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. Kathryn R. Anderson, DVM
Growing up in Timmonsville, SC on a row crop and hog farm, Dr. Kathryn Anderson had many opportunities to interact with various animals. When she was 5 years old, she received her first horse and from then on she "was hooked."
"My cousins from neighboring farms and I were always spending time near the horses so our parents never worried," she said. "We were always very easy to find!" Dr. Anderson believes that her experience growing up around these animals taught her valuable lessons in responsibility—lessons that served her well through veterinary school and continue to be valuable today.
Dr. Anderson earned her bachelor's degree in zoology from Clemson University in 1985 and then pursued her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine where she graduated in 1989. During her veterinary studies, Dr. Anderson was the recipient of a Hill's Scholarship and participated in the local chapter of the American Association of Feline Practitioners as the charter secretary. She is a member of the South Carolina Association of Veterinarians, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Association of Equine Practitioners, the South Carolina Dressage and Combined Training Association, the United States Dressage Federation, the United States Equestrian Federation, the American Hanoverian Society, and the KWPN of North America. Her professional interests include internal medicine, emergency medicine, equine reproduction, and shelter medicine.
Following her grandmother's advice to always "stick to her guns," Dr. Anderson opened the Anderson Animal Hospital in 2002. Starting her own practice was a leap of faith but, Dr. Anderson noted, "it turned out well." To her, the most satisfying aspect of her career is "being able to take knowledge and apply it to each individual situation in a different way. No two situations are ever the same in veterinary medicine and the job requires constant adapting and improvising in order to achieve a favorable outcome," she said. "Every day brings a new challenge and teaches me new lessons in human and animal nature."
As an avid dressage competitor, Dr. Anderson has successfully competed at the regional level and, in 2012, was named fifth in the nation for her level in KWPN's registry with her mare, Tineke. In her spare time, she enjoys water skiing, boating, cleaning horse stalls, cutting grass, and participating in most outdoor activities that involve warm weather and exercise. She admits to also watching football and reading a good book by the fireplace—usually with a cat in her lap.
She shares her home with her husband, William, and their four dogs, four cats, and eight horses. Dr. Anderson is an active member of First Baptist Church in Harstville and their "awesome ladies Sunday School class." She also serves as a veterinary advisor to the local humane society in Hartsville.
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.
Alexys Le Roux, DVM
Anderson Animal Hospital welcomed Associate Veterinarian Dr. Alexys Le Roux as a wonderful member of our team in June of 2019. Some of Dr. Le Roux’s professional interests include internal medicine, small animal medicine and equine general practice. She is a member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners and the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Dr. Le Roux attended undergraduate university at Colorado State University where she majored in Equine Science and minored in Biomedical Sciences and Business Administration. During her studies she was awarded the College of Agricultural Sciences Scholastic Achievement Award and was a member of the CSU Versatility Ranch Horse Team and Foal Care Team. She went on to obtain her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University and graduated in 2019. Dr. Le Roux was a CSU Student Chapter of AAEP Scholarship Recipient and was also awarded the Zoetis Veterinary Student Scholarship Award.
One of the most satisfying aspects of being a veterinarian in Dr. Le Roux’s opinion is having the ability to serve a community and better the lives of both animals and people. She also really enjoys becoming a part of each individual family by providing veterinary services, information, and care. Dr. Le Roux has always wanted to practice veterinary care and was supported at an early age to follow her dreams. In her youth, Dr. Le Roux was fascinated with horse shows and riding competitions, which helped push her to be the best version of herself.
Dr. Le Roux enjoying staying active and partaking in outdoor activities, both on her own and with her husband Paul. She loves going fishing, being outside, and riding horses. Dr. Le Roux also thoroughly enjoys country music and swing dancing.