Dr. Stacy Horner-Dunn opened White Oak Animal Hospital with her husband, Dr. Gary Dunn, in June 1996. Dr. Horner-Dunn grew up in Delran, New Jersey. Her motivation to become a veterinarian came from her family, particularly her father. He had a great love for the outdoors and animals, resulting in Dr. Horner-Dunn being exposed to animals ranging from turtles and fish to cats and dogs. She remembers visiting the local veterinarian who treated the family dog for heartworm disease and being completely captured by the entire process. Dr. Horner-Dunn's childhood motivation pushed her to volunteer at an animal hospital.
As an undergraduate at Fairleigh Dickinson University's Madison campus, Dr. Horner-Dunn studied biology and graduated magna cum laude in 1985. She attended the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine and earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1990. While at veterinary school, Dr. Horner-Dunn received the Clinical Proficiency Award.
Dr. Horner-Dunn is a member of both the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association. Among many areas of professional interest, she has a special passion for dermatology.
"Each day at the hospital brings a new challenge," says Dr. Horner-Dunn. "Different medical issues and various clients makes the job interesting and rewarding." There are difficult parts to her job, particularly providing euthanasia, although she feels it's a gift to be able to end an animal's suffering and help clients through the sad experience. Ultimately, she says, "There's nothing more gratifying then returning a healthy pet to their owner."
At home, Dr. Horner-Dunn has three dogs: a mix-breed named Levi, a small mixed breed terrier named Josephine, and a terrier mis named Harold. She also has three domestic shorthair cats named Warren, Bennett and Botetourt. Dr. Horner-Dunn enjoys gardening, flower arranging, and furniture restoration. She also supports the Stafford County Shelter by volunteering basic health care (e.g. heartworm checks, fecal checks, vaccines) and spaying and neutering.
