Veterinarians
James Peterson, DVM
Dr. James R. Peterson is a Small Animal Veterinarian who founded Hill Country Animal Hospital in May of 1999.
A native of Houston, Texas, Dr. Peterson says he has always had an interest in science and medicine, which helped guide him toward a desire to practice one form of medicine or another. However, as a young boy he was introduced to a wide array of animals. “Growing up in the city we did not have much space for pets, but my dad managed to allow me to have everything from dogs and cats to birds and even flying squirrels,” he says. “I also began working and volunteering for veterinarians in high school.”
Dr. Peterson enrolled in Texas A&M University for his undergraduate studies where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Science in 1989. Later that same year, he entered Texas A&M University’s College of Veterinary Medicine earning his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1992. Asked what he enjoys most about being a veterinarian, Dr. Peterson says, “I enjoy the variety of veterinary medicine and I enjoy the business of veterinary practice. My job is different every day.”
Dr. Peterson’s areas of professional interest include internal medicine, dermatology and rehabilitation medicine. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Texas Veterinary Medical Association, and the American Animal Hospital Association. He is also a primary sponsor for the Delta Society of San Antonio and Therapy Animals of San Antonio and a sponsor for the Helotes Humane Society.
He and his wife Kelly have two children and provide a home for five dogs, five cats, and two Nigerian Dwarf goats. Dr. Peterson’s interests include tennis, skiing, water skiing, fishing, reading and travel.
Lori Stephens, DVM
Dr. Lori R. Stephens is an Associate Practitioner who has been with Hill Country Animal Hospital since January of 2007.
A native of San Antonio and then Midland, Texas, Dr. Stephens credits Dr. Karen Hicks, an equine and ostrich veterinarian, with having played an important role helping to encourage her to become a veterinarian. She also says that her childhood participation in 4H and FFA as well as working as a kennel aid and then veterinary technician from age 16 helped influence her career choice.
Dr. Stephens attended Sul Ross State University for her undergraduate studies where she graduated Cum Laude in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Science. Later that same year she entered Texas A&M’s College of Veterinary Medicine where she graduated Magna Cum Laude after earning a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1998.
Her areas of professional interest include internal medicine and integrative/alternative medicine. Dr. Stephens is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society. She also holds certification in veterinary acupuncture and served in the Air Force from 2001 to 2003.
Now that she is a veterinarian, Dr. Stephens says she most enjoys being part of the human/animal bond. “There is nothing more satisfying than making both the owner and their pet healthy and happy,” she says.
At home she has a Chihuahua mix named Yaya that was rescued as a stray and a Jack Russell Terrier mix named Ginny adopted from the Humane Society. Dr. Stephens’ interests include gardening, hiking, cycling, and kayaking.
Stephanie Krick, VMD
Associate Veterinarian Dr. Stephanie Krick grew up with vizslas - a sporting dog known as a great and loyal companion - and so she "learned from an early age the important role pets play in contributing to one's happiness and well-being," she said. Dr. Krick grew up in Reading, PA and also served as a veterinary receptionist and assistant, as well as a veterinary technician, for several years prior to attending veterinary school.
Dr. Krick attended Messiah College in Pennsylvania and received her B.S. in Biology in 2002. She was a member of the college Honor's program. She went on to the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and received her DVM in 2007. Today, Dr. Krick focuses on feline medicine and soft tissue surgery. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Krick also volunteers her surgical expertise at local spay and neuter clinics.
Dr. Krick said what she most enjoyed about being a veterinarian is "contributing to the happiness of my clients by keeping their four-legged family members healthy. I enjoy the challenges and rewards of diagnosing and treating my patients."
Dr. Krick is married to a veterinarian and they have one dog, Nash, and five adopted cats, Lucy, Jenga, Meadow, Avril and Hopkins. She enjoys road and mountain cycling, hiking and gourmet cooking.