Meet Our Team
Friendly, Knowledgeable Veterinarians in Franklin, TN
At Battleground Hospital for Animals in Franklin, TN, our entire staff, from doctors to nurses to receptionists, care about the health of your pets. We are constantly taking seminars to continue our education to provide your animals with up-to-date service. Don’t be surprised if we give you a call to check up on how your pet is doing! Whether a new patient or longtime patient of ours, we want the best outcomes.
About Us
Battleground Hospital for Animals is one of the only animal hospitals in Franklin accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). We have proudly upheld this accreditation since our founding in 1999. Our team includes three doctors, two of whom are brothers and the founders of the practice. Dr. Robert V. Russell, Dr. James C. Russell and Dr. Garrett A. Dawson, as well as the rest of our management, receptionists and nurses, continue their education to keep up on the latest technologies and practices in the veterinary field.
Whether your pet is receiving a routine checkup or has to undergo surgery, you can rest assured they are receiving individualized, gentle care. We use state-of-the-art equipment and specialized architects to create a clean, comfortable and friendly environment for you and your pets. Our practice combines excellent customer service with compassionate health care for patients across middle Tennessee.
We work hard from morning until night. If you want to see a specific doctor, we can make those arrangements for you. You will receive the comfort and familiarity of a small hospital while experiencing high-quality veterinary care.
Veterinarians
Dr. Robert V. Russell
Dr. Robert V. Russell graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife biology. He then attended the University of Tennessee’s School of Veterinary Medicine. He and his wife Margaret are residents of Williamson County and are the proud parents of two children, Olivia and Bobby. His interests in the outdoors and history keep him occupied in his free time when he isn’t working at the hospital.
Dr. James C. Russell
Dr. James C. Russell graduated from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville with a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology. He then received a Master of Science degree in fisheries and his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn University in Alabama. A resident of Williamson County, he is the proud father of three children, Wren, Dixie and Ellie. His interests in the outdoors and woodwork keep him and his family busy when he isn’t at the hospital.
Dr. Garrett A. Dawson
Dr. Garrett A. Dawson and her husband, David, are both Williamson County natives and graduates of Battle Ground Academy. Dr. Garrett graduated from the University of the South, Sewanee, with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. She then received her Doctorate in 2009 from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Garrett and David are excited to be back in their hometown with their dogs and two children, Lanier and Henry. When she’s not at the hospital, Dr. Garrett enjoys running and spending time with her family and friends.
Shane
Shane has been with Battleground since its founding in 1999. Before that, Shane worked with the Dr. Russell’s at Animal Care Center in Mt. Juliet. He has worked in the small animal veterinary field since 1994 as a technician and manager. In January 2011, he was named the Practice Manager for the hospital. In his spare time, Shane enjoys hunting, fishing and coaching youth baseball, as well as spending time with his lovely wife Joy and their two children, Wyatt and Abigail. Shane has two labradors that he enjoys training and competing in United Kennel Club hunt tests. His entire family loves animals, and they have a variety of pets ranging from a bearded dragon to cats and dogs.
Colleen
Sara
Sara has been with Battleground since April 2013. She comes to us after a 33-year career teaching kindergarten. She has a wonderful personality and enjoys talking to our clients at the front desk. When she’s not working, Sarah enjoys reading, traveling, spending time with family and her Maine Coon cat “Silver.”
Debra
Savannah
Ashley
Vicky
Lauren
Lauren has been with Battleground since 2003. Before moving to Tennessee, Lauren lived and worked in Philadelphia, PA as a veterinary technician. She has over 14 years of combined veterinary work experience. Lauren has many roles at Battleground, such as Head Technician. In her spare time, she enjoys outdoor activities, wildlife rehabilitation and reading, as well as spending time with her husband and many pets.
Sarah
Technician
Vicky
Vicky joined Battleground in 2007. She joined our team as a Kennel Technician and was promoted through her experience and desire to become a Vet Tech. Vicky enjoys spending time with her husband and her four- and three-legged family.
Camie
Camie has been with Battleground since 2011. She attends to our kennel as well as assisting technicians and our doctors. Camie has numerous pets and enjoys riding horses.
Julie
Julie has been our full time Groomer since 2003. She does an outstanding job at making her customers happy and looking sharp! Julie enjoys spending time with family and her two dogs Charley and Dasher.
Angelica
Natalie