Our Hartsville Veterinarians
Dr. Laura P. Grady, DVM - Owner
Dr. Laura Grady joined the Anderson Animal Hospital team in June 2011. Her love of animals began while growing up with her old Icelandic horse, Paulie. He was a patient recipient of the haircuts and spontaneous hugs she bestowed and endured hours of log jumping. Those fond memories remain with Dr. Grady even now as she practices veterinary medicine.
Originally from Greeleyville, SC, Dr. Grady credits her family's positive support and encouragement with guiding her into a career in veterinary medicine. As an undergraduate student at Clemson University, Dr. Grady studied animal science and followed a pre-veterinary course of studies. She graduated with her bachelor's degree in 2007 and went on to St. Matthew's University, School of Veterinary Medicine where she earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2011. Dr. Grady is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the South Carolina Association of Veterinarians. Her professional interests include equine preventative medicine, internal medicine, and equine ambulatory medicine.
"One of the most satisfying aspects of being a veterinarian is the rewarding feeling you receive when you are able to treat a pet and thus make not only the animal, but also the owner, feel better as well," she said. "It's a good feeling to rely on a strong knowledge base to make and apply decisions toward a treatment plan that works well for everyone."
At home, Dr. Grady and her husband Travis enjoy the company of their quarter horses, Honey, Tuff and Cheyenne; their Australian shepherd, Belle; and their German Shorthair Pointer mix, Hayes. Dr. Grady enjoys spending time outdoors (especially on the water), horseback riding, spending time with her family and friends, and watching the Clemson Tigers play football.
Dr. Danielle Petker, DVM
Choosing a career that wouldn't feel too much like work was important to Dr. Danielle Petker. "My parents always encouraged me to pursue a career where I would be happy doing the tasks I had to do every day," she said. "I have always loved animals my entire life so veterinary medicine was an obvious and correct career choice for me."
Dr. Petker grew up in Kissimmee, Florida and Port Austin, Michigan. She attended Cumberland College where she earned her bachelor's degree in biology in 2000 and then went on to pursue her veterinary studies at Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. She received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2005.
"Knowing that I have the ability to help prevent diseases in pets is what I find most satisfying about being a veterinarian," Dr. Petker said. "I also find it very rewarding to watch a very sick or injured pet's progression from a poor health status to an improved state of well-being. And, of course, I like to see the impact on an owner when he or she receives a pet back in a healthy, happy condition." Dr. Petker is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the South Carolina Association of Veterinarians. Her professional interests include surgery and ultrasound.
One of Dr. Petker's most memorable professional experiences thus far was treating a Yorkshire terrier that had been attacked by some larger dogs. The Yorkie had multiple hernias and needed extensive surgery but the successful outcome still remains in her memory today. "He pulled through and made his parents, our clients, very happy when they got him back in much better shape," she said. "And he is still a happy patient when he comes to visit!"
In her spare time, Dr. Petker likes golf, yard work, travel, music, and concerts. She happily shares her life with two horses, two dogs, and two cats.