Our Doctors

Experienced clinicians.

AMC's veterinary team cares for dogs and cats at Animal Medical Center of Frederick County in Stephens City, Virginia.

Founding Partner

Dr. Bruce Welch, DVM, CCRT

Founding Partner

Dr. Welch is a native of Stephens City, VA. He is a graduate of James Wood High School and Virginia Tech, where he graduated in 1992. In 1998, he started a private practice alongside Dr. Brian Cather in his hometown.

His surgical skills include advanced orthopedics, fracture repair, TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy), patellar luxation repair, advanced soft tissue surgery, growth removals, subtotal colectomy, and intestinal resection and anastomosis, to name a few. In addition, he offers endoscopy, rhinoscopy, and dentistry.

Dr. Welch enjoys spending time with his wife, his 3 children, his canine companion Ducky, two cats, and a menagerie of farm animals in his spare time. His focus is on the purpose of animals and their human families in our lives and community: the human-animal bond.

Founding Partner

Dr. Brian Cather, DVM

Founding Partner

Dr. Brian is a graduate of Virginia Tech and has been practicing veterinary medicine since 1992. He has served both as the owner and practicing veterinarian of a private practice since 1998. Dr. Cather has pursued extensive continuing education and advanced professional training in a variety of clinical disciplines, including TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) surgery, advanced soft tissue surgery, fracture management, diagnostic ultrasound, and internal medicine. His commitment to ongoing learning allows him to provide comprehensive, high-quality care and advanced treatment options for his patients. Dr. Cather is dedicated to building lasting relationships with clients and delivering compassionate, personalized care to every pet and family he serves.

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Susanne Hirsch, DVM

Dr. Susanne Hirsch has been an associate veterinarian with Animal Medical Center of Frederick County since 2005. She graduated from Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1980. Her professional interests include Internal Medicine, Shelter Medicine, and Feline Medicine. She is permanently part-time in her role as a practicing Veterinarian with Animal Medical Center and is also the volunteer supervising Veterinarian at the Humane Society of Warren County.

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Samantha Schildt, DVM

Veterinarian at Animal Medical Center of Frederick County.

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Colleen Buttry, DVM

Veterinarian at Animal Medical Center of Frederick County.

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Corie Jo Fegel, DVM

Professional Interests: Dr. Fegel has interests in both feline and canine preventative medicine, parasitology, and soft tissue surgery.

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Sara Howard, DVM

Acupuncture, Pain Management & Internal Medicine

Dr. Sara Howard grew up in Clarke County, Virginia. After living in Colorado, Wyoming, and Washington state, she returned to Virginia with her family in 2021 and joined Animal Medical Center in fall 2022.

She earned her DVM from Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in 2015 and her BA in Biology from Colorado College in 2009. Dr. Howard is certified in veterinary acupuncture, and her professional interests include pain management, soft tissue surgery, and internal medicine.

Outside the hospital, she enjoys traveling, hiking and exploring the outdoors with family and friends, reading, and time with her pets.

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. David Ames, DVM

Veterinarian at Animal Medical Center of Frederick County.

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Meredith Gregg, DVM

Dr. Gregg graduated from James Madison University with a B.S in Biology and a minor in pre-veterinary medicine in 2021. She attended Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine and graduated with her DVM in 2026.

Her professional interests include preventative medicine, internal medicine, soft tissue surgery and dentistry.

Talk With AMC

Find the right doctor-led care plan.

Call to schedule or ask what kind of visit your dog or cat may need.

Call (540) 868-1001