Dr. Brittany Holler Barkley, M.S., D.V.M, is a practicing veterinarian with a passion for wellness and preventative care for pets. From nursing puppies to relieving pain for end-of-life patients, Dr. Holler is committed to compassionate veterinary care and considers it a privilege to help animals at all stages of life. She has a special interest in dermatology and behavioral cases.
She believes that the bond between humans and animals is a unique one and takes pride in providing open communication for pet owners. Dr. Holler Barkley loves talking to families, helping to smooth transitions, and guiding them with routine check-ups for the overall wellbeing of their beloved pets.
Dr. Holler Barkley earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from North Carolina State University, where she also obtained her Master of Science degree in Physiology. Her undergraduate degree is in environmental studies from Hobart & William Smith Colleges. She is an active member of the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Dr. Holler Barkley has wanted to be a veterinarian since she was five years old and believes it is her calling and mission. She is proud to be serving the Hickory community by providing wellness care, hospitalization services and emergency procedures with a caring and compassionate team under her leadership.
In her spare time, she enjoys the outdoors, including day trips to Lake Hickory with her husband Chad and their children. She is the proud mama of a bossy Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Carlito and a sassy cat named Cinderella.
I was previously working in the medical field (nursing) and questioning my career choice. I was offered a position in the veterinary field. It was a chance I took over 30 years ago and one decision that I have never regretted once making!
When our clients leave I want them not to have a single doubt about making the decision to choose us to care for their pets. I want them to know whole heartedly that their pet got the same care and compassion I would have given my own pet.
Every day is an open book, never the same, not knowing what the day may bring or even the very next appointment. This job is not only a job, but is an open opportunity to grow and learn new things every day as veterinary medicine is always changing and improving.
My “One and Only” fur baby is a full time job that I wouldn’t trade for the world. “Wilson” is a 7 year old cocker spaniel who needed a home with lots of love and patience. He is definitely the one child who didn’t receive the memo about growing up with aging. It sure does add to his personality putting him right where he needs to be!!
Growing up with dogs and cats as a child and not being educated during vet visits made me decide to pursue a career working with pets and animals. Since then I have wanted to make sure that I was able to educate others. I have spent time volunteering at the humane society and enjoyed helping animals to find homes and helping people find the right companion for their homes. When a client leaves our office I want to make sure they are educated in regards to anything relevant to their pet and want to make sure that they’re comfortable with all care given to their pet while in my care.
I enjoy watching and caring for a pet from its first visit throughout its lifetime. The most rewarding part is having an owner arrive with feelings of doubt about their pet having much chance of recovery and leaving with a diagnosis and plan for recovery. Even after 15 years in the veterinary field, I continue to learn new things all the time which is exciting.
I am married and have two boys. In addition, I have four dogs, all are rescues who now holding the couch down. “Heinz” a Weimaraner, “Boomer” a Boxer, “Trooper” a 3-legged lab, “Waggles” a Chihuahua mix, 1 cat, “Dusty”, and 55, 75 & 95 gallon fish tanks.
I decided to pursue a career working with pets and animals because my grandfather, on my Dad’s side, was a veterinarian. This gave me direct exposure to the field when I was younger. My grandfather also gave me my very first dog, Charlie. I always loved working with animals and I got my first job in this field as a kennel technician when I was 18 years old. From that experience on, I was always thinking of ways to stay in the field. After some research, veterinary technology seemed like the way to go for me.
I get excited to wake up and go to work every day knowing that I am able to speak up for pets who can’t, and get them the help and care they need to thrive. When I engage with a pet parent, my ultimate goal is education. I enjoy bridging the gap between the information they already have and can find online and the information we can provide in the veterinary world.
At this time, I currently don’t have any pets at home. My toddler and I are hoping to get a dog once she turns 5 years old. She loves all types of animals and has already started asking about getting a dog.
Animals truly embody the essence of goodness in our world. Their ability to understand and bond with humans is unparalleled. Caring for these wonderful beings and ensuring their well-being is a privilege like no other.
I strive to offer comfort and reassurance to pet owners in every circumstance when they bring their beloved companions to us. The opportunity to make a positive impact on a life is what fuels my passion and motivates me to wake up each day for work.
I have two cherished pets: a miniature pig, Kennedy, and a Saint Bernese, Charlie.They are my lifeline. My dog, Charlie, serves as a medical alert companion and entered my life during a crucial time, providing support when I needed it most.
