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About Us

Our Philosophy

From the inception of our practice, we have seen ourselves as dedicated professionals working together to do an excellent job for our clients, patients, and the profession. We attribute our success to our well-trained compassionate staff and the variety and quality services we offer.

The strong points of our philosophy are our teamwork attitude, our emphasis on communication, and maintaining a relaxed, family atmosphere. We believe in the delivery of modern medical treatment to our patients in the most compassionate and humane manner that we can carry out, as well as being caring and sensitive with our clients.

AAHA Accredited

Our hospital is accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).

AAHA is the only organization that accredits veterinary practices in the United States and Canada. Practices that choose to pursue accreditation are evaluated on stringent quality standards that encompass all aspects of veterinary medicine—from pain management and patient care to team training and medical recordkeeping—and are continuously updated to keep accredited practice teams at the forefront of the profession.

Today, only 12%–15% of veterinary practices in the US and Canada hold the “AAHA-accredited” designation.


Our Clinic History

Dr. Charles Byles established Lakeside Veterinary Clinic in 1983. The original was located on Highway 58. The current location is on Shallowford Road. The name was changed to Shallowford Animal Hospital to better identify with it’s new location. Dr. Byles was a practicing veterinarian in Chattanooga for 40 years, becoming highly revered and beloved during that time, both for the care and interest he took in his professional career, and his participation in community events.

Dr. Catherine Mabe is a native to Chattanooga, and a 1986 graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. After practicing veterinary medicine in Rockville and Bethesda, MD, she returned to Chattanooga to become an associate of Dr. Charles Byles at Lakeside Veterinary Clinic in 1988. Upon Dr. Byles retirement in 1994, Dr. Mabe joined with Dr. Bearden in purchasing Lakeside Veterinary Clinic.

Dr. Troy Bearden is a native of Birmingham, Alabama, and a 1987 graduate of Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. Between 1987 and 1989 he practiced veterinary medicine as an associate in Chattanooga. In 1989 he established Mobile Animal Care, a house-call practice for dogs and cats. In addition to making house calls he provided relief veterinary services to many Chattanooga veterinary hospitals. In 1994 Dr. Bearden joined with Dr. Mabe in purchasing Lakeside Veterinary Clinic.

Upon Dr. Byles retirement in January 1994, Drs. Bearden & Mabe purchased Lakeside Veterinary Clinic. The clinic’s name was changed to Shallowford Animal Hospital in 1997. They have expanded the facilities previously provided, so that now Shallowford Animal Hospital provides full hospital, surgery, radiology, laboratory, and pharmacy facilities. Shallowford Animal Hospital has established a history and policy of the best professional care possible, with a personal, caring touch. Drs. Bearden & Mabe have carried on the tradition started by Dr. Byles, and plan to continue it for many years to come.