About Us


Our Story

Dr. Justin and Lauren Casares met in veterinary school. Dr. Justin used to sit in front of Dr. Lauren during their second year of school and that is where the relationship began. Shortly after veterinary school, Dr. Justin and Lauren were married in December of 2018. After 4 and a half years of practicing as associates, Dr. Justin and Dr. Lauren felt it was time that they take the next step towards practice ownership. When trying to decide on where that would be, they both felt that God was calling them back to College Station to fulfill that dream. After much prayer, Dr. Justin and Dr. Lauren purchased Southwood Valley Animal Hospital in December 2022. They are extremely grateful for the opportunity to carry on the legacy that Dr. Bond created, and continue to grow the practice. They are passionate about serving the community through caring for your pets, and growing God’s kingdom in the Brazos Valley.
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Dr. Justin Casares

Dr. Justin was born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley in Mission, Texas. Dr. Justin started his passion for animals in FFA where he raised hogs, steers, goats, lambs and rabbits and showed them all over the state of Texas. He comes from a long line of Aggies, so it was only natural that he made his way to Texas A&M after high school to continue his dream of becoming a veterinarian. Dr. Justin majored in Animal Science and graduated Cum Laude in 2015. He then graduated from the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine in 2018. Dr. Justin started his career in mixed animal practice in the Lockhart/Luling area and then continued his career in a small animal practice in the Canyon Lake area where he served for the next three and a half years before making his way back to Aggieland. Outside of work, Dr. Justin loves to travel, spend time with their 4 dogs and cat, work their cattle, watch movies/tv series, and of course watch any and every Aggie sporting event he can go to!
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Dr. Lauren Casares

Dr. Lauren grew up in Grandview, Texas, a small town just south of Fort Worth. She was heavily involved in 4H and FFA growing up and this is where her passion for Veterinary Medicine began. This passion continued throughout High School and into College when she attended Texas A&M University and majored in Animal Science. Dr. Lauren then went on to complete veterinary school at Texas A&M University, graduating in 2018. Since graduation Dr. Lauren has worked in a mixed animal practice, small animal only practice, and obtained special training in small animal ultrasound. Dr. Lauren is beyond grateful for the opportunity to serve this community and she looks forward to working alongside her clients to help them care for the four legged family members. Outside of work, Dr. Lauren enjoys spending time with her cattle, reading a good book, working in the garden, and of course enjoying any and all Aggie sports with Dr. Justin.
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Dr. Debra Akins

Born and raised in Texas, Dr. Debra Akins grew up with an agricultural heritage on the outskirts of Killeen. While achieving scholarly success in school, she was also involved in working on the family farm, 4-H and competitive events in the local horseback riding club. After graduating valedictorian of her high school class, she attended Texas A&M University earning a BS in Animal Science ( Cum Laude),  a BS in Veterinary Science ( Cum Laude), and a DVM in 1991.  After graduation , her career in small animal medicine took her back to Killeen then on to Austin, Houston and back to B/CS in 1998. It was in 1998 that Dr. Akins started providing relief services to Southwood Valley Animal Hospital. In 2010, Dr. Akins started providing regular services to Southwood Valley Animal Hospital on a set rotation each week. While there is professional fulfillment in helping all animals in need, she finds joy in wellness medicine and preventative care.  Outside of work, her hobbies over the years have included working with horses, traveling, hiking, gardening, bicycling, sewing, reading, doing puzzles and creating stained glass projects. She enjoys spending time with her husband, family, friends and pets.

Our Staff

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Bianca Garza

Practice Manager

Ryan Graham

Veterinary Technician

Brooke Minardi

Veterinary Technician

Lexi Fuqua

Veterinary Technician

Tobi Jackson

Veterinary Technician

Isabel Glasso

Veterinary Technician

Anna Stenson

Veterinary Technician

Havana Campo

Veterinary Technician

Haydee Parra

Receptionist

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Contact Us

2035 Harvey Mitchell Parkway S
College Station, Texas 77840

Pharmacy

Hours

Monday - Friday
7:30 AM - 6:00 PM

First and Third Saturday of Every Month
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM (unless otherwise noted)