About Us
Our Story
The Animal Hospital at Reems Creek got its start in June of 2003 when Dr. Ryan Hammonds purchased an existing small animal practice. Through the years we have added innovative and important diagnostic and therapeutic options that enable us to offer the highest level of care. Our commitment to providing the best available veterinary medicine is, and will continue to be, our guiding principle. We look forward to continuing to learn, improve, and innovate in the field of veterinary medicine.


“Working at The Animal Hospital at Reems Creek, I have learned and experienced many things. I take immense pride in the quality of care that we provide every day to our patients.”
Dr. Ryan Hammonds
VETERINARIAN
Dr. Ryan Hammonds was born and raised in Asheboro, NC and graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with honors in 1991. He went on to receive his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree (Cum Laude) at the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Hammonds practiced as an associate veterinarian in Asheville for seven years prior to joining The Animal Hospital at Reems Creek in 2003.
“I decided to come to Asheville for the excellent climate and range of outdoor activities. My family and I enjoy spending time on the rivers (boating, tubing), hiking our beautiful mountain trails, backpacking, and fishing. We also love to travel and try to give our children new and varied experiences.” Dr. Hammonds’ family includes his wife and two children and his beloved dog Franklin.
“I am very proud of the team of professionals that I have assembled. Our associate doctors are experienced, knowledgeable, and compassionate. Our management, reception, and veterinary technical staff are also highly educated and incredibly dedicated to providing exceptional service and veterinary care. All of this consistency of staff allows us to bond with our clients and become friends as well as caregivers.
Dr. Hammonds says that the best part about being a veterinarian is fulfilling a key role in the community. “Our practice focuses on pet owners who value their pets as an integral part of their family. Having a reliable, knowledgeable, and trustworthy veterinarian is of the utmost importance to these pet owners – and I love being a part of their special relationship to their pets. Most people think that being a veterinarian is mostly about caring for the animals, but it is equally about interacting with and caring for the owners. Almost no animal comes to me without a person attached!”

Dr. Jami Van Hemel
VETERINARIAN
Dr. Jami Van Hemel is a graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. She is originally from Florida, but fell in love with the mountains during her time in Tennessee and decided to make Western North Carolina home.
Dr. Van Hemel originally got into the veterinary field while working as a technician in shelter medicine, where she developed a passion for rescue animals and surgery. Since working in private practice, she has also developed an interest in preventative care, clinical pathology, and dermatology.
When not working, Dr. Van Hemel spends as much time as possible outdoors with her partner Bryce — camping with their dogs Juno, Jolene and Eddy, gardening, or fly fishing. On rainy days she enjoys cooking, playing games, doing crosswords, or spending time with her three-legged cat Jose.