Mixed‑animal clinics and small‑animal hospitals work together to meet the county’s every day and emergency needs
By BCNews Staff Writer
COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC — Whether it’s a family dog needing vaccines or a farmer facing a late‑night calving emergency, veterinary care remains a vital part of daily life in Columbus County. In a region defined by agriculture, rural distances, and strong community ties, residents rely on a small but dedicated network of veterinarians who serve both household pets and the county’s livestock industry.
While rural areas across the country continue to face shortages of small‑animal and large‑animal veterinarians, Columbus County has maintained a core group of providers who support everything from routine wellness exams to on‑farm emergencies. Their work stretches across long hours, long roads, and a demand for services.
A County Served by a Handful of Clinics — Columbus County’s veterinary landscape is anchored by a mix of small‑animal hospitals and mixed‑animal practices that care for both pets and farm animals. Each clinic plays a distinct role depending on its location and the needs of the surrounding communities.
Pineview Veterinary Hospital located on Green Swamp Road in Bolton, Pineview Veterinary Hospital is a long‑established mixed‑animal practice serving the eastern side of the county. The clinic provides full‑service care for dogs and cats while also treating certain large‑animal species. For families and farmers near the Brunswick County line, Pineview is often the closest and most convenient option for both routine pet care and livestock, equine needs.
Columbus Veterinary Clinic in Cerro Gordo, on the western side of the county, Columbus Veterinary Clinic stands as one of the most relied‑upon mixed‑animal providers. The clinic offers care for dogs and cats as well as cattle, horses, goats, and sheep, with farm calls available depending on scheduling and workload. The practice has long been a cornerstone for local farmers who depend on timely, practical veterinary support. Animal Hospital of South Columbus of the Tabor City Area, serving the southern end of the county, the Animal Hospital of South Columbus focuses on small‑animal care, offering preventive services, diagnostics, and surgery. The clinic is especially important for residents near the South Carolina border who would otherwise face long drives for routine veterinary needs.
A Rural Reality: Emergency Care Remains Limited
Like many rural regions, Columbus County does not have a 24‑hour emergency veterinary hospital. After‑hours care is limited and varies by clinic, with some mixed‑animal veterinarians taking emergency calls when available. For urgent situations, residents travel to Wilmington, Lumberton, or Myrtle Beach, where 24‑hour emergency and specialty hospitals operate.
Large‑animal emergencies are typically handled by the county’s mixed‑animal clinics — primarily Pineview Veterinary Hospital and Columbus Veterinary Clinic — though availability can fluctuate.
Veterinarians and APS: Quiet but Essential Support — Local veterinarians also support Columbus County Animal Protective Services by providing required medical care, vaccinations, and treatment for animals entering the shelter system. While APS does not publish a list of specific veterinary partners, North Carolina law requires shelters to work with licensed veterinarians for rabies vaccinations, emergency treatment, and medical clearance for adoption or transport. These partnerships help ensure animals receive appropriate care before placement.
A community built on trust of veterinary care in Columbus County is the personal connection between veterinarians and the families they serve. Many clinics have cared for multiple generations of pets and in the case of mixed‑animal practices, multiple generations of farms.
Access to veterinary care remains a central part of community health, agricultural stability, and animal welfare. Columbus County’s veterinarians, though few in number, continue to anchor that system with dedication and deep local roots.
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