About River Road Animal Clinic in Columbus:
Past to Present

About River Road Animal Clinic in Columbus, GARiver Road Animal Clinic has been proudly caring for pets of the Columbus area since the 1960s, when it was founded by Dr. Carol Pritchard. Dr. Pritchard helped pave the way for the practice’s next two leading veterinarians, one of whom was one of her own clients, Dr. Houston. Dr. Houston was just a child at the time, unaware that her journey as a veterinarian had already begun. At the time of our inception, our practice was located not far from our present location and remained there for 25 years. Then in 1989, under the leadership of Dr. Clare Anderson—a close friend of Dr. Houston’s sister—we relocated to River Road. Dr. Anderson owned the practice until December 2009, when Dr. Houston took over.

Although a great deal has changed at our clinic over the years, one thing has remained the same: our commitment to providing pets with high-quality, compassionate care. Dr. Houston and the rest of our team want nothing more than to see pets healthy and happy through every life stage.

Call us at 706-327-8329 to book an appointment for your pet with Dr. Houston and the team. We can’t wait to see you and your pet!

Get to Know Our Veterinarian

Dr. Carol Carpenter Houston is a native of Columbus, GA, and is the daughter of Dr. Robert H. Carpenter, Sr., and the late Nelda D. Carpenter. She graduated from Hardaway High School and earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Georgia. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1993 and began interning at River Road Animal Clinic shortly after. She then moved to Auburn, AL, where she owned her own business, Pet Vet. She worked as a veterinarian there for 12 years.

In December 2009, Dr. Houston returned to Columbus and purchased River Road Animal Clinic from Dr. Anderson. Since then, she’s enjoyed meeting and reacquainting herself with new clients and old friends. She continues to enjoy working and taking care of the beloved pets and clients of the Columbus area with compassion and professionalism. Her career centers around client education about pet wellness in order to help her clients better understand their pet’s health care needs. This continues to be her lifelong passion.

Carol Carpenter Houston DVM

An Interview with Dr. Houston

If You Weren’t a Vet, in What Career Could You See Yourself?
I would be riding, training, and competing horses.

What Is Your Favorite Vacation Spot?
I love spending time at the beach, watching the waves, walking on the beach, reading, and eating great seafood. YUM!

If You Could Give One Piece of Advice to Pet Owners, What Would It Be?
Pets are God’s creatures so treat them with respect, love, and discipline.

Name Three Things People Might Not Know About You.
I love to cook and try new recipes, I come from a very large family, and I love to workout.

What Is Your Favorite Quote About Animals?
Pets are always in a good mood and give unconditional love, no matter how bad your day.

Need to book an appointment for your pet at River Road Animal Clinic? Call 706-327-8329 today!