Meet the veterinarians
About Dr. Rachelle McKinnon
I grew up on a farm in Waynesville, nestled in the North Carolina mountains. My ancestors first settled in the area during the 1700s, and most of my family still lives there today. It truly is my home. Since I was a child, I’ve loved animals and have had a desire to care for and connect with them. The bond I shared with my childhood cat, Shelby, is one of the biggest reasons I became a veterinarian.
While completing my undergraduate studies at Meredith College in North Carolina, I discovered a passion for science, which—combined with my love for animals—naturally led me to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. I received my veterinary degree from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine and have worked in small animal general practice for 15 years.
I have trained in and practiced a variety of specialties including dentistry and ultrasound. Adding at-home end-of-life care is something I have felt drawn to for many years, and I am honored to incorporate this important calling to my career. It is such a gift to be present with families as they allow their beloved pet to pass away peacefully at home.
Losing my dad unexpectedly in my early 20s changed how I view grief and made me comfortable supporting others in their own loss and grief. When my heart dog, Phoebe, experienced a decline in health to the point that she was no longer enjoying her life, I knew it was time to say our goodbyes. It was important to me that our last moments together be peaceful and that she not be scared or worried. We were able to say goodbye on the back porch as a family while the veterinarian that came to our home allowed her to pass peacefully. Through my role at Lap of Love, I can provide this same gift for other pets and families by creating a peaceful and loving tribute to their time together and the bond they share.
Outside of work, I stay busy with my husband, our three children, our goldendoodle named Fenway (after my husband's love of the Red Sox) our two kitties (Emmett and Lilah) and our two pet ducks (Bernard and Derek). We enjoy traveling as a family, and my husband and I especially enjoy visiting New York City for Broadway shows, pizza, and bagels. In my alone time, I enjoy flower gardening, working jigsaw puzzles, and reading.
About Dr. Emily Wilson
I was born in Covington, Louisiana, but spent most of my life in Knoxville, Tennessee. I have loved animals and wanted to be a veterinarian for as long as I can remember. This passion was solidified when I first saw the movie, “The Lion King,” at 5 years old. Since then I have worked to become an advocate for all animals, including pets and wildlife. I completed my undergraduate studies at Lees McRae College, a small school in the beautiful mountains of Banner Elk, North Carolina. After graduation, I moved back to Knoxville to attend the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine.
Before joining Lap of Love, I worked as the staff veterinarian for an exotic cat sanctuary, providing care to 75 wild cats, including lions, tigers, leopards, and cougars, as well as many pet cats and dogs. It was there that I became passionate about all aspects of geriatric medicine—not only the diagnosis and management of age related conditions, but also the importance of education and communication with the animals’ caretakers. Many of our resident cats were older, and therefore, much of my practice focused on this aspect of care, including formulating and implementing quality-of-life centered treatment plans, and leading discussions on end-of-life decisions. Aside from being the resident cats’ veterinarian, I also formed strong relationships with them. This position enabled me to experience the clinical and emotional challenges associated with the animals’ declining quality of life, their hospice care, and ultimately, humane euthanasia. I believe these experiences provided me with invaluable and unique insights for understanding the many facets of end-of-life care, for both the patients and their loved ones.
The best part about being a veterinarian is that I not only have the knowledge, means, and ability to provide care and comfort to animals, but to also provide compassion and understanding to the people who love them. The human-animal bond is such a deep, strong, and important connection, and I am honored and inspired everyday to be given the opportunity to play an important role in that relationship.
I spend most of my personal time hanging out with my Siberian husky, Paul. Some of my hobbies include photography, drawing, and gardening, and I have recently become more interested in bird watching and photographing all the amazing species that visit my bird feeders. I enjoy being outdoors in general, whether camping, kayaking, or fishing—or all of the above!
About Dr. Rachelle McKinnon
I grew up on a farm in Waynesville, nestled in the North Carolina mountains. My ancestors first settled in the area during the 1700s, and most of my family still lives there today. It truly is my home. Since I was a child, I’ve loved animals and have had a desire to care for and connect with them. The bond I shared with my childhood cat, Shelby, is one of the biggest reasons I became a veterinarian.
While completing my undergraduate studies at Meredith College in North Carolina, I discovered a passion for science, which—combined with my love for animals—naturally led me to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. I received my veterinary degree from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine and have worked in small animal general practice for 15 years.
I have trained in and practiced a variety of specialties including dentistry and ultrasound. Adding at-home end-of-life care is something I have felt drawn to for many years, and I am honored to incorporate this important calling to my career. It is such a gift to be present with families as they allow their beloved pet to pass away peacefully at home.
Losing my dad unexpectedly in my early 20s changed how I view grief and made me comfortable supporting others in their own loss and grief. When my heart dog, Phoebe, experienced a decline in health to the point that she was no longer enjoying her life, I knew it was time to say our goodbyes. It was important to me that our last moments together be peaceful and that she not be scared or worried. We were able to say goodbye on the back porch as a family while the veterinarian that came to our home allowed her to pass peacefully. Through my role at Lap of Love, I can provide this same gift for other pets and families by creating a peaceful and loving tribute to their time together and the bond they share.
Outside of work, I stay busy with my husband, our three children, our goldendoodle named Fenway (after my husband's love of the Red Sox) our two kitties (Emmett and Lilah) and our two pet ducks (Bernard and Derek). We enjoy traveling as a family, and my husband and I especially enjoy visiting New York City for Broadway shows, pizza, and bagels. In my alone time, I enjoy flower gardening, working jigsaw puzzles, and reading.
About Dr. Emily Wilson
I was born in Covington, Louisiana, but spent most of my life in Knoxville, Tennessee. I have loved animals and wanted to be a veterinarian for as long as I can remember. This passion was solidified when I first saw the movie, “The Lion King,” at 5 years old. Since then I have worked to become an advocate for all animals, including pets and wildlife. I completed my undergraduate studies at Lees McRae College, a small school in the beautiful mountains of Banner Elk, North Carolina. After graduation, I moved back to Knoxville to attend the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine.
Before joining Lap of Love, I worked as the staff veterinarian for an exotic cat sanctuary, providing care to 75 wild cats, including lions, tigers, leopards, and cougars, as well as many pet cats and dogs. It was there that I became passionate about all aspects of geriatric medicine—not only the diagnosis and management of age related conditions, but also the importance of education and communication with the animals’ caretakers. Many of our resident cats were older, and therefore, much of my practice focused on this aspect of care, including formulating and implementing quality-of-life centered treatment plans, and leading discussions on end-of-life decisions. Aside from being the resident cats’ veterinarian, I also formed strong relationships with them. This position enabled me to experience the clinical and emotional challenges associated with the animals’ declining quality of life, their hospice care, and ultimately, humane euthanasia. I believe these experiences provided me with invaluable and unique insights for understanding the many facets of end-of-life care, for both the patients and their loved ones.
The best part about being a veterinarian is that I not only have the knowledge, means, and ability to provide care and comfort to animals, but to also provide compassion and understanding to the people who love them. The human-animal bond is such a deep, strong, and important connection, and I am honored and inspired everyday to be given the opportunity to play an important role in that relationship.
I spend most of my personal time hanging out with my Siberian husky, Paul. Some of my hobbies include photography, drawing, and gardening, and I have recently become more interested in bird watching and photographing all the amazing species that visit my bird feeders. I enjoy being outdoors in general, whether camping, kayaking, or fishing—or all of the above!
About Dr. Rachelle McKinnon
I grew up on a farm in Waynesville, nestled in the North Carolina mountains. My ancestors first settled in the area during the 1700s, and most of my family still lives there today. It truly is my home. Since I was a child, I’ve loved animals and have had a desire to care for and connect with them. The bond I shared with my childhood cat, Shelby, is one of the biggest reasons I became a veterinarian.
While completing my undergraduate studies at Meredith College in North Carolina, I discovered a passion for science, which—combined with my love for animals—naturally led me to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. I received my veterinary degree from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine and have worked in small animal general practice for 15 years.
I have trained in and practiced a variety of specialties including dentistry and ultrasound. Adding at-home end-of-life care is something I have felt drawn to for many years, and I am honored to incorporate this important calling to my career. It is such a gift to be present with families as they allow their beloved pet to pass away peacefully at home.
Losing my dad unexpectedly in my early 20s changed how I view grief and made me comfortable supporting others in their own loss and grief. When my heart dog, Phoebe, experienced a decline in health to the point that she was no longer enjoying her life, I knew it was time to say our goodbyes. It was important to me that our last moments together be peaceful and that she not be scared or worried. We were able to say goodbye on the back porch as a family while the veterinarian that came to our home allowed her to pass peacefully. Through my role at Lap of Love, I can provide this same gift for other pets and families by creating a peaceful and loving tribute to their time together and the bond they share.
Outside of work, I stay busy with my husband, our three children, our goldendoodle named Fenway (after my husband's love of the Red Sox) our two kitties (Emmett and Lilah) and our two pet ducks (Bernard and Derek). We enjoy traveling as a family, and my husband and I especially enjoy visiting New York City for Broadway shows, pizza, and bagels. In my alone time, I enjoy flower gardening, working jigsaw puzzles, and reading.