At Sandhills Veterinary Hospital, we know that pets are an important part of your family. We understand that you want quality, compassionate care for your cat or dog, and that you want to feel comfortable with the people helping you make their health care decisions. We understand this because we are pet parents too!
Whether your pet needs treatment or surgery for an illness or injury, or preventive care to keep him healthy for many years to come, our doctors and staff will provide up-to-date medical care and advice to help you care for your pet.
Sandhills Veterinary Hospital opened in August 2012 and is locally owned by Dr. John Thomas and Stephanie Johnston Thomas. The Thomas family, which includes their two children, decided to open Sandhills Veterinary Hospital as a way to combine their family’s love of animals, Dr. Thomas’ medical knowledge, and Stephanie’s legal and business background. Supported by long-term staff members who are like family, Sandhills Veterinary Hospital is a true family run small business that cares about their patients, clients, and staff.
We are located in Northeast Columbia in the Clemson Road Office Park, between I-77 and Hard Scrabble Road. Our street address is 125 Barton Creek Court, Columbia.
Sandhills Veterinary Hospital is happy to support a number of groups in our community, including SQ Rescue, Guardians of the Night (Richland County Sheriff’s Department), Harvest Hope food bank, and various local schools’ sports and fundraising events. We also sponsor two dogs for Palmetto Animal Assisted Life Services (PAALS), meaning that we provide all of their medical care at no cost, as we believe that assistance dogs play such an important role in so many people’s lives.
Dr. John Thomas graduated magna cum laude from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 2001, after previously graduating phi beta kappa from Wofford College with a degree in biology. He practiced for several years in a large veterinary hospital in Atlanta, before he and his wife decided to return home to South Carolina to raise their family.
He was a veterinarian with the U.S. Department of Defense at Ft. Jackson for five years where he enjoyed working with active duty and retired military families as well as the military working dogs and their handlers. He and his wife, Stephanie, and their two children live in Blythewood along with their own four-legged family members.
Dr. Thomas, who is a certified state constable, also enjoys volunteering with the Richland County and City of Columbia sheriff and police departments.
Dr. Kari Rosmer joined Sandhills Veterinary Hospital in October 2017 after 8 years of practice at other local veterinary clinics. Her practice includes both dogs and cats