At Applebrook Animal Hospital, our pet hospital strives to bring pet owners in Ooltewah, McDonald and Apison, TN the best veterinary care possible. Our veterinary hospital is proud to be Fear Free certified.
Click on the profiles of the veterinarians and staff who work in our animal clinic to learn more about the individuals who are excited to serve you and your furry friend with the highest standard of veterinary medicine available.
Meet Our Veterinarians
Dr. Kathryn Primm, CVPM, FFCP (Elite)
Dr. Kathryn Primm, CVPM, FFCP (Elite)
Dr. Kathryn Primm is the owner and veterinarian at Applebrook Animal Hospital and has dreamed of becoming a veterinarian since the age of five. A Chattanooga native, she graduated from Girls Preparatory School before earning both her Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Mississippi State University on academic scholarship.
Dr. Primm is proud to be the nation’s first certified Fear Free® Professional and is now Elite Fear Free Certified, reflecting her lifelong commitment to reducing fear, anxiety, and stress in pets. She is also a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM), a distinction that represents advanced training in hospital leadership, client value, and sustainable veterinary care.
Applebrook Animal Hospital is truly a dream realized for Dr. Primm — one she jokingly says was built on “blood, sweat, and tears.” Her mission is to provide compassionate, high-quality veterinary medicine while ensuring pets feel safe, respected, and understood at every visit.
Dr. Primm is also a nationally recognized veterinary author and media contributor. Her work has appeared in Woman’s Day, Prevention, Health Magazine, and she has been featured on the cover of Pet Vet Magazine. She is the author of Tennessee Tails: Pets and Their People, a collection of heartfelt stories about memorable patients and life behind the scenes at Applebrook.
Helping pets and the people who love them isn’t just her profession — it’s her passion.
Dr. William Pepper, FFCP
Dr. William Pepper, FFCP
Dr. William Pepper, DVM
Veterinarian | Fear Free Advocate
Dr. Pepper is a veterinarian at Applebrook Animal Hospital who chose to join the Applebrook team because of its strong commitment to Fear Free veterinary care. He believes that reducing fear, anxiety, and stress is essential to providing high-quality medicine and building trust with both pets and their people.
Dr. Pepper earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Mississippi State University. During his graduate training, he also served as a fellow in anesthesiology, gaining advanced skills that he brings to every surgical and procedural case at Applebrook, with a strong focus on patient safety and comfort.
Originally from Starkville, Mississippi, Dr. Pepper and his wife, Susan, relocated to the area with their lively household of six dogs and one cat. As a devoted pet parent himself, he understands the importance of compassionate, individualized care.
Dr. Pepper truly loves what he does and is passionate about helping Applebrook’s patients and clients feel happy, healthy, and Fear Free at every visit.
Specialist Consultant- Dr. Lee Ann Pack
Specialist Consultant- Dr. Lee Ann Pack
Dr. LeeAnn Pack grew up in Northeast Arkansas and worked as a human radiology technologist before entering veterinary school. She received her DVM from Louisiana State University, and completed a one-year large animal internship at the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC), Prince Edward Island, Canada. Dr. Pack then completed a diagnostic imaging residency at the University of Georgia in 2001. She is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Radiology (ACVR). As a board certified radiologist, Dr. Pack consults with us on all of our radiographs and provides a diagnostic report to provide the highest standard of care for Applebrook patients.
Meet Our Veterinary Staff
Kelsey, FFCP
Customer Service RepresentativeKelsey, FFCP
Kelsey is a Customer Service Representative at Applebrook Animal Hospital and is Fear Free Certified. As one of the first faces clients often see, she helps create a calm and welcoming experience for both pets and their people. One of our newest team members, Kelsey brings a calm, efficient presence to the front desk and is passionate about supporting dog and cat families. She shares her life with pets of her own and is a wonderful addition to the Applebrook team.
Stacey, FFCP
Customer Service Representative and Veterinary AssistantStacey, FFCP
Stacey is a Customer Service Representative and Veterinary Assistant at Applebrook Animal Hospital and is Fear Free Certified. She plays a versatile role throughout the hospital, welcoming clients, assisting pets during visits, and supporting both sick and well patients. Stacey also helps with a variety of administrative tasks that keep the practice running smoothly. You’re very likely to see her during your visit, and Applebrook is fortunate to have her as part of the team.
Chrissy, FFCP
Lead Veterinary AssistantChrissy, FFCP
Chrissy is the Lead Veterinary Assistant at Applebrook Animal Hospital and is Fear Free Certified. She is passionate about creating calm, low-stress experiences for pets, especially those who are anxious or fearful. Chrissy has a special love for rescuing cats and shares her home with multiple cats and two small dogs. She enjoys advocating for her patients and helping pets feel safe and comfortable during every visit. She has been with us for many years and many of you know her.
Taylor, FFCP
Veterinary Assistant and Inventory controlTaylor, FFCP
Kennel assistant
Taylor is a Veterinary Assistant at Applebrook Animal Hospital and is Fear Free Certified. She also plays an important role in inventory control, helping ensure the hospital runs smoothly behind the scenes. A longtime member of the Applebrook team, Taylor is deeply passionate about animal rescue and regularly fosters pets—often those with special medical needs who require extra care and patience. Her soothing demeanor and big heart make her a valued member of the team.
Kristen, LVMT, FFCP
Licensed Veterinary Medical TechnicianKristen, LVMT, FFCP
Kristen is a Licensed Veterinary Medical Technician (LVMT) at Applebrook Animal Hospital and is Fear Free Certified. In addition to her work at Applebrook, she spends weekends assisting patients at a local animal emergency hospital. Kristen is especially passionate about anesthesia, patient safety, and helping team members grow beyond their comfort zones through hands-on training. She has a special love for Labradors and brings advanced technical skill and compassion to every patient she cares for.
Nicole, FFCP
Veterinary AssistantNicole, FFCP
Nicole is a Veterinary Assistant at Applebrook Animal Hospital and is Fear Free Certified. She brings experience caring for both her own pets and the patients she supports medically each day. Nicole is committed to best-practice veterinary care and has a special soft spot for senior pets, whose comfort and dignity she prioritizes in everything she does. Her compassion and friendly smile help make every visit a positive experience.