Welcome to Animal House Veterinary Hospital

Dr. Kennedy graduated from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in June 2000. Prior to returning to school to pursue a degree in veterinary medicine, Dr. Kennedy was employed by a large, multi-national engineering conglomerate for several years working in various positions such as a Systems Engineer, Regional Technical Services Manager, and International Marketing Specialist. Dr. Kennedy was born in 1959 and was raised in a rural area on the Ohio River approximately 25 miles east of Cincinnati.  He has lived in numerous locations throughout the United States (Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Washington State, South Carolina, and Tennessee) before permanently relocating to North Carolina in 2002.  Dr. Kennedy returned to school in 1996 to pursue his dream of becoming a Veterinarian.  He eventually established Animal House Veterinary Hospital in Rutherford College, North Carolina in late November, 2009.

When he isn't working, Dr. Kennedy enjoys golf and numerous outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, skiing, canoeing, and backpacking. Less strenuous interests include reading, history, and horticulture.

Dr. Melissa Zebley graduated from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 1997. She is originally from Florida but chose North Carolina as her home shortly after graduating. Dr. Zebley worked in private and corporate practice before starting a mobile practice- Mobile Vet to Pet Veterinary Service. Her veterinary interests include canine and feline reproduction, behavior, dermatology, shelter medicine and genetics. She is also a Certified Penn HIP practitioner. 

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and taking care of (2) cats & (2) dogs at home as well as reading and occasionally hiking the mountains of NC.

My education and background is in Fish & Wildlife Management and Forestry Management.

I love our cats Boo Radley and Annie, and the raccoons that live in our backyard.  Hiking, camping, walking, bike riding, and reading are favorite recreational activities.

I love what we do at Animal House Veterinary Hospital and feel that we truly make a difference for our clients and their beloved pets.

Our philosophy is to practice “Modern Medicine with Kindness and Compassion'. If we strive to improve just a little bit every day, then we can deliver our very best for clients, their pets, and our community.

I came to Animal House Veterinary Hospital in the Spring of 2010 with a degree in Medical Office Administration.  I am a native of Burke County, North Carolina. When I'm not at work I enjoy time with my family, my church family, and hiking the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee.

I received my Associates Degree in Applied Science for Medical Office Administration in 2011 from Western Piedmont Community College. Graduating with high honors, I began working at Animal House Veterinary Hospital in September, 2014.  My position allows me to integrate my love for animals and my passion for the medical field. 

I’m a devoted mother to my son Hunter and have 1 dog at home, Belle.  When I'm not working for Dr. Kennedy I stay busy taking care of my family.

I joined the team at Animal House as a receptionist in May of 2017. As a little girl, I knew that helping animals was something that I wanted to do. I am currently enrolled in the Veterinary Medical Technology Program at Gaston Community College and am in the process of trying to make my dream a reality.

My hobbies include hanging out with friends and family as well as playing with my Pit Bull 'Moses', and Lab mix 'Belle'. I also love going to the North Carolina mountains and taking in the view with my family and friends.

My name is Brooke and I joined the Animal House team in September, 2018. Even though I am very new to the veterinary field, I am enjoying every minute of the work I do and the patients I have met so far. 

While not at work, I enjoy spending time with my fiancee, Mark and our son, Ryder. Together we have 2 dogs; Lilah, a 1 yr old Chihuahua and Poe, a 2-yr old Feist/Chihuahua mix.

Working here has opened my eyes to the interest I have to help animals. I hope to further my career in the veterinary field and look forward to learning more about animals each day!

Hi there! I joined Animal House as a Kennel Assistant in November of 2018 but I am currently cross training as a Veterinary Assistant also. Although I had previously interned at another veterinary hospital,  I didn't continue on into the veterinary field at that point. I enjoy all types of animals but reptiles are my favorite - especially snakes. 

My dream is to become a Registered Veterinary Technician at some point in the future with a special interest in reptiles. I am currently enrolled in the Online Veterinary Technician Program through Penn Foster College.

At home I have a few reptiles of my own....Revan - a Ball Python; Penelope - also a Ball Python; Mileena - a Nicaraguan Boa; and Thorne - a Bearded Dragon. I also have Zoey - a nine year old Pug, Henry - a one year old Pug, and Ernie - a six to seven year old Chinese Crested. In addition to taking care of my pets, my hobbies include playing video games and hanging out with friends.

I have already learned so much in the short time I have worked here but I look forward to growing into the veterinary field and seeing where my love for animals can take me!

My love for animals began as a small child - by the age of 7 years old, I knew that I wanted to someday pursue a career in veterinary medicine. I finally started making this dream a reality in May of 2019. I am currently attending Penn Foster College and hope to acquire my Associate's Degree as a Registered Veterinary Technician by May of 2020. After the Veterinary Technician course is complete, I plan to continue into the veterinary field and become a Veterinarian. 

I also do pet sitting on the side for various types of animals such as dogs, goats, cats, etc. I have 3 dogs of my own - Nala, Roxy, and Arya; 1 cat - Cleo; 3 snakes - Zoey, Jafar, and Maverick, and several fish. They keep me busy most of the time but in my free time, I also enjoy hiking and reading.

I'm excited to see where my ambitions and dreams can take me and look forward to learning as much as I can along the way!

My name is Caleigh Reece. I graduated from NC State University in May 2019 with a Bachelor's degree in Animal Science and a concentration in Veterinary Bioscience. I am currently applying to several colleges to continue pursuing a career in Veterinary Medicine. I hope to specialize in mixed animals including food animals and companion animals. Go Pack!

I joined the Animal House team the summer of 2017 after my freshman year of college. I had always brought my pets here and was eager to see the flip side of things. I started off as a Kennel Assistant and worked my way up to becoming a Veterinary Assistant. Dr. Kennedy ensures a work environment that doesn't only hold compassion for his patients but compassion for his employees as well. He has not only been an amazing mentor for my career but a life mentor as well. Dr. Kennedy has prepared me to be a better future veterinarian and human being. I have learned so much more in my time here than I could have ever thought imaginable. Animal House is a knowledgeable, educating, hospital that shows great kindness and concern for all that walk through its doors. I love being a part of the impact this hospital makes. I look forward to the rest of my time here, the experience and knowledge I will gain, and the patients I will encounter and grow to love.

In my spare time I enjoy hunting, fishing, painting, hiking, doing cross-fit, and showing cattle across the state. I have 3 dogs, 1 cat, 1 goat, 1 horse, and a miniature Scottish Highland steer. My pets and education keep me busy and I wouldn't want it any other way.