Dr. Brittany Holler Barkley, 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, where she also obtained her Master of Science degree. Her undergraduate degree is in environmental studies from Hobart William Smith College. 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 stepdaughter. 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 growing up my pets were very much companions. Before working in the veterinary field, I worked in a greenhouse for 14 years. I started looking for change in my job field and I was offered a job managing a boarding facility and hurricane shelter. I loved working with animals and have been in the field for 25 years.
When clients visit us, I want to make sure that the owner leaves the office with no unanswered questions and they are satisfied with all aspects of their experience at the office. I enjoy coming into work and having the ability to connect with another clients pet almost as they do at home. Knowing that if their pet is here for a sick visit I will be able to assist with the recovery as well.
I have been married for 40 years and have three beautiful grandkids. In addition, I have four rescues, a german shepherd “Colleen” who has her own recliner and three Chihuahuas, “Cricket”, “Hazel” & “Paddy” all which have found a place to sleep in bed under the covers. Eventually I plan to retire and still find time to play with other folks critters.
