The Purpose of Wateree Animal Hospital is to provide exceptional service to our clients and exceptional veterinary care to our patients.
In a way that reflects our motto, "Caring Hearts and Caring Hands," through the compassion and sensitivity that the doctors and staff have for our clients as well as for their pets.
So that our patients receive exceptional veterinary care and treatment, and our clients have a high sense of value for the services we provide.
About Wateree Animal Hospital
Defining Ourselves through Exceptional Care
At Wateree Animal Hospital, we believe that the best caretakers blend high-level veterinary skills with a nurturing outlook, a professional attitude and a fellowship with animals. By treating others' pets as we would like ours to be treated, we have been able to enjoy more than 36 years plus of service as your Midlands veterinarians.
We feel blessed to care for your pets. Browse our veterinarian staff listing, or feel free to contact us to learn more about our animal care philosophy and for job opportunities.
Video: New! Check out our new video, all about Wateree, how we care for your pet, and interviews with satisfied clients.
Read our client testimonials
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What sets us apart:
Wateree Animal Hospital is fully accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association- Luxury boarding facilities with kennel cameras
- Convenient check-in services, early morning drop-off, pick-up and delivery
- Time-saving online forms for new patients, speedy check-ins and more
- House call services available
- On-call emergency veterinarians
- Quality pet products, complete with a drive-through window at the Northeast location
- A knowledgeable and courteous staff
- Recognized leaders in the field of veterinary medicine
Our Doctors
Camden Team
Peter McKoy, DVM
I grew up in Sumter, SC and opened Wateree Animal Hospital in 1972 in Camden. I am a Clemson University graduate and received a degree in Veterinary Medicine from The University of Georgia in 1969. I live in Boykin with my wife, Peggy, and our numerous dogs and cats. I have 5 children, 11 grandchildren and many grandpets too! I am very involved in Christian Ministry and helping others. I love working outside and I am currently working with my wife to create a wildlife habitat in our yard and planting food plots for wildlife.
Patrick Wylie, DVM
I began practicing medicine at Wateree Animal Hospital in May 2007. I grew up in Fort Mill, SC and graduated from Fort Mill High School in 1998. In 2002 I earned my Bachelor of Science at the University of Georgia. I graduated from The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 2005. I have a great interest in preventative medicine. I currently reside in Camden with my wife, Magda. Magda is an equine veterinarian practicing with South Carolina Equine Associates. We have two dogs; a Labrador named Lola and a Collie mix named Shelby and a cat named Harley. In my spare time I enjoy hunting and fishing.
Holly Gibson, DVM
I graduated from Clemson University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science. After Clemson I attended The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine and graduated in 2009. I the completed my internship with the Veterinary Specialty Hospital of The Carolinas in Cary, North Carolina June 2010 and began practicing with Wateree Animal Hospital in July 2010 with interest in Internal Medicine. I am originally from Hartsville, SC and now reside in Columbia with my Labrador mix named Sadie. I love cooking and eating, running, watching movies and playing outdoors with Sadie.
Paige Beatty, DVM
I joined Wateree Animal Hospital’s team in February 2008. I received my undergraduate degree from East Tennessee State University with a double major in Chemistry and Biology. I then graduated from The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in 1997 with special focus in Internal Medicine. My husband, Mike, and I reside in Columbia with our 2 children, Marshall and Cassidy. We have lots of pets! We have 4 dogs; Bella, Buddy, BoBo and Sammie, 4 cats named Max, Sneaker, Bing and Maci Marie and our newest addition a hamster named Silver. I enjoy quilting, painting and I love to read.
Terri Hanson
I began working at Wateree Animal Hospital May 2000. I completed my undergraduate degree at Appalachian State and then attained my MBA and Masters of Health Care Administration from The University of Alabama at Birmingham. I currently live in Lugoff with my husband, Sean and our two children Sarah and Drew. We also have 1 dog, a Golden Retriever mix named Dottie. I love to play the handbells, go hiking and reading.
Lee Tention
I have been with Wateree Animal Hospital since the beginning, I was hired May 1976. Born a native to South Carolina, this is home. I don’t have any pets but treat all of our patients as if they were my own. When I am not working I am gardening and working in my yard. I take great pride in my vegetable garden!
Rachel Cochran
In January 2004 I began working with Wateree Animal Hospital. I am currently attending Central Carolina and look forward to transferring to The University of South Carolina to complete a degree in Business Management. I live in Camden with my husband, Craig. We have 2 dogs, a Boxer named Ed, a Great Dane named Dory and 2 cats, Ralph and Franklin. When I’m not studying and working I love photography, cooking and traveling.
Wendy Burbage
I love working with animals, it’s a passion of mine. I have been working at Wateree Animal Hospital since October 2001 and truly consider it to be a hobby. I love where I work which is why I don’t mind the daily drive from Sumter! When I’m not working I like to go scuba diving, swimming and occasionally read. I have 4 dogs; Cali, Whoopi, Chino and Jack, and 1 cat named Link.
