Relationships Make the Difference
Wellness Begins With Heart and Healing
Our Convenient Locations
Our Sister Hospital
Our History
Learn More
1979
- Forestbrook Animal Hospital opens in Gastonia, NC, founded by Dr. Bob Neunzig, an early ABVP Canine/Feline Specialist.
1980
- Bethel Animal Clinic opens in the Lake Wylie area after a small house is renovated into a veterinary hospital.
1985
- New Hope Animal Clinic opens in Gastonia.
- Dr. Mark E. Epstein joins the practice as a new graduate under Dr. Neunzig’s mentorship.
1987
- Dr. Epstein becomes a partner alongside Dr. Neunzig and Dr. Dale Pickens.
- Dr. Epstein oversees AAHA accreditation for all three hospitals.
- Dr. Herrick R. (“Dick”) Hay joins the practice as an associate and later becomes a full partner.
1991
- Veterinary HealthCare Associates opens Paw Creek Animal Hospital in northwest Mecklenburg County, with Dr. Hay as Hospital Director.
- Bethel Animal Clinic relocates to a larger, purpose-built facility and comes under the leadership of Dr. Jodi Werfal.
Mid-1990s
- Drs. Epstein and Hay buy out Drs. Neunzig and Pickens.
- The practice becomes an early adopter of a Human-Animal Bond–centered care model.
1999
- The organization rebrands as TotalBond Veterinary Hospitals.
- TotalBond Veterinary Hospital at Davidson opens in a renovated home, with Dr. Hay as Hospital Director.
- Veterinary HealthCare Associates receives the Practice of Excellence Award from Veterinary Economics.
Early 2000s
- Dr. Charles McLaughlin joins leadership, strengthening team development and client services.
- Dr. McLaughlin later passes away after battling leukemia, leaving a lasting legacy within TBVH.
2005
- TotalBond Veterinary Hospital at Mountain Island Lake opens in north Charlotte, led by Dr. Kim Langholz.
2011
- Bethel undergoes its first major expansion.
2015
- TBVH receives the Small Business Award from the Gaston Regional Chamber of Commerce.
- All hospitals achieve Certified Cat Friendly Practice status and later Fear Free Certification.
2019
- Mountain Island Lake relocates to the newly developed Riverbend district, becoming Riverbend Veterinary PetCare Hospital.
2020
- TBVH partners with Veterinary Practice Partners (VPP).
- Founding partners include Drs. Epstein, Hay, Werfal, Spangler, Harris, Plourde, and Langholz.
- Dr. Epstein becomes Group Medical Director.
2022
- Bethel undergoes further expansion and renovation under Dr. Hadley Harris.
- New Hope Veterinary Hospital opens in south Gastonia as TBVH’s sixth hospital.
2023
- Newport Veterinary Hospital in Rock Hill, SC, joins TBVH.
- Dr. Katie Propst becomes Medical Director; Dr. Ryann Jones becomes Executive Partner.
2024
- Riverbend expands into adjacent space, more than doubling in size.
- Dr. Áine Schanche becomes a partner and Medical Director at Davidson.
2025
- Dr. Peter Rowan becomes Medical Director at New Hope.
- Five additional associate veterinarians join as partners across Davidson and Paw Creek.
- Paw Creek undergoes significant renovation under Dr. Wes Spangler.
Today
- TBVH includes 7 hospitals, 24 veterinarians, and a growing number of associate partners.
- The organization remains privately led, relationship-centered, and deeply committed to the Human-Animal Bond.
TB News
What Questions Should You Ask a Veterinarian About Your Pet’s Long-Term Health?
Your pet may seem perfectly healthy today, but their needs can change as they grow older. A playful puppy may…
Learn more
Dog Nail Infections: Signs That Need Prompt Veterinary Attention
A dog’s nails play an important role in supporting its paws, maintaining balance, and allowing comfortable movement. However, nail problems…
Learn more
How Seasonal Changes Can Affect Your Pet’s Preventative Healthcare Needs
Seasonal changes affect more than the weather. They can influence your pet’s activity levels, exposure to parasites, skin health, and…
Learn more
The Reason We Love What We Do
