The journey of Jarrell Animal Hospital
Growing up on a farm surrounded by animals and under the nurturing care of a veterinarian father, Dr. Nathan Carlton always knew his destiny lay in caring for animals. His dream took an unexpected turn when the events of 9/11 prompted him to join the Marine Corps and later, the Army. However, while stationed at Fort Hood (now Fort Cavazos), he noticed the significant growth in Jarrell and saw the need for a dedicated veterinarian in the area. This realization led to the opening of Jarrell Animal Hospital in 2019, a venture that has grown as rapidly as the town itself. “Five years ago, in our first week, we had one doctor and saw four patients. Now we have five doctors and see five times as many patients in a single morning. The growth is unbelievable,” Dr. Carlton reflects.
A Mission of Superior Veterinary Care
From the very beginning, Jarrell Animal Hospital’s mission has been clear: to practice superior veterinary medicine with an affordable, common-sense approach. “We have the resources, equipment, diagnostics, and expertise to offer our clients and their pets the very best treatment options,” he explains. “The common-sense part is knowing what is appropriate for each family and ensuring the best and most comfortable outcome for the pet.”
Comprehensive Care for Every Need
Jarrell Animal Hospital is a full-service practice, providing comprehensive medical, surgical, and dental care to Williamson County and surrounding areas. The medical and technical teams offer a broad spectrum of diagnostic procedures through in-house testing and referral laboratories, and they work closely with specialists for advanced surgical and diagnostic needs. The hospital boasts a pharmacy, surgery suite, x-ray and ultrasonography facilities, dental radiology, and areas for hospitalization and quarantine. They also handle emergency cases during operating hours. “We treat everything from dogs with broken legs to cats with heart failure, and animals with foreign body obstructions or abdominal tumors. We do whatever is needed,” Dr. Carlton says.
Passionate Professionals
Dr. Carlton is supported by four other doctors, Doctors House, Hammer, Heller, and Moczygemba, and Hospital Manager and LVT Elisabeth Zabori, along with a dedicated team of technicians and assistants.
Originally from Canada, Liz Zabori brings more than 30 years’ experience in emergency and critical care to the hospital. She initially planned to help out a day or two a week but soon became an integral part of the team, serving as hospital manager for the past three years. “We create programs and schedules that promote and support life balance for employees,” Liz explains. “There’s hardly any overtime, and staff are rewarded for staying after hours for emergency surgeries. It is my mission and goal to make sure my team feels valued and appreciated.”
The hospital’s commitment to affordable, high-quality care is unwavering. If Jarrell Animal Hospital cannot provide a specific treatment, they refer pet owners to specialists who can. “Our approach is to always offer options to pet owners. We guide them to the best care available,” Dr. Carlton emphasizes.
Compassionate Care at the Core
At the heart of Jarrell Animal Hospital is a profound compassion for pets and their owners. Dr. Carlton’s gentle touch is evident with every animal he sees, from routine check-ups to lighting a candle at the front desk when someone is saying goodbye to a beloved pet. “There’s a person attached to the end of every leash,” he often says. This philosophy is echoed by hospital manager Liz Zabori, who prioritizes mental health and work-life balance for the staff. “Taking care of our people, clients, and patients is paramount. That’s why we do this,” she asserts.
Community Connections and Future Growth
Jarrell Animal Hospital is deeply connected to the community, sponsoring sports teams, the Wilco Rodeo, and FFA groups. They also embrace veterinary technician programs, helping students gain valuable experience. “We want to paint a good picture of our industry and grow future vets and technicians,” Liz says.
As the hospital continues to expand, with plans to extend hours and offer more services, the focus remains on providing superior, compassionate care. Dr. Carlton and his team are committed to serving the community and supporting the well-being of both pets and their owners. “We treat every animal like it’s our own,” Liz affirms. “Our vision is to practice high standards of care while offering common-sense, affordable solutions.”
With a team dedicated to excellence and a community-centered approach, Jarrell Animal Hospital is more than a veterinary clinic — it’s a sanctuary for pets and their families.
Fear-Free Focus
In addition to cutting-edge technology and care techniques, Jarrell Animal Hospital prioritizes a fear-free experience for animals. The facility is designed to help pets relax, with items like pheromone-sprayed bandannas and Thunder Ease products. True to form, throughout the interview, Liz cradled a senior dog distressed from anesthesia while the medical team attended to the next patient.
As well, interior kennels have plexiglass fronts instead of bars, there are special areas and exam rooms for cats to relax away from canine patients, and calming music plays in the offices to support the animals’ emotional well-being. “Fear-free starts at the phone call,” Liz notes. “We collaborate on treatment plans and suggest products to help pets feel more at ease during visits and at home.”