Dr. Ryan Reid was a member of the 4-H Club while growing up, and his experience helping to care for and raise his Polled Hereford Steer, Big Red, made a permanent impression. The steer arrived at Dr. Reid’s family ranch in the summer of 1991, sick with a severe respiratory disease. After eight months of an intense daily healthcare routine—which included medications and prescription feed, high-powered fans to help lower the steer’s temperature, regular bathing, and more—Big Red recovered and was healthy enough to place second in the race for Grand Champion! Dr. Reid saw firsthand what the power of proper animal healthcare could do, and he hasn’t looked back since.

Dr. Reid is originally from Cedar Creek, Texas, where he grew up as the oldest of four siblings. He attended Texas A&M University to earn his degree in biomedical science, and obtained his Master’s degree in public health at the University’s School of Public Health. Next, Dr. Reid earned his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

After his schooling, Dr. Reid decided to serve his country as a member of the United States Army. He spent seven years on active duty as a Veterinary Corps Officer, and is currently a veterinarian in the U.S. Army Reserves! After his active-duty service, Dr. Reid entered into the world of private practice. He and his wife, Dr. Shannon Poole, also own Cross Creek Animal Hospital. Dr. Reid has been serving the pets and animal owners of the Fayetteville area since 2014!

Outside of his interests in the veterinary care world, Dr. Reid is an avid marathon runner—his crowning achievement thus far was completing the Walt Disney World Dopey Challenge in 2016, in which he ran 48.3 miles over four days!—and also loves to travel. He and his wife have been to Finland, Denmark, Russia, Italy, and Malaysia thus far, and he hopes to visit Alaska in the near future.

At home, Drs. Reid and Poole share their lives with two dogs, a Border Collie named Diablo and Watson the Sheep Dog, as well as three Maine Coon cats: Sherlock, Tamale, and Mayhem.

Dr. Shannon Poole: As a University of Minnesota graduate with 14+ years of experience, Dr Poole is not only a highly qualified veterinarian, but she is also Dr. Reid's wife! Welcoming Dr. Poole to our clinic has meant the world to our staff, customers, and pets as her boundless compassion, extensive knowledge, and unmatched adaptability have added to the strength of the Academy Pet Hospital Team.

As if being a top-notch veterinarian was not enough, Dr. Poole also excels as a mentor. Her passion for educating and helping others grow in the veterinary field is a standout character trait. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Poole when you come in for your pet's next visit!

Growing up in Illinois, Dr. Long knew she wanted to be a veterinarian from a very young age. She spent her grammar school years volunteering at local animal shelters and her high school and college years working in small animal hospitals. These experiences solidified her passion for veterinary medicine.

Dr. Long graduated from the University of Illinois, where she received both her undergraduate and veterinary degrees. Upon relocating to North Carolina with her military husband, Dr. Long joined the Academy Pet Hospital team. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two labradors (Jax and Kimber), being around family, reading, and hiking.

Is a hands-on manager who does not hesitate to jump in to help her team. She is compassionate, caring, and always looks for ways to improve our practice for employees, clients, and pets. When not at work, Laura can be found wrangling a toddler, or enjoying mountain time, kayaking, and hiking with her husband, daughter, and 3 pups.

"Markie" is the 3rd Sarah! She is a licensed veterinary technician who has a passion for surgery and animal behavior. Outside of the clinic, she loves to read, write, play video games, and bake (which our team is very fond of). We are very excited to have Markie at Academy Pet Hospital!

As the second Sarah to join our team, she is a woman of many names- Sarah #2, Brown haired Sarah, MC, "new" Sarah, and "hey you". No matter what you call her, you'll want to meet Sarah as she is one of the most knowledgeable and kind-hearted members of our team! While she works to become a Registered veterinary technician, Sarah's study time is spent cuddled up with Jerry, and Feebs, or at the beach with her husband Cullean and Thumper (the cutest pup).

Alyssa is our newest veterinary assistant, and her intelligence and kind disposition makes her a joy to work with! When not on the clock, you may find her walking outside with her sweet old pup Bella or attending Woodpeckers games with her boyfriend Seth.

Like many of our staff, we can thank the army for Kaitlyn recently relocating to Fayetteville! We are very thankful they sent her our way as her enthusiasm and initiative make her a spectacular part of our team. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, concerts, and travel!

Can you guess which one of our staff members owns a llama? Crystal's small hobby farm is only a small part of the many talents she possesses! Crystal's bubbly personality is a shining light when our team needs a pick-me-up, and her eagerness for learning new skills is unparalleled. When she's off the clock she can be found traveling and spending time with her family.

Ashley has over 20 years of experience working with animals, and it shows in her deep connection with and compassion for all the animals she watches over! In her spare time you can find her at the beach or snapping photos. Ashley is a stand out member of our team and our kennel could not run without her!

Tessa is a fresh face on our reception team who especially loves our feline patients! Her compassion for clients is an outstanding attribute that her team values. In her free time, she can be found knitting, hiking, reading, and taking care of her plants and 4 furbabies.

Janelle is a shining star in our reception team. Her positivity and team spirit make her a joy to work alongside! When she is not at work, she can be found loving on her many fur-babies.

Bubbly team player. Dawn has been at Academy Pet Hospital since the very beginning and has deeply cared about so many of our clients and pets! Although she typically works in our reception area, she is cross trained in all areas of the hospital and enjoys working with patients. Dawn's heart is in everything that she does (which is a lot) and her desire to help others is what makes her teammates sing her praises.

Hailing from New York, Jay is part of our awesome reception team. Her confidence and ability to multi-task make her an asset to her colleagues as well as our clients. While she loves all aspects of her job, there’s a special place in her heart for our Pittie patients! Outside of work, Jay enjoys traveling, relaxing with her dogs, and being pampered.

Without any pets of her own at home, Ashleigh has PLENTY of love to share with our boarding babies! Her patience with anxious pets makes her a standout staff member who is also efficient, attentive, and eager. When she's not at work, she can be found hiking, exercising and baking in her spare time!

Did you know that one of our staff members collects butterflies? Kristin's love of animals extends to our non-winged boarding pets too, where her attention to detail and early detection of illness make her the perfect new addition to our team!