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.
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!
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.
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
Bianca Garza
Practice Manager
Brooke Minardi
Veterinary Technician
Lexi Fuqua
Veterinary Technician
Tobi Jackson
Veterinary Technician
Isabel Glasso
Veterinary Technician
Anna Stenson
Veterinary Technician
Tessa Howard
Veterinary Technician
Haydee Parra
Receptionist
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)