Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Del Anderson
Hi Dr. Del, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
DR. ANDERSON: Since I was about seven years old, I’ve been passionate about animals and the profound impact they have on our lives. Science and math were always my favorite subjects, and my family instilled in me a love for designing and building projects. Ultimately, it was this combination of a passion for animals, scientific curiosity, and hands-on problem-solving that led me to pursue a career in veterinary medicine and, eventually, open my own practice.
I graduated from Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2018, and since then, I’ve worked in a variety of hospital settings—from rural practice and shelter medicine to emergency and urgent care. Throughout my journey, I’ve come to appreciate that every pet-owner relationship is truly unique, regardless of background or location. During the pandemic, I saw firsthand the challenges pet owners faced in accessing reliable care, which reinforced my “relationship-based” approach to veterinary medicine. By prioritizing a deep understanding of both pets and their families, I strive to empower clients with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their pet’s health.
Beyond clinical practice, I serve on the Alumni Council for Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been mentoring the next generation of veterinarians, from high school through college, and helping to foster positivity, diversity, and excellence in the field.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
DR. ANDERSON: Opening Heart & Soul Veterinary Care has been an incredibly rewarding journey, but it hasn’t been without its challenges. Like any new venture, building a veterinary practice from the ground up comes with a steep learning curve. Beyond the logistical hurdles—securing a location, designing a welcoming space, hiring the right team, and navigating the financial aspects of a startup—there’s also the challenge of establishing a culture that truly reflects our values of compassion, integrity, and community.
One of the biggest struggles has been balancing the high standards of care we want to provide with the realities of running a business. Veterinary medicine is deeply personal to me—it’s about relationships, trust, and ensuring that every pet and their owner feel valued. Finding team members who align with that vision and are excited about shaping the practice alongside me has been crucial but also a challenge in a competitive job market.
Additionally, the veterinary industry has faced growing demand for urgent and emergency care, something I experienced firsthand during the pandemic. That experience reinforced my commitment to making quality care more accessible while also ensuring our team maintains a sustainable work-life balance.
Despite the challenges, I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. Seeing Heart & Soul come to life and knowing we’re making a difference in the lives of pets and their families makes every hurdle worthwhile.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Heart & Soul Veterinary Care?
DR. ANDERSON: Heart & Soul Veterinary Care is more than just a veterinary hospital—we are a community-driven practice dedicated to strengthening the bond between pets and their people. Our mission is to provide compassionate, personalized care that meets the unique needs of each pet while making veterinary visits a positive, supportive experience for their families.
We offer comprehensive veterinary services, including preventive care, surgery, internal medicine, dermatology, and urgent care. Our approach is deeply relationship-based—we take the time to truly listen, educate, and partner with pet owners so they feel empowered in making the best decisions for their pets.
What sets Heart & Soul apart is our commitment to culture and innovation. As a new, privately owned practice, we have the freedom to shape a work environment that prioritizes collaboration, well-being, and professional growth. We offer unique career opportunities for our team, including roles in social media, community engagement, and inventory management, ensuring that our staff feels invested in both their careers and our mission.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the fact that Heart & Soul isn’t just a name—it’s our philosophy. Every aspect of our practice, from the way we interact with clients to the way we support our team, reflects our core values of compassion, integrity, and empowerment. We want pet owners to know that when they walk through our doors, they’re not just getting medical care—they’re gaining a trusted partner in their pet’s health journey.
At the heart of everything we do is a deep love for animals and a desire to create a welcoming, inclusive space where pets and their families feel truly cared for. Whether it’s a routine check-up or a more complex medical case, we are here to provide exceptional, heartfelt veterinary care—because pets are family, and they deserve nothing less. (www.heartsoulvets.com)
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
DR. ANDERSON: The COVID-19 crisis was a pivotal moment for veterinary medicine, exposing both the growing demand for pet care and the strain it placed on veterinary teams. One of the biggest lessons I took from that time was the need for better accessibility and a more sustainable approach to care—not just for pets and their families, but also for the professionals providing that care.
During the pandemic, many pet owners struggled to find timely medical attention for their animals, often facing long wait times and limited options. Working in emergency and urgent care during that period, I saw just how vital clear communication, trust, and adaptability are in veterinary medicine. It reinforced my belief that pet owners shouldn’t feel lost or overwhelmed when seeking help for their animals.
The experience also highlighted the importance of creating a healthy, supportive work environment for veterinary professionals. Burnout became a widespread issue, and I knew that when I opened Heart & Soul Veterinary Care, building a culture of collaboration, flexibility, and well-being had to be a priority.
Ultimately, the pandemic deepened my commitment to making veterinary care more personal, accessible, and sustainable—so that pets receive the care they deserve, and the people who care for them feel valued and supported every step of the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.heartsoulvets.com
- Instagram: @heartsoulvets & @dranderson.vet
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15esRogtMN/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
Logo design by Apex Veterinary Marketing
