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Our Legacy of Veterinary Care Since 1979
TotalBond Veterinary Hospital began with the founding of Forestbrook Animal Hospital in Gastonia, NC, in 1979. In 1984, a renovated home in the Lake Wylie area just across the South Carolina state line, became Bethel Animal Clinic. The organization continued to grow in 1985 with the opening of New Hope Animal Clinic in Gastonia. That same summer, Dr. Mark E. Epstein (UGA ’85) joined Forestbrook and became a partner across all three practices in 1987. Soon after, he led the successful accreditation of each hospital by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).
Dr. Herrick R. Hay (UGA ’85) joined as an associate in 1987 and became a full partner the following year. Expansion continued in 1991 with the opening of Paw Creek Animal Hospital, a 3,600-square-foot facility in northwest Mecklenburg County. That same year, the Bethel location relocated to a new 3,800-square-foot building nearby, nearly three times the size of the original site. The Bethel hospital was further expanded in 2011 and is currently led by Hospital Director Dr. Jodi Werfal (LSU ’91).
Over the years, the practice has continued to grow by adding skilled veterinarians and team members while investing in advanced equipment, technology, and specialized expertise. Drs. Epstein and Hay both earned ABVP Diplomate Board Certification in Canine and Feline Practice. In addition to his clinical work at Forestbrook, Dr. Epstein serves as Medical Director for TotalBond Veterinary Hospitals, guiding professional development, mentorship, and clinical standards across the organization.
The Davidson location opened in 1999 in the college town of Davidson and is directed by Dr. Hay and Dr. Schanche. In 2005, the Mountain Island Lake hospital opened in north Charlotte at the intersection of Highway 16 and Mt. Holly-Huntersville Road.
The organization has received multiple honors over the years. In 1999, the group, then known as Veterinary HealthCare Associates, received the Practice of Excellence Award from Veterinary Economics magazine. In 2015, it was recognized with the Small Business Award by the Gaston Regional Chamber of Commerce. That same year, TotalBond Veterinary Hospitals earned Certified Cat Friendly Practice status from the American Association of Feline Practitioners.
Dr. Epstein has also made significant contributions to the veterinary profession. He has served as President of both the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners and the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management. He is the lead author of the AAHA Senior Care Guidelines and the 2015 AAHA/AAFP Pain Management Guidelines, and he remains an internationally respected author and lecturer on animal pain recognition, prevention, and management.
Today, TotalBond Veterinary Hospitals continues to advance its capabilities to better serve patients, clients, and the broader community. Across every location, the shared commitment remains the same: relationship-centered care, compassion, patience, understanding, and highly personalized service. While each hospital has its own character, these core values unite them and define the TotalBond difference.