Pam Lohmeier
I joined the team September 2008 when I moved to South Carolina from Michigan to escape the snowy winters! I live in Cassatt with my husband Wayne, our dog Lilo; a spaniel mix, and 2 cats; Jasper and Gracie also known as Itty Bitty. Gracie was a rescue off the side of the road! I have 1 daughter, Kelly, who still lives up in Michigan. When I have extra time I love to go fishing with Wayne and Lilo and also love photography.
Colleen Foreman
After years of working at the animal shelter I came to Wateree Animal Hospital in October 2009. You will often find me loving on the patients in the lobby! I have a Golden Retriever named Dixie and a cat named Gizmo. I love being active, especially outdoors. I fill my time by going target shooting, rock climbing, hiking, cooking, working out and traveling.
Shonda McCoy
I came to South Carolina 13 years ago to visit and loved it. I met my husband, Claude, bought a house on some land and never left. I am a graduate of the Florida School of Dog Grooming and have been successfully grooming for 16 years. I began grooming for Wateree Animal Hospital Camden in November 2004 and am so glad I made the move! I have two daughters, Jessica and Raya and two step-children, Steven and Jessica. I also have 3 horses, 2 ponies, 5 dogs, 3 cats, 2 ducks, and lastly 2 turtles. We have a very busy farm! In my spare time I love nature walks, fishing and horseback riding.
Kevin Gentry
I started working at Wateree Animal Hospital July 2010 as a part time kennel technician. I really like working with the dogs and cats that board with us! I live in Bethune with my parents and two brothers. We have 5 dogs; Apollo, Juneau, Sadie, Boots and Denali and 5 cats; Whiskers, Snoopy, Jewel, Mercury and Felix. I am interested in music and art.
Lindsey Baughman
In July 2009 I started working at Wateree Animal Hospital. I’m a very happy person and love working here! I have 2 dogs; a mix named Ginger and a Mastiff mix named Vegas. I also have 2 calico cats named Buttons and Mittens and a Quarter Horse named Maverick. I recently moved from Lugoff to Camden and couldn’t be happier. I love to cook and eat great food, go riding and swimming.
Mark Gardner
I started working at Wateree Animal Hospital in February 2009. I have two brothers, one of which is my identical twin. In my spare time I like to worship, listen to music (jazz and blues) and work on my strength training. I am currently attending Central Carolina to pursue a career in Radiology. I have 3 dogs; a pug mix named Bailey, a Chihuahua named Angel and a mixed dog named Tigger.
Louie Cruz
September 2007 was when I came to work at Wateree Animal Hospital. I can honestly say that I love to work, work, and work! I live in Camden with my wife, Ana, and our two sons, Francisco and Luis. I have 1 dog named Lobo and a cat named Blackie. I love my job and all of our awesome patients but really love the team of employees that we have, such a caring and awesome group to work with.
Michael Cook
I started working at Wateree Animal Hospital August 2010. I live in Camden with my wife and three daughters. I have 1 dog named Jessie. I like working here and being surrounded by all of the animals and great people, it makes me really happy. When I’m not working I enjoy singing and working with children.
Chrissy Abreu
I joined the Wateree Animal Hospital team in October 2010. I am originally from Georgia and my husband and I moved to Camden in 2009 from Lexington, Kentucky. My husband, Edris, is an equine veterinarian and we have 2 children, Alex and Isabel. We have 4 cats; Stormy, Pablo, Hope and Misty, a Dalmatian named Dallas and a Quarter horse named Rhoda. I love playing with my kids and watching UGA football! Go Dawgs!!
Patrick Grandstaff
I began working at Wateree Animal Hospital in August 2010. I absolutely love animals and working with them is awesome. I truely enjoy the outdoors, I have been a boyscout for years and love to do anything to do with the outdoors, however I love playing video games too! I have 2 cats named Miss. Kitty and Onit.
Elgin Team
Chandra Warwick
I began working at Wateree Animal Hospital August 2010 after my husband, Brent, was transferred from Delaware to Shaw Air Force Base. We have 2 children, Amelia and Austin. We have a Pomeranian named Moose, a Geman Shepherd named Relic, and a cat named Merlin. I acquired an Associates degree in Veterinary Technology and in 2010 became licensed. I love what I do and can’t imagine doing anything else!
Eric Rundlett, DVM
I joined the Wateree Animal Hospital family in 2003 after graduating from The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. I practiced at our Camden location for 5 years before opening our Elgin hospital in 2007 where I have been practicing since. I have a special interest in orthopedic surgery, reproductive medicine, and dentistry. My wife, Rebecca, and I were married in 2001 and have a son named Jackson. I enjoy college football and fly fishing.
Brandi Brunson, DVM
I am a native of Sumter, South Carolina and joined the team of Wateree Animal Hospital in March 2009. I completed my undergraduate education at Clemson University before attending veterinary school at The University of Auburn in 2001. After graduating I returned to Auburn and attained my PhD in pathology. In my downtime I love to read, go horseback riding, travel to the beach and spend time with my animals. I have two Dachshunds, Amos and Elsie and two cats named Clancy and Clem.
