Welcome to the Vets Pets Weekly Update!
We’re excited to bring you the latest news, updates, and stories from across our North Carolina veterinary practices. Each week, we’ll share important announcements, highlight achievements, and sprinkle some fun along the way.
Your work makes a difference every day, and we want to celebrate you. If you have news or stories to share, please let us know by responding to any of these emails or reaching out to marketing@thevetspets.com.
Doing Our Part For Peace
At the end of January, as the Walk for Peace monks continued their 2,300-mile pilgrimage from Texas to Washington, D.C. through North Carolina, our partner hospitals, Wake Veterinary Medical Center and Oak Heart Veterinary Hospital, had the honor of caring for a very special dog along the way: Aloka, the monks’ rescue dog and loyal companion.
After recently undergoing surgery, Aloka “The Peace Dog” needed supportive medical care while recovering. Lauren Aldrich, DVM, MS, DACVS (SA) of Wake Veterinary Medical Center and George Ghneim, DVM, Partner Doctor leading both Wake Veterinary Medical Center and Oak Heart Veterinary Hospital along with hospital team members, had the honor to treat Aloka and aid in his ongoing care.
Dr. Aldrich provided a thorough physical examination, therapeutic Phovia laser treatment, and physical therapy for supportive comfort, healing, and mobility as he continues the walk for peace.
We’re thankful for our teams working together in support of Aloka and the Walk for Peace team during this meaningful journey.
Grand Opening: Zebulon Animal Hospital
After years of caring for pets just down the street, Zebulon Animal Hospital is excited to welcome clients and patients to a brand-new facility opening February 16, 2026.
Located just a quarter of a mile from their current location, the new hospital allows the hospital to continue serving the Zebulon community while expanding the space, comfort, and capabilities needed to support exceptional veterinary care.
The new 5,000-square-foot facility was thoughtfully designed with both pets and people in mind. With eight exam rooms, improved workflow, and modern treatment areas, the space gives their medical team the room they need to provide attentive, unhurried care.
The new hospital reflects a continued investment in the community and in the future of veterinary medicine. While the address is new, the heart of Zebulon Animal Hospital remains the same: a dedicated team focused on compassionate care, clear communication, and lasting relationships with the pets and people they serve.
The hospital is looking forward to their Open House event in the Spring.
5-Hour CE Opportunity with Wake Veterinary Medical Center
Wake Vet is excited to invite you to a full day of free CE on Saturday, March 14th.
This event, hosting both DVM and RVT tracks, will highlight specialty services at Wake Veterinary Medical Center. The program will offer five hours of CE credit, with lunch provided and a happy hour to follow with colleagues. Visit their website to see the agenda and secure your seat!
Congratulations, Dr. Hans Bernhard!
We are pleased to celebrate the promotion of Dr. Hans Bernhard, who has joined the Vets Pets leadership team as Vice President of Technology. Dr. Bernhard joined Vets Pets in 2016 as a partner at Holly Springs Veterinary Hospital, where he practiced clinically for more than 15 years. Throughout his clinical career, he demonstrated a strong interest in technology, consistently seeking efficiencies and using technology to improve the experience for both his team and clients. In July 2022, he stepped into the role of Director of Business Operations, overseeing strategy and vendor relationships across the organization to support the continued growth of our network.
Dr. Bernhard now transitions into the role of Vice President of Technology, where he leads technology strategy and innovation across Vets Pets, focused on strengthening systems, workflows, and tools that support our hospitals and teams.
A North Carolina native, Dr. Bernhard earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from NC State College of Veterinary Medicine and brings a unique blend of clinical experience and leadership to this role.
Please join us in congratulating him on this well-deserved promotion.
The veterinary profession offers both challenges and rewards. It’s crucial to pause regularly and acknowledge the positive experiences within your hospitals. We will start sharing reviews from around the company. If you have a review you’d like to share, please respond to this email or reach out to marketing@thevetspets.com.
This week’s review acknowledges the team at Points East Veterinary Specialty Hospital of Wilson. Well done!
“I had no idea this place even existed until we were rerouted from NC State Veterinary Hospital. We live in Wilmington, NC, and Points East was the only hospital that could see our emergent, very sick Golden.
From the moment we arrived, we were taken in immediately. He was ultrasounded, and we had a clear care plan within 30 minutes. That same night, he underwent a CT scan and surgery—something I never imagined would happen so quickly in the middle of the night.
Our sweet 10-year-old Golden Retriever has already been through four prior surgeries, so trust and experience mattered deeply to us. The care he received at Points East was truly excellent. Communication throughout his stay was outstanding, which gave us so much reassurance during an incredibly stressful time.
From admissions to the vet techs, and Tracy who handled the CT—to Dr. Jones and Dr. Nystrom, everyone was kind, compassionate, and attentive. You could genuinely feel how much they cared.
They are two hours away from us, but the drive was absolutely worth it. We are beyond grateful to have had this incredible team looking after our boy. Thank you Points East!“
Upcoming Vets Pets Events
- CVM Alumni + Student Mixer | February 25, 2026 | Raleigh NC
- Vets Pets Leadership Summit | February 26, 2026 | Raleigh, NC
- SAVMA Conference | March 13-14, 2026 | Raleigh, NC
- Wake Vet CE: Expanding Horizons in Veterinary Medicine | March 14, 2026 | Raleigh, NC
- NCSU CVM VETiquette Dinner | March 25, 2026 | Raleigh NC
- NCAVT Spring Conference | April 11, 2026 | Rocky Mount, NC