Karen L. Davis, DVM

Dr. Karen Davis was raised as an “Air Force brat” and lived in various locations across the country and overseas while growing up. After graduating from high school in San Antonio, Texas, Dr. Davis received her Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from North Carolina State University in 1975. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Auburn University in 1980.

Dr. Davis returned to her family’s hometown of Hendersonville in 1981 and began working as a small animal veterinarian in Henderson County and around western North Carolina. In the mid-eighties, Dr. Davis transferred to North State Animal Hospital. She purchased the practice in 1992, and currently serves as owner and medical director. Dr. Davis has over 37 years experience working as a small animal practitioner. Dr. Davis is a past president of the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association, and she is a past member of the Henderson County Board of Health.  She currently serves in the House of Delegates of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and on the Board of Directors of the American Veterinary Medical Foundation.  In 2007, Dr. Davis was recognized as the NC Veterinary Medical Association Distinguished Veterinarian, and she was named the NCVMA Veterinarian of the Year in 2014.  

Dr. Davis lives in Henderson County with her family, which includes a domestic shorthaired cat, Tsunami, and a blue tick hound, Chili.

Doctors

Cathi Holden, DVM

Born in Ohio, Dr. Cathi Holden grew up in Hendersonville and graduated from Hendersonville High School. She moved to Raleigh to continue her education, where she attended undergraduate - then veterinary school - at NC State University. She earned her DVM degree from the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine in 1986.

Dr. Holden has 30 years experience working as a small animal practitioner in western North Carolina; she has held the position of associate veterinarian at North State since 2011. Dr. Holden is a member of the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association. Her professional interests include dentistry, internal medicine, and pocket pets.

In addition to her work with animals, Dr. Holden has always had an interest in the well being of children. She has been active in the local schools as a student tutor and mentor, and served for several years as a Big Sister in the Big Brother/Big Sister Program. 

Dr. Holden lives in the same neighborhood where she grew up, and has two dogs, a cat, and two mice. She enjoys traveling, as well as camping, hiking, and biking with her family.

Kellie Lynch, DVM

Dr. Kellie Lynch works with North State as a relief small animal veterinarian.  She has been caring for animals at North State Animal Hospital since 2006.

As an undergraduate, Dr. Lynch attended Colorado State University where she majored in Biology. While at CSU, Dr. Lynch took an opportunity to study in Australia for a semester and do field work with koalas.  She graduated from CSU with a bachelor’s degree in 1992.  Dr. Lynch continued her studies at the University of Wisconsin, where she received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2000.  While there, Dr. Lynch helped found the Veterinary Ethics Club. 

After graduating from veterinary school, Dr. Lynch practiced in Bothell, WA (near Seattle), for three years.  Dr. Lynch and her family now make their home in the Asheville area, where they enjoy a fun-filled household complete with crafts and LEGOs.  They also spend time hiking, running in charity races, and exploring WNC.  Additionally, Dr. Lynch serves as a school volunteer and parent leader.  She has served as fund raising coordinator for the PTO, and she remains dedicated to helping her children’s schools through active volunteering.

Dr. Lynch is a member of the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association. Her family shares their home with Zippy, a rescue Beagle mix who has a great love of food, chasing bunnies, and lounging on the couch.