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Douglas Hawkins is a third-generation veterinarian and this month, he joined his father’s practice at Troy Animal Clinic.

Douglas Hawkins, who was born and raised in Troy, is returning to his hometown after spending time in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

“It’s very exciting,” Douglas Hawkins said. “I have wanted to do this my whole life. Once I got into college I started focusing on it even more. I Always knew I was going to come back to Troy. I have always wanted to serve the community. So, to finally be back is a unique feeling and I’m really excited about it.”

Douglas attended Auburn University where he earned his undergraduate and veterinary degrees.

After leaving Auburn in 2019, Douglas worked in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, for a year.

Douglas will be third Hawkins to join the practice. Both his father and grandfather have worked at Troy Animal Clinic after graduating from Auburn.

“My father went to Auburn and graduated veterinarian school in 1959 and then moved to Troy and started practicing,” Robert Hawkins said. “I graduated in 1990. I practiced in Florida for a while and I have been in Troy since then. I think it’s a unique situation with three generations practicing through the same clinic; It’s exciting. We share with each other what we learned. Just being able to spend time with each other is nice.”

With the clinic open completely now, both Robert and Douglas hope to provide great customer service, while showing off a unique set of skills.

“I have been here for 30 years and most people know me,” Robert Hawkins said. “Douglas is going to bring his own unique style and tools. He’ll bring his new ideas and thinking. I think it’s going to be a nice fit for both us. I think people should be excited for someone who wants to come back to Troy with a knowledge.”

“We’re going to offer the best medicine that we can offer,” Douglas said. “We want to provide the best experience for our clients. When they come here we want them to enjoy being here and want to see us. We love talking to people and see people from the community. We are going to provide what is best for their animal and for them.”