Two Middle Georgia veterinarians who star in ‘Critter Fixers’ open another vet clinic
After five seasons of a National Geographic reality TV show, two Middle Georgia veterinarians are opening another clinic in Warner Robins.
Dr. Vernard Hodges and Dr. Terrence Ferguson, the stars of the National Geographic TV Show “Critter Fixers,” opened their second PetSmart Veterinary Services (PVS) hospital. The clinic is located inside the PetSmart at 2730 Watson Blvd., according to a news release.
Dr. Clarrissa Porter, DVM is the primary practicing veterinarian at the new location and part owner. Hodges and Ferguson operate Critter Fixer Veterinary Hospital in Bonaire and Byron. Their show “Critter Fixers” is based off the work they do at their veterinary hospitals and throughout rural Middle Georgia.
“It has long been my mission to inspire the next generation of future veterinarians,” said Hodges, in the release. “With PVS I am grateful to provide additional opportunities for veterinarians of color to take on leadership and ownership roles within the profession and their community.”
A grand opening for the new location will take place Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and will include a ribbon cutting ceremony with Warner Robins Mayor LaRhonda Patrick, a reptile exhibit from Georgia reptiles, samples for pets and several giveaways.
To book an appointment at the new location, pet owners can call 478-338-9660 or book an appointment online.
Back when “Critter Fixers” filmed its first season, Ferguson said around 98% of veterinarians were white, and he hoped their success would inspire young Black people to consider the profession. In 2013, white veterinarians made up 96.5% of all veterinarians making it the whitest profession at the time, according to an article by The Atlantic.
“I definitely hope we can encourage young men or young women if they are African American that this is something they can accomplish if that is their dream,” Ferguson said, in a previous Telegraph article.
The show airs on Nat Geo Wild, and the streaming service Disney+ has the first five seasons available. Hodges has also shared his story of growing up poor in Fort Valley and how he found success and overcame obstacles in his self-help book “Bet on Yourself.”
This story was originally published October 16, 2023 at 5:00 AM.