Meet the Friendly Professionals Caring for Your Pets
Our Doctors
Dr. Robert Knarr
DVM
Dr. Robert Knarr was born and raised in Pennsylvania, then moved south when he attended and graduated from the Virginia Military Institute in 1984. Dr. Knarr graduated from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1988, then briefly worked in West Virginia before moving to the Chattanooga area with his wife Dr. Karen Knarr. In 1996, they purchased East Ridge Animal Hospital and immediately began working on meeting the strict requirements of the American Animal Hospital Association, achieving accreditation from the AAHA in 1999. Dr. Knarr’s interests include exotic animal medicine, orthopedic surgery, and internal medicine.
Dr. Karen Knarr
DVM / TCVM
Dr. Karen Turner Knarr was born in Chattanooga, TN, and grew up in Rainsville, AL. She received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Auburn University in 1989, then returned here to the Chattanooga area. Dr. Knarr worked at several local veterinary hospitals before purchasing East Ridge Animal Hospital with her husband, Dr. Rob Knarr, in 1996. Dr. Knarr has since pursued her further education in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine and achieved her Certification in Veterinary Acupuncture in 2005, in Veterinary Food Therapy in 2011, and in Veterinary Herbal Therapy in 2012. In addition to her certifications, Dr. Knarr has taught at the Chi Institute for Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine. Her interests include ophthalmology, acupuncture, holistic medicine, and internal medicine.
Dr. Andrew Smith
DVM
Dr. Andrew Smith was born in Decatur, Georgia, and raised in the Atlanta metro area and Richmond Hill, Georgia. He received his Bachelors of Science in Biology from Georgia Southern University, then graduated magna cum laude from the University of Georgia – College of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. He moved to Catoosa County, Georgia after graduation and began working at East Ridge Animal Hospital in July of 2002. Besides practicing medicine and surgery for dogs and cats, Dr. Smith also sees exotic animals such as ferrets, rabbits, reptiles, and birds. His interests also include dentistry, and he handles much of the dental procedures at our hospital. He is married and has two children, along with one dog and two cats.
Dr. Meaghan Thomas
DVM/CVA
Dr. Meaghan Thomas was born in Fort Lauderdale, FL and attended Auburn University in Alabama from 2006-2010 where she received her Bachelors of Science in Animal Sciences with an Equine Science Emphasis. Following graduation, Dr. Thomas worked as an animal keeper for Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom in Orlando, Florida and then at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens before returning to Auburn University in the Fall of 2015 for Veterinary School. She graduated in May of 2019 with Summa Cum Laude Honors. She and her husband, Peter, have two dogs- a great dane named Ashby and a rescued mixed breed from her time in veterinary school named Abe. Together, they enjoy hiking, fishing, boating and traveling to new places. Her professional interests include preventative medicine, dermatology, and surgery. She completed her CVA (veterinary acupuncture) in 2020 and mentored under Dr Karen Knarr. Dr Thomas enjoys using acupuncture as part of a multi modal approach to pain management and senior wellness.
Dr. Andrew Durden
DVM
Dr. Andrew Durden was born in Marquette Michigan. He received both his bachelors degree and Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Georgia. He graduated from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 2014 Magna Cum Laude. While in school he received awards for excellence in both veterinary ophthalmology and oncology. He and his wife, Samantha, have two cats. While not at work he enjoys running, reading, cooking, and football. His professional interests include dermatology, preventative medicine, internal medicine, feline medicine, and bulldog medicine.
Our Staff
Michele
Joined our team in July of 2023. I will be graduating from Vol State with Associates degree in sociology. I have a border collie named Murphy, a mix breed named Layla, a dachshund named Moses, a cat named Mario. I am a Sheltering volunteer for the American Red Cross.
Ashley
Joined our team in July of 2021 I graduated High School in 2007. I am currently enrolled in Penn Foster for Veterinary Technician Spending time with her girls and her fur babies
Crystal
Joined our team in 2003 I am a graduate of Rossville High School. I am married with a son and a daughter. My hobbies include motorcycle riding, spending time with my family, and taking care of animals.
Angela
Joined our team in March of 2002 I am a graduate of Soddy-Daisy High School. I am happily married with two boys. I love working with animals and caring for my one dog, two cats, and lizard.
Bobbi
Joined our team in December of 2014 I have been a Veterinary Assistant since 2000. I am originally from Tampa, FL. I enjoy the outdoors and wildlife. My favorite hobbies include spending as much time as I can with my family and hiking.
Bailey
Joined our team in August of 2018 I graduated from Bradley Central in 2017. I am an active member in the FFA. I enjoy spending time with my family, helping the elderly, and loving on my pets: Lottie, JD, Willie, and Binx.
Brittani
Joined our team May of 2020 I have an associates degree in applied science CSTCC 2004. I volunteer at Happinest Wildlife Rehab. I enjoy fur/feather babies, outdoors, and restoring vintage furniture.
Tasha
Joined our team in April of 2012 I graduated from Lakeview High School. My household includes two cats, one dog, and two kids. I enjoy science, art, video games, music, and reading.
Angel
Joined our team August of 2023. I graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (Psychology) I have a dog named Vixen. I spent the last 5 years working at/volunteering with local shelters. I love playing video games and writing.
Rylee
Joined our team in September of 2021 I graduated from Chatt State in 2021 and Dalton State in 2019. I have three dogs; Ollie, Zeva, and Chloe. I’m a lover of big dogs. In my free time, I enjoy shopping, reading, getting my nails done, lake days, traveling, & concerts.
Amy
Joined our team in April of 2019 I am a graduate from Red Bank High School. I enjoy spending time with my husband and daughter. I love to volunteer & cook in my free time.
Sherrie
Joined our team in October of 2017 I am a graduate of Rossville High School and a North Georgia native. I am a happy rescue mamma to two cats, Mouse & Daisy Mae. I enjoy family time, reading, being with friends, and watching movies.
Jessica
Joined our team in June of 2021 Graduate of Durant High School Enjoys the outdoors, cosplay and painting
Katie
Joined our team in November of 2020. Beginning in 2002, I volunteered at Good Earth Farm in Loxahatchee, FL where we rescued farm animals from 2012 to 2019. I worked at Peggy Adams Animal Rescue in West Palm Beach, FL helping dogs & cats find forever homes.
Abbie
Abbie is currently in her second year at Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine pursuing her DVM. Aside from school, she enjoys spending time with her frenchie, playing ukelele, and practicing photography in her spare time. Fun fact: she took many of the headshots here!
Erin
Bio Coming Soon!
Caleb
Bio Coming Soon!
Carter
Bio Coming Soon!
In Loving Memory of Chloe and Haas
Chloe and Haas are East Ridge Animal Hospital’s permanent residents. These fuzzy pals are litter mates who joined our team in May of 2007. Chloe enjoys collecting and napping in boxes of all shapes, sizes and materials. When she isn’t playing in her boxes, she enjoys free climbing and parkour in the cat condos. Her special roles in our hospital include keeping her brother in line and helping our receptionists out at the front desk when needed. Haas likes to help out behind the scenes. He keeps the cat condos under control and sometimes even makes an appearance in the canine kennels! His specialty is his ability to track and devour the most elusive morsel of kitty kibble. When the clinic is empty, Chloe and Haas are allowed to roam freely. This is when they both enjoy basking in the sunshine in the children’s area front window. In loving memory of Haas 11.13.19 In loving memory of Chloe 05.03.22