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.

Blue Frenchie Dog Silhouette in Franklin, TN

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.

JAMES C. RUSSELL in Franklin, TN | Battleground Hospital for Animals

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.

Dr. Adam Swayze

Dr. Swayze was born and raised in Williamson County, TN where he attended Independence High School. After High School, he played football for Tennessee Tech University while earning his degree in Animal Science. Dr. Swayze is a graduate of the University of Tennessee-College of Veterinary Medicine where he graduated in the top 10% of his class. He married his high school sweetheart, Katlyn, in 2020 and has a 4-year-old Golden Retriever named Clover. In his free time, he loves doing anything active and being in the outdoors. Dr. Swayze has been a part of the Battleground team since 2017 while completing his undergrad and attending the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine.

Management

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.