Veterinarian Overview
Dr. Katherine Settle-Shontz ("Dr. Katherine") began working with her dad at the age of five, helping care for their personal pets as well as those in his animal hospital. She received her Bachelor of Science in Zoology degree from the University of North Carolina. Since North Carolina State was not yet an accredited veterinary school, Dr. Katherine attended and later graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine at The Ohio State University in 1978, where she met her husband. In their early years of practice, she and her husband began their career at a small practice in Florida. While in Florida, Dr. Katherine became involved with the racing track Greyhounds she was hooked on this breed at first sight! After her involvement began, she became active in track Greyhound rescue and adoption. When they decided to come home and practice in Sanford, she brought that love and devotion with her, and Sanford Animal Hospital became the first track Greyhound adoption facility in North Carolina. Now, since there are so many facilities who can dedicate their time solely to this cause, Sanford Animal Hospital no longer adopts out Greyhounds. Dr. Katherine soon expanded her affection from Greyhounds to the American Black and Tan Coonhound. She is a firm believer in her dogs having form and function, which is why her Coonhounds are dual registered with United Kennel Club (UKC) and American Kennel Club (AKC). She is an active participant in conformation, obedience and performance events with her dogs. Dr. Katherine has trained Utility, Companion Dog Excellent (CDX) and Companion Dog (CD) dogs (both Greyhounds and Coonhounds) and boasts the #1 Greyhound in Obedience for five years running. Under her kennel name "Designer Hounds," her breeding program has produced two #1 breed point Black and Tan Coonhounds, National and Regional Specialty winners, a Best in Show and the sire of the top Black and Tan Coonhound in history. That sire, Ch. Designer Southern Enterprise or "Riker" as he was affectionately called, is now a member of the American Black and Tan Coonhound Hall of Fame. In addition to general medicine, Dr. Katherine has developed a special passion for canine reproduction. Please visit our Canine Breeding and Reproduction page for more information about our breeding services after all, we are the lifeguards of your dogs' gene pool! Dr. Katherine welcomes patients by appointments on Tuesdays.
