850-243-7144

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Safety Update: To best protect everyone we will be practicing a client-patient screening prior to all services.  Based on the screening our facility may request to reschedule, ask for an alternate individual to bring your pet, or offer contactless methods for care. We understand you may decline to complete the client-patient screening, in the best interest of our team, other clients and other patients if completion of screening is declined we are within our right to refuse service.  Thank you for helping us in practicing safety measures to protect everyone’s health.
We are still serving our clients and patients at this time with the implementation of safety measures to best protect you and our team.  Please see procedures below and please call with any questions you may have.  

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Animal Hospital (850) 243-7144

 Boarding and Grooming (850) 244-2323



Our doctors and veterinary team are devoted to helping our friends, family and people of the community by providing care for pets and enhancing the human animal bond. 

We are dedicated to providing high-quality medicine for companion animals. 

We embrace strong doctor-patient-client relationships to ensure open communication and understanding of your pet's individual needs. 

Our veterinary team members are well trained and skilled to provide the care and compassion your pet deserves.

 Our philosophy is to treat each pet like our own.


Meet Our Skilled Team

Learn Who We Are

  • Michael Epperson, DVM
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Epperson is a 2003 graduate of Mississippi State College of Veterinary Medicine. He obtained his undergraduate degree in Animal and Dairy Science at Mississippi State University. He practiced in Memphis, TN, for 2 years before making his decent to the Emerald Coast. He practiced in Pensacola for 2 years once arriving in the Panhandle. Dr. Epperson has a special interest in surgery, dermatology and ultrasound. He serves a District Representative for the Florida Veterinary Medical Association and is a member of the Miracle Strip Veterinary Medical Society.
  • Heather Hartley, DVM
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Hartley is a 2006 graduate from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. She obtained her undergraduate degree in Math and Sciences at Auburn University. She has special interest in oncology, internal medicine, ophthalmology and surgery. She is President of Miracle Strip Veterinary Medical Society, which is a group of local veterinarians that meet monthly to stay connected and provide continuing education for veterinarians. She is also a member of the Florida Veterinary Medical Association, Emerald Coast Junior League, AAHA, and Feline Practitioners.
  • Jessie Gamauf, DVM
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Jessie is originally from the Chicagoland area. She was attending Purdue University in pursuit of an undergrad degree in Biology, when she was accepted a year early to attend the university of Illinois, College of Veterinary Medicine. She initially wanted to pursue a career in zoo animal medicine. However, while in school she quickly realized how much she values the relationships that develop between a client and their veterinarian and how much she enjoys being apart of that special bond between a client and their pet, leading to her career in companion animal medicine.
  • AuVian DesJardins
    DVM Veterinarian

    Dr. AuVián DesJardins was born in Jacksonville, Florida and grew up in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia. After graduating with her Bachelor's Degree from the University of Florida, she went on to earn her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. Following graduation, Dr. DesJardins spent 3 years as an active duty Army Veterinary Corps Officer practicing clinical veterinary medicine at Fort Sill in Oklahoma. Dr. DesJardins' professional interests include dermatology, preventative medicine and the promotion of the human-animal bond. Her favorite part of being a veterinarian is having the opportunity to provide a voice to the voiceless. 

Location

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Office Hours

Monday:

7:30 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:30 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:30 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

7:30 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

  • "The entire staff at Companion is the best. They are the most compassionate, caring group you could ever encounter and took such good care of my "spicy" dog that I could never say enough good things about them."
    Diana Doty
  • "Companion and its staff are the very best in town! They treat me and pets like family and have always gone out of their way to make sure we have the very best care. I use them for everything - veterinary services, grooming and boarding - every area of their practice is exceptional! You will not be disappointed when you choose Companion!"
    Michelle McGee
  • "Drs. Epperson and Hartley have been our doctors for years, and they are wonderful! They and their staff have seen us through many crises and have always been caring, sensitive, thorough, professional, knowledgeable, and in all ways, the best!"
    Debbe Oliver
  • "Best boarding center in the area! All of the staff seem very educated, helpful, and friendly. They really seem to care about your pets! Usually when I walk into a boarding center, it does not smell very nice. But I couldn't believe how clean everything smelled and looked! Very professional! We are new to the area and will definitely be using their veterinary services as well in the future!"
    Susan Edgerton
  • "I honestly cannot say enough good things about Companion Animal Hospital and the staff. My dog had a horrible allergy problem that nobody could diagnose for 2 years until a friend of mine recommended I go to Companion. Dr. Epperson actually took the time to look at my dog's lengthy medical file and after seeing him and running some blood work was able to diagnose his problem and get him on a healthy happy track. All of the staff there are friendly and care about every animal and owner that walk through their doors. It's the Cheers of the veterinarian world! I recommend them to every one I meet! I've said on several occasions that if I ever move I will fly my dog and I back here just so he can keep seeing Dr. Epperson! If I could give more than 5 stars I would"
    Erica Cacho
  • "We love our Vet! They have taken care of our cats and dogs like they were their own. They treat us like family. They answer all of our questions and concerns. Best folks around."
    Kathy Flint
  • "I can not say enough about this animal clinic.
    I drive from Navarre just to go here. They are the best around. I love the doctors, the girls and the groomers. They are definitely there for the love of the animals. I have gone to 3 other vets and not one of them come close to being as loving and passionate about their animals as they are. Love love love them. Wouldnt trust anyone else with my fur baby.
    Thank you for all you have done for my family and I. We appreciate you from the bottom of our hearts."
    Cindi Lus
  • "We have taken our dogs to Companion Animal Hospital for at least 20 years. Dr. Epperson and all of the staff are terrific. They've seen us through the good times and the sad times and I highly recommend them."
    Karen Harper

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