Dr. Rachel Ballard is a native to western North Carolina, growing up just outside of Asheville.
She always loved animals and as a child remembers insisting on taking home the most tattered stuffed animals from the thrift store to ensure someone gave them a home. Aside from 6 siblings she shared her home with dogs, cats, chickens, ducks and hamsters.
In college she studied biochemistry and went on to receive her doctorate in veterinary medicine from North Carolina State University. While studying at NC State she served as president of the Turtle Rescue Team, where she took part in the coordination and medical care of over 1000 sick and injured reptiles. In addition to her clinical work, she participated in public health research examining food bowl hygiene. She loves working with dogs and cats and has a particular interest in fear free handling, geriatrics, and ophthalmology. She also received additional training in both companion exotics and zoo and wildlife species. In addition to the medical care of rabbits and snakes she has performed anesthesia on gorillas and assisted on research projects examining disease in Galapagos sea lions.
When she is not at the hospital she enjoys spending time with her giant, lovable dog Max, hiking and climbing in the beautiful blue ridge mountains, contra dancing and sewing.
