Augusta’s Furry Friends Know the Secret to Great Care: Westside Animal Hospital
Westside Animal Hospital in Augusta is no stranger to wagging tails and grateful meows, but this year, the clinic added something new to its accolades: the 2024 Best of Georgia Regional Award. Presented by Georgia Business Journal and based on votes from loyal customers, the award celebrates businesses that shine not just in their services but in the connections they build with their communities. For Dr. Dustin C. Hawkins and his team, this recognition is a testament to years of dedication, innovation, and heartfelt care.
Dr. Hawkins, the owner and lead veterinarian of Westside Animal Hospital, purchased the clinic in 2018 after the retirement of its founder. A native of Evans and Appling, Georgia, Dr. Hawkins’s journey to veterinary medicine is inspiring because it is rooted in his love of animals and his community. From working as a mechanic and veterinary technician during his college years to earning his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Georgia, his path has always been about resilience and passion.
“When I took over Westside Animal Hospital, my goal was to carry forward its family-like atmosphere while introducing modern medical techniques and technologies,” said Dr. Hawkins. “Winning the 2024 Best of Georgia Regional Award, thanks to our customers, means so much because it shows that our community values what we’re doing. We’re proud to be Augusta’s locally owned and operated veterinary clinic.”
The Best of Georgia Awards are a highlight for businesses across the state, celebrating those that consistently go above and beyond in their industries. What makes these awards particularly special is the voting process. Customers play a direct role in choosing the winners, casting their votes through Georgia Business Journal’s website, Gbj.com. For Westside Animal Hospital, it’s clear that their dedication to pets and their owners left a lasting impression.
The clinic has served the Augusta community for over 45 years, offering services that range from routine wellness exams and vaccines to advanced surgeries like orthopedic and ophthalmology procedures. Yet, it’s not just the breadth of their services that sets them apart—it’s the way they do it. Whether it’s a senior pet in need of compassionate care or a puppy getting its first vaccinations, the team at Westside is committed to treating every patient like family.
This commitment to personalized care extends to their innovative approaches. The clinic has stayed on the cutting edge of veterinary medicine, offering cold laser therapy for pain management and advanced diagnostics with digital X-rays and ultrasound. These tools, combined with their expert surgical capabilities, ensure that pets receive top-notch care without the impersonal feel of a larger corporate practice.
“We’re here to provide more than just veterinary services,” Dr. Hawkins added. “We’re here to build trust and relationships with our clients. This award is a reflection of that trust.”
For the clients who voted, the Best of Georgia title isn’t just a plaque on the wall—it’s proof that Westside Animal Hospital is a place where their pets are genuinely cared for. It’s a place where the wagging tails and contented purrs tell the real story, one appointment at a time.
As Augusta’s locally owned and operated veterinary clinic, Westside Animal Hospital is more than just a business—it’s a cornerstone of the community. The Best of Georgia Award may celebrate the clinic’s excellence, but for Dr. Hawkins and his team, the real honor is in the pets and families who make their work worthwhile every day.
Contact
Phone: 706-738-4589
Address: 244 Boy Scout Rd, Augusta, GA 30909
Email: westsideaugusta@gmail.com
Website: www.westsideaugustavet.com
