. Laura Jones, BS, DVM
Bio to come
Asheville Dental Health for Animals
Dr. Ron Altman, BA, DVM
Dr. Ron Altman is a native Canadian, born in Montreal. He received his Bachelor of Arts from McGill University and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph in Guelph, Ontario.
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
Cheyenne, RVT, Fear Free Certified
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!
Casey, CVT
Casey is a horsewoman. She has been riding most of her life and she is very good at understanding and implementing proper horsemanship. She was active in the state and national Future Farmers of America, winning many awards along the way.
While Casey grew up on the family farm in Western North Carolina, she initially chose the human medical field as the path for her work life. It did not take long before she decided she is happiest when surrounded by animal patients! She is a proud graduate of Ashworth College Veterinary Technician Associate Degree. She particularly enjoys dentistry and surgery and will be increasing her academic studies in the surgical field.
Casey joined Animal Hospital South because of the stellar reputation the hospital enjoys. She discovered the clients are “really nice,” and “the staff is super welcoming and friendly.” We couldn’t agree more.
Casey obviously spends a lot of time with her horses generally riding and training three at a time. She is active in the horse show circuit and connects with other horse people in need of her expertise.
Casey is a very busy woman but when she comes in from all of her work, she is greeted by her dog Dusty and her pig named Ozzie. Ozzie showed up as a piglet in need of care and happily lives indoors with Casey. Of course Ozzie does not act like a pig, he has manners! Casey understands exactly what he wants and together along with Dusty, they provide a trio of love and happiness!
Aracely, RVT, Fear Free Certified
Aracely knows her way around a veterinary hospital. She was employed in a hospital when she was in Early College, cementing her goals for her life career.
Aracely grew up in Flat Rock and was familiar as a young person with horses and cattle. Her grandfather owned a cattle farm and her father rehabilitates aging racehorses saving them from euthanasia. From this family environment, Aracely learned compassion and kindness towards those who have no voice.
Aracely worked in the banking business prior to acceptance to the Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College Veterinary Medical Technology program. Her duties gave her valuable experience speaking with people in need of help much like the needs of clients concerning their beloved pets.
While Aracely was in school, she supplemented her education with employment at an area emergency hospital. She was exposed to various trauma cases and at times this created expected sadness. As graduation loomed, she decided to revisit the day practice. We are so pleased Aracely chose Animal Hospital South, known for superior quality of care. She says she loves the clients, especially getting to know them. She also feels the staff is so kind. The feeling is reciprocated!
When she is not at the office, Aracely is outside on her family farm with her husband and three children. She is shown having fun with Lacey. Bailey and Max, two cattle dogs, keep Lacey occupied when the family is at work or school. It is always fun for the dogs when the family comes together!
Client Care
Tina
Tina grew up with a dog and cat always in the household. From these early years she learned the special value animals bring to a family. For this reason we are fortunate Tina is the first point of contact for pet parents calling the Animal Hospital South with all questions concerning their pet's needs.
Tina previously worked with a small animal hospital in the area for several years gaining valuable experience understanding the unique needs of many and varied patients. She was familiar with the stellar reputation of Animal Hospital South, hence when a position became available, she was first in line to connect with Mindy, our practice manager.
When asked what she likes most about her time spent in the hospital, she quickly responded "Everyone is always willing to help, no matter what. Everyone is really nice here!" We couldn't agree more.
When Tina is away from the hospital, she keeps busy with her own family! She has two kitties, Dixie and Gemma, and a dog named Onyx. Apparently Dixie keeps the four legged family members under her paw!
Tina, her husband, and her two sons, stay on the go fishing the local, as well as not so local, lakes and creeks in the area. They are an experienced family in hiking the trails and trout fishing.
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.
Allison
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!
Tristan
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: