Our Story

A Clinic Built on Community & Care

Smithson Veterinary Clinic has been a trusted part of Tazewell County since 2010. We're not a corporate chain — we're your neighbours, and we treat your pets like our own.

Est. 2010

Serving Tazewell County

Who We Are

More Than a Clinic — A Community Partner

Smithson Veterinary Clinic was founded in 2010 by Dr. George Smithson with one simple belief: every pet in Tazewell County deserves access to high-quality, compassionate veterinary care — without having to drive hours to a city clinic.

What started as a small one-room practice on Royal Oak Road has grown into a full-service veterinary clinic with modern diagnostic equipment, a dedicated surgical suite, and a team of passionate animal lovers who show up every day ready to make a difference.

We're proud to be independently owned and deeply rooted in this community. When you walk through our doors, you're not just a client number — you're a neighbour, and your pet is family.

Book an Appointment (276) 806-9823

Pets Treated

Years in Practice

% Client Satisfaction

Team Members

Compassion First

We treat every animal with the same gentleness and patience we would want for our own pets. Fear-free techniques are used wherever possible.

Clinical Excellence

We invest in continuing education and modern equipment so our team stays at the leading edge of veterinary medicine — right here in Tazewell County.

Honest Communication

No jargon, no surprises. We explain every diagnosis and cost in plain language, and we always give you a full estimate before proceeding.

Community Commitment

We live here, we shop here, our kids go to school here. Supporting this community is personal — and it shows in how we treat every client.

Safety & Trust

From sterile surgical protocols to thorough anaesthesia monitoring, the safety of your pet is never compromised — not even to save time.

Lifelong Relationships

We remember your pet's name, their history, and their personality. We're not just your vet for one visit — we're your partner for life.

Dr. George Smithson

DVM · Founder & Lead Veterinarian

DVM Licensed VA Fear-Free Exotic Pets

Meet the Doctor

Dr. George Smithson, DVM

Background & Education

Dr. George Smithson was born and raised in Southwest Virginia, giving him a deep connection to the rural communities of the Appalachian highlands. He completed his undergraduate studies at Virginia Tech before earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine — one of the top vet schools in the country.

After graduation, he completed a one-year rotating internship at a mixed animal practice in Tennessee, gaining hands-on experience with small animals, livestock, and exotic species. He returned to his home region in 2010 to open Smithson Veterinary Clinic on Royal Oak Road — a practice he has grown from the ground up.

Specialities & Interests

Small animal internal medicine and chronic disease management
Exotic and non-traditional pet species (birds, reptiles, small mammals)
Fear-free handling and low-stress veterinary techniques
Soft tissue surgery and minimally invasive procedures
Senior pet wellness and quality-of-life care

Personal Life

When he's not at the clinic, Dr. Smithson enjoys hiking the Appalachian Trail, fly fishing on the Clinch River, and spending time with his family and three dogs — Beau, a beagle mix; Ranger, a border collie; and Dot, a three-legged rescue hound who he describes as "the best patient he never had to treat."

Book with Dr. Smithson View Our Services

Rachel Hines

Registered Veterinary Technician

With 9 years of clinical experience, Rachel is the heartbeat of our treatment room. She specialises in patient comfort and is Fear-Free certified.

Marcus Webb

Veterinary Assistant

Marcus keeps our clinic running smoothly, assists in procedures, and has a remarkable talent for calming even the most anxious patients.

Diane Caldwell

Client Services Manager

Diane is the first friendly face you'll see at Smithson Vet. She manages scheduling, client communications, and makes sure every visit starts on the right paw.

2010

Clinic Founded

Dr. Smithson opens Smithson Veterinary Clinic at 386 Royal Oak Road, North Tazewell — with one exam room, two staff, and a dream.

2013

Surgical Suite Opens

A dedicated surgical suite is added, allowing Dr. Smithson to perform spay, neuter, and soft-tissue procedures fully in-house.

2016

Digital Imaging Installed

We invest in digital X-ray and ultrasound equipment — bringing same-visit diagnostic imaging to Tazewell County for the first time.

2019

Exotic Pet Program Launched

After completing advanced exotic animal medicine training, Dr. Smithson formally launches a dedicated exotic species program.

2022

Fear-Free Certification

The entire clinical team earns Fear-Free certification, transforming how we handle every patient to minimise stress and anxiety.

2026

3,200+ Patients Served

Today, Smithson Veterinary Clinic proudly serves over 3,200 patients and remains one of the most trusted names in Tazewell County veterinary care.