Jodi Connolly
I started working for Wateree Animal Hospital in October of 2006. I began working in the Camden location and transferred to our Elgin hospital when it opened its doors in August of 2007. I am originally from Beaufort, SC and now live in Elgin with my husband, Jason, and our son, Parker. In my spare time I like reading but most of all love finding new and exciting places to take our son! We have 2 dogs, 5 cats and a bird that keep us very busy! And most importantly, Go Red Sox!
Tracey Rooney
Hi, my name is Tracey Rooney. I have a 5 year old Australian Shepherd named Stanley and an 11 year old tabby cat named Zooey. I have tons of energy and love to go running, play the violin, read and watch Gamecock football! I am currently attending Penn Foster to complete the Veterinary Technology Program and look forward to continuing to work with animals. I have been working with Wateree Animal Hospital since May 2009.
Kristin Montoya
Before working at Wateree Animal Hospital I was a volunteer spending several times a week helping the team care for patients and decided this was a career path that I wanted to follow. I was hired onto the team April of 2009. I am currently attending Central Carolina and Midlands Technical College and plan to transfer to Clemson. I got engaged on Christmas Day 2010 and now have wedding plans in my future! I have 2 Labs named Ally and Lucy and 2 Beagles named Maybelle and Daisy.
Frankie Cruz
Hello, I’m Frankie and I joined the team in August 2009. I love to work, shop, hang out with friends and meet new people. I have 1 dog named Lobo and a cat named Blackie. I moved from Mexico to the United States in 1990 and go back to Mexico annually for vacation with my family. I graduated from Camden High School and attended Central Carolina Technical College.
Melissa Grandstaff
I began working at Wateree Animal Hospital in April of 2009. When I am not working I love to exercise, go horseback riding, watch movies and go fishing. I have 4 dogs named Windy, Pai-Pai, Bear and Peter, a cat named Pipe and a horse named Elu. I have two brothers, one of which is a kennel technician at the Camden hospital.
Michelle York
I’m Michelle and I began working with Wateree Animal Hospital in August of 2009. I have a Bachelors of Science in Veterinary Technology from Newberry College and am an alumni of the Alpha Xi Delta sorority. I am currently working on becoming a certified veterinary technician. When I’m not studying or working I love to hang out with my friends and family. I have lots of pets; a ball python named Ico, a ferret named Jasmine, a cat named Fate and 3 dogs named Angel, Schoshi and Hachi.
Kyla Jerkins
I joined Wateree Animal Hospital in August 2010 after volunteering for a couple of months. I currently attend Lugoff-Elgin High School and look forward to graduating in 2012. I am on the drill team and also like to read, listen to music, swim, shop, and spend time with my friends and family. I am interested in a career as a veterinarian. I have 2 dogs, Emma Rose and Jackson as well as 2 sisters and 2 brothers.
Allison Mix
Hi, I’m Allison! I am the groomer with Wateree Animal Hospital in Elgin. I began working at the Camden hospital in July 2006 and moved to the Elgin hospital in 2007. I have been happily grooming since 2007 and love it. I graduated from South Carolina School of Dog Grooming and attained my Associate of Science and Arts from Manatee Community College in Florida. I live in Elgin with my 5 dogs and two cats. I truly love my job and all of the people I work with!
History
In 1972, Dr. Peter McKoy moved to Camden, SC, to open a veterinary practice. Wateree Animal Hospital was located on Church Street, a small side street one block from downtown. Dr. McKoy knew very little about business, advertising, or marketing. He saw 3 patients during his first week. His filing system consisted of an old cigar box with 100 index cards. Gradually, the word spread and the number of clients grew.
By 1975, Wateree Animal Hospital had outgrown its 3-room facility. With the help of a local businessman, Mr. Bud Davis of Davis Printing Company, Dr. McKoy was able to build on the present Camden location of 500 York Street. Since then, not only has the Camden facility been renovated and expanded, a second hospital was built in Elgin, SC. And the cigar-box filing system has grown into a paperless computer system with 26 computers and approximately 10,000 active clients. The practice itself, despite its small-town location and approach, has grown into one of the largest practices in the midlands of SC
A large part of our success is having the right people on the team. We look for people who are team players, who can help us carry out our purpose "to provide exceptional client service and excellent medical care in such a way that the clients have a high sense of value for what they receive and reflects our motto of 'Caring Hearts and Caring Hands.' "
Our staff has grown to 6 veterinarians, and 30+ staff at two locations. At our Camden location, the staff have been with us for an average of 7.5 years (with Lee Tention topping the list at 34 years of dedication!). Our staff's love of animals is obvious when you walk through the front door. We constantly solicit feedback from existing and new clients. We listen very closely to our clients’ needs and suggestions, as well as their perception of the service they and their pets receive.
The Lord has blessed our business through the years and continues to do so.



































