Our Doctors

Dr. Chris Hardin - Auburn University 

Dr. Hardin started volunteering with a veterinarian at age 13, and has been in the business one way or another since.  He graduated from Auburn University's College of Veterinary Medicine in 1994.  He came to Columbia in 1997, and bought the Two Notch Road Animal Clinic in 1999, about two weeks after marrying his wife Traci.  He started the PetFriends Veterinary Clinic in 2001 (since sold) and the Palmetto Regional Emergency Hospital for Animals in 2005.  Traci and he have a wonderful son named Tyler, two big dogs at home (Foster and Elmo), two cats at home (Grifi and Dusty) and a clinic cat here (Chester Cheeto).  Dr. Hardin appreciates the support of all the great pet parents and hospital staff who have helped make this practice what it is!

Dr. Julie James - Ross Univ/Univ of Illinois

Dr. Julie James is a graduate of Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in St. Kitts, West Indies.  After graduating Dr. James did a clinical year at the University of Illinois. She currently lives in Columbia with her husband, son Jack and five dogs TaggieWaggie, Sandy, Dublin, Doddle, and R.C. When Dr. James is not working she enjoys traveling to the beach, kayaking and spending time with family relaxing and especially grilling out!

Dr. SeungJun Lee - Oklahoma State University

Dr. Lee attended National University in Korea where he studied and graduated as a doctor of Veterinary Medicine from 1997-01.  Dr. Lee spent three years at Seoul National University Teaching Hospital as a graduate student in Internal Medicine.  He received his Master’s degree of Internal Medicine in 2008.  He also received his North America License through P.A.V.E. at Oklahoma State University in 2010.  Dr. Lee now lives in Columbia, SC with his wife and a new baby boy.  He has a beloved dog named “Song-E” and hopes to get another puppy very soon.  Dr. Hardin is very proud to add a veterinarian of Dr. Lee’s caliber to his staff.

Dr. Lindsay Dzombar - Virginia-Maryland College

Dr. Lindsay Dzombar is a graduate from Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine.  She is also new to the Columbia area, but the southern hospitality and sweet tea are quickly growing on her.  She is has a strong interest in emergency medicine, and would like to pursue further education in Complementary Medicine including acupuncture and chiropractics in the future. 

Dr. Laurie Kavanaugh - University of Georgia

Dr. Laurie Kavanaugh is a 1990 University of Georgia graduate. She has practiced in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina as a large and small animal practitioner and has also done work with animal shelters. She lives with five horses, a donkey, pony, eight dairy goats, nine cats and one rabbit. She has been practicing in South Carolina since 2001.

Part time:

Dr. Kirk Partin

Dr. Kirk Partin received his B.S. degree from N.C.S.U. in 1973, majoring in Animal Science and Poultry Science, with a minor in Zoology.  He received his D.V.M. degree from Tuskegee Institute in 1977.  Dr. Partin has worked in a variety of practice settings, including large animal medicine, emergency medicine and companion animal medicine.  Professional interests includes ongoing studies in Dermatology and Internal Medicine.  Dr. Partin has been a private practitioner in the greater Columbia, SC metropolitan area for the past 28 years.  When he is not working on pets, Dr. Partin enjoys construction projects, yard work, sailing and listening to music.  He is a dad to six children, grandfather to two boys, husband to one wife and “care taker” of two cats. 

Dr. Angela Houston

Dr. Rebecca Laster

Dr. D.M.Paley