Chatt-Town Veterinary Care was built on the belief that exceptional veterinary medicine begins with trust. Through its open-concept approach, clients are invited to be active participants in their pets' care, creating an experience that feels transparent, educational, and personal. Led by Dr. Courtney Lewis, the clinic combines modern medicine with meaningful relationships, supported by a team chosen not only for their experience but also for their compassion, collaboration, and commitment to every family they serve.
Meet Dr. Courtney
Long before Chatt-Town Veterinary Care opened its doors, Dr. Courtney Lewis envisioned a different kind of veterinary hospital, one where pet owners would never feel left in the dark about their pet's care.
"My goal has always been to create a hospital where clients are not left wondering what is happening behind closed doors," she says. "Instead, they are invited into the process, educated along the way, and treated like an important part of their pet's healthcare team."
That philosophy grew from a lifelong love of animals and years spent learning every aspect of veterinary medicine. Beginning at age 12, Dr. Courtney shadowed in a veterinary clinic before working as a kennel assistant, technician, emergency receptionist, microbiology researcher, and herd manager while earning both her undergraduate and veterinary degrees at the UC Davis, the number one veterinary school in the nation.
"I am the kind of person that I have to try everything once to make sure I do or don't like it," she says. "By the time I entered veterinary school, I knew small animal general practice was where my heart stood."
Her beloved dog, Phoebe, played an important role in that journey. As Dr. Courtney gained practical experience throughout veterinary school, Phoebe patiently allowed her to learn while receiving plenty of treats while helping her become a more confident and compassionate veterinarian.
After 10 years of practicing in a variety of hospitals, Dr. Courtney finally felt ready to build the clinic she had always imagined. She found the perfect home in Chattanooga, a community she describes as welcoming, supportive of small businesses, and full of people who deeply love their pets. She knew bringing that vision to life would require one more ingredient. She needed a team that believed in it just as much as she did.
Lindsay Smith, Practice Manager
When Dr. Courtney Lewis began planning Chatt-Town Veterinary Care, she knew exactly who she wanted beside her. She first met Lindsay Smith while the two worked together at the Humane Educational Society, where a professional relationship quickly grew into a close friendship. During a difficult chapter in Dr. Courtney's career, Lindsay offered encouragement that helped renew her passion for veterinary medicine.
With more than 12 years of experience, including work in surgery, high-volume spay and neuter programs, and animal welfare initiatives, Lindsay now helps keep the practice running smoothly as Practice Manager. Outside the clinic, her greatest teacher has been Kate, her beloved 14-year-old "heart dog," who has been by her side through marriage, motherhood, moves, and countless foster animals. "She has taught me to love, to slow down, and most importantly, patience," Lindsay says.
Katie Wiegand, Lead Veterinary Technician
Lead Veterinary Technician Katie Wiegand has spent more than a decade caring for animals, beginning in shelter medicine before finding her home in general practice. Along the way, she even stepped into the fast-paced world of emergency dispatching as a 911 operator, experiences that strengthened both her confidence and communication skills.
Dr. Courtney has admired Katie's work ethic for years. "She is smart, hard-working, willing to speak up when needed, collaborative, and caring," she says. "She has every piece of what a fantastic technician needs."
Katie especially enjoys educating pet owners, believing informed families make healthier pets. Her approachable personality often helps put clients at ease, even during stressful moments. If your pet got into something they shouldn't have, regardless of what it was, we need to know, so we can effectively treat the issue.
Heather Bruce
As one of the first people clients meet at Chatt-Town Veterinary Care, Heather Bruce understands that kindness can be just as important as clinical expertise.
As the heart of client communication, she helps foster trust and reassurance by supporting pet owners and serving as a compassionate link between families and the veterinary team.
Originally from Upstate New York, Heather earned a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Cornell University before building a career that has included clinical care, hospital management, marketing, outreach, and veterinary cancer immunotherapy. Those experiences have taken her across the country, but today she is proud to call Chattanooga home.
"I enjoy building relationships with clients and helping pets live happy, healthy lives," Heather says.
For Dr. Courtney, Heather embodies everything she hoped to find in a client service professional. "When I imagined the perfect client service representative, Heather fit every one of those criteria," she says. "She has the experience, confidence, and compassion to make every client feel cared for."
Outside of work, Heather enjoys hiking, exploring Chattanooga, and spending time with family and friends.
A Practice Built with Purpose
While each team member brings a unique background and personality to Chatt-Town Veterinary Care, they all share the same commitment to making veterinary medicine more approachable and personal. Whether educating clients, comforting anxious pets, or celebrating another successful day over tacos from a favorite neighborhood restaurant, they have built more than a workplace. They've built a culture.
"I wanted a team that cared about making veterinary care feel less intimidating, more honest, and more connected for the families we serve," Dr. Courtney says. "My job is to open doors for them and let them find their space."
At Chatt-Town Veterinary Care, that philosophy is already making itself at home.
We wanted veterinary care to feel less intimidating, more honest, and more connected for every family we serve.