Dr. Killough's desire was to be a veterinarian when he was a small child living on a dairy farm in Indian Trail, North Carolina. Dr. Killough and his wife, Kay, graduated together from Indian Trail High School in 1961. After graduation, he was accepted to North Carolina State University, where he continued to pursue his dream of becoming a veterinarian. Since North Carolina did not have a school of veterinary medicine, Dr. Killough applied and was accepted at Oklahoma State University School of Veterinary Medicine. He received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1968.

After graduation, Dr. Killough was on the staff of Sandhill Veterinary Hospital in Southern Pines, North Carolina for four years. Dr. Cliff McLean and Dr. Joe Currie were the owners of this AAHA-accredited hospital. Dr. Killough always felt he received wonderful mentorship and guidance for his career in their hospital. Family ties brought the Killough's back to Charlotte in 1972, where they found a permanent home at Long Animal Hospital.

Dr. Forest B. Long was the founder of the hospital, which was established in 1948. He built the hospital on good service to his clients and dedication to the highest quality of veterinary medicine. Dr. Killough has always strived to provide the same high-quality medicine and customer service to his clients. Several years after being in partnership with Dr. Long, Dr. Killough purchased the hospital. Dr. Long continued to be a part of the hospital for many years until his retirement in 1987.

Dr. and Mrs. Killough have two children. Dr. Brian Killough is also a veterinarian and on the staff of Long Animal Hospital, which makes Dr. Killough, Sr. extremely proud! Kay Killough, and Judy Killough (wife of Dr. Brian Killough) are part of the management team. Kara Ruth King, the Killoughs' daughter, is a medical representative with St. Jude's heart division. They have four grandchildren: Jake Killough, Paul Killough, Hannah Killough, and Kara Grace King.

Dr. Brian Killough grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina, and began working at Long Animal Hospital with his father at the young age of 12 as a kennel assistant. Dr. Killough graduated from the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1995. He enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine and his areas of special interest include soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, endoscopy, abdominal/cardiac ultrasound, and oncology.

Outside of practicing veterinary medicine, Dr. Killough enjoys spending time with his wife, Judy; their three children, Jake, Paul, and Hannah; and their two dogs, Licky and Maggie.

Joined Long Animal Hospital in 1996

Dr. Brad Brown performs small animal medicine, surgery, and pet dentistry. Dr. Brown is a veterinarian with a compassionate personality who emphasizes client education, diagnostics, and practical treatment. He is dedicated to providing you and your pet with exceptional veterinary care. He especially enjoys internal medicine and ophthalmology.

Dr. Brown was born and raised in Jamestown, North Carolina. He attended college at North Carolina State University, where he received a bachelor of science degree in biochemistry in 1992. After graduating, he entered the College of Veterinary Medicine at North Carolina State University. He earned his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1996.

Following graduation, Dr. Brown moved to Charlotte and became an Associate Veterinarian with Long Animal Hospital. He currently resides in south Charlotte with his wife, Janelle, and their three children. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, gardening, fishing, and following NC State athletics.

Joined Long Animal Hospital in 1998

Dr. Rich Wittmann performs small animal medicine, surgery, and pet dentistry. Dr. Wittmann's professional skills and compassionate demeanor are a valuable addition to our practice and he contributes greatly to our dedication to provide you with the very best veterinary care. He especially enjoys small animal dentistry, soft tissue surgery, and internal medicine.

Dr. Wittmann grew up in San Diego, California. In 1994, he obtained a bachelor's degree in biology and chemistry. Afterwards, he attended the College of Veterinary Medicine at North Carolina State University, earning his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1998.

Dr. Wittmann currently resides in Charlotte with his wife, Nicole, his son, Nicholas, and his dog, Willow. His hobbies include San Diego sports teams, fly fishing, and coaching his son's sports teams.

Joined Long Animal Hospital in March 2013

Dr. Zack Yasin grew up in Perry, Georgia. He attended the University of Georgia for his undergraduate studies, earning degrees in Animal Science and Dairy Science in 2007. He stayed at the University of Georgia for veterinary school, earning his degree in Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2011. After graduation, Dr. Yasin moved to Charlotte where he began practicing at a small animal clinic.

Dr. Yasin enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine, and his special interests include internal medicine and soft tissue surgery. During his free time, he enjoys spending time with family, friends, and his yellow lab, Daisy. He also enjoys skiing, playing soccer, and watching his favorite sports teams, the Atlanta Braves and Georgia Bulldogs.

Joined Long Animal Hospital in March 2015

Dr. Deller grew up in Charlotte starting her veterinary career working at Long Animal Hospital at the age of 16. She enjoyed the mentorship of many of the doctors, still practicing at the hospital, as she followed her childhood dream to become a veterinarian. Dr. Deller obtained a Bachelors in Animal Science, a Masters in Animal Science Reproductive Physiology, and DVM from North Carolina State University. After completing veterinary school, she practiced outside Washington DC in Alexandria, Virginia for 3 years. She was happy to return back to her hometown in 2015 and was married in September 2015 to her husband Dan Deller.

Dr. Deller loves practicing veterinary medicine with special interest in internal medicine, soft tissue surgery, and dentistry. When she is not practicing veterinary medicine she enjoys spending time with her family as well as 3 dogs, Oscar, Emmy (M&M), and Rone (Toblerone) and 2 cats, Lolli (Lollipop) and Poppy (Pop Rocks)...all named after candy. She also enjoys cooking, cycling and running.

Dr. Elizabeth Foreman grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee, and attended the University of Tennessee, where she majored in animal science and minored in biology. She aspired to become a veterinarian from a young age, spending time on her grandma's farm and volunteering
at shelters on weekends. After graduation, Dr. Elizabeth Foreman worked as a surgery technician at a high-volume spay/neuter clinic, where she dedicated significant time to fostering trauma patients.

Dr. Elizabeth Foreman initially began her veterinary school journey at Ross University before transferring to the University of Georgia to be closer to her family and significant other. She married her husband, Chris, after completing her final exams at UGA.

During her clinical year, Dr. Elizabeth Foreman completed a visiting externship at Long Animal Hospital. She was drawn to the exciting practice and the welcoming team. Dr. Elizabeth Foreman graduated in May 2018 and accepted a position at Long Animal Hospital, starting in June 2018. She has been a dedicated and valued member of the team since then.

In her spare time, Dr. Elizabeth Foreman cherishes every moment with her three daughters and husband. She enjoys traveling to visit family, spending time at the beach, and relaxing on any patio with sunshine. The family shares their home with two rescues: a dog named Rozzy and a cat named Conley. Dr. Foreman’s special interests in veterinary medicine include dentistry, soft tissue surgery, behavior, and preventive care.

Joined Long Animal Hospital in April 2019

Kim Patrick grew up in Mauldin, SC and graduated from Clemson University with a B.S. in Biological Sciences. She then went on to the University of Georgia and graduated with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1995. After graduation, she practiced in Gastonia, NC for 11 years. She then moved with her family to sunny Florida for 12 years, where she worked in a small animal practice and a veterinary emergency hospital. She is happy to come back to the Carolinas to be closer to family and join Long Animal Hospital. Kim is married to Rob, a pastor at Boyce Memorial Church in Kings Mountain, NC. Together, they have four children - Katherine - a graduate of Florida State University, Rachel - a student at the University of Florida, and Micah and Jonah - students at Kings Mountain High School, and a menagerie of pets. Kim enjoys water sports and other outdoor activities with her family.

Joined Long Animal Hospital in June 2021

Dr. Short grew up north of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He attended Gannon University in Erie, PA where he received a bachelor of science degree. Afterwards he attended Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine on St. Kitts with his last year of clinical rotations taking place at Colorado State University. While at CSU he completed training to become certified in veterinary medical acupuncture. He graduated in 2015 and immediately started practicing small animal medicine back in the Pittsburgh area. In the summer of 2021 he moved to the Charlotte area with his wife and pets. He enjoys all parts of veterinary medicine and brings compassionate care to every pet. While not in the office he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, exploring new cities, listening to music, playing guitar, and watching the NFL and NHL.

Joined Long Animal Hospital in June 2021

Dr. Warburton grew up in the Salinas, California where she knew from an early age that she wanted to be a veterinarian. She attended California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) in San Luis Obispo, CA where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science. After graduating she worked for two years as a veterinary assistant until she was accepted into St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine in Grenada. While in Grenada, she completed training to become certified in veterinary medical acupuncture. She completed her last year of clinical training at NC State’s College of Veterinary medicine where she fell in love with North Carolina and decided to make this side of the country home. She graduated from veterinary school in June 2021 and joined the Long Animal Hospital team shortly after.

In her free time, Dr. Warburton enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, listening to music, and hiking with her Grenadian mix breed dog (aka a Pothound), Peach.

Joined Long Animal Hospital in February 2022

Dr. Bill Gibson is an alumnus of Clemson University and the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. He has over thirty years experience in small animal medicine, surgery, and emergency care. He is the former Medical Director of the Western Carolina Regional Animal Hospital and Veterinary Emergency Hospital.

Dr. Cothern grew up in Rock Hill, South Carolina, and from a young age knew that she wanted to work with animals. That lifelong goal led her to North Carolina State University, where she earned both her Bachelor of Science in Zoology and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. With a special interest in exotic animal medicine, Dr. Cothern enjoys the unique challenges and rewards that come with caring for a wide range of species. While she has a deep appreciation for all animals, cats hold a special place in her heart—and she shares her home with a beloved cat named Squirt and an aloof pinktoe tarantula named Talulah. Dr. Cothern credits the unwavering support of her family as a key part of her journey into veterinary medicine. Their encouragement helped fuel her dedication and commitment to making a difference in the lives of animals and their owners. Whether it’s a furry companion or a more unusual patient, Dr. Cothern brings compassion, curiosity, and a deep respect for all creatures to her practice.

Belizean-American veterinarian Dr. Kristin Serrano is a proud graduate of East Carolina University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology in 2019. Driven by a deep passion for animal health and welfare, she went on to earn her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Ross University in 2024. During her time in veterinary school on the island of St. Kitts, Kristin not only honed her medical skills but also found her heart companion — a resilient three-legged dog she adopted and brought into her life. Her journey reflects a deep commitment to compassion, resilience, and the belief that every animal deserves a chance at a healthy, happy life. With a unique blend of cultural heritage, academic dedication, and hands-on experience, Dr. Serrano brings warmth, integrity, and a global perspective to the veterinary field.

Dr. Carolina Leto joined Long Animal Hospital in April 2025. An Argentinian-Italian veterinarian originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, she graduated with honors as class salutatorian from the University of Buenos Aires Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in 2022.
While there, she also completed a specialization in equine clinic. Her experience in Argentina includes work at the Palermo Hippodrome and the San Isidro Veterinary Hospital/Jockey Club.

After moving to the United States, Dr. Leto successfully completed the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) certification, passing all stages on the first attempt and finishing the program in under two years. She then gained valuable
experience in small animal medicine at Main Street Veterinary Hospital in Cornelius, NC.

Dr. Leto has a strong background in teaching and research, having worked as a teaching assistant and research fellow in reproductive physiology and genetics. She is fluent in Spanish and is passionate about creating meaningful connections with her patients
and their families.

Outside of her professional life, Dr. Leto enjoys hiking, camping, yoga, running, watching soccer (she's a big Messi fan!), embroidery, reading historical fiction, and cooking traditional Argentine and Italian dishes. She resides in Charlotte with her husband,
Aaron, and their rescue cat, Rufina, who journeyed with her from Buenos Aires. As a nod to her husband’s roots, she proudly considers herself an honorary South Carolina Gamecock fan. Go Cocks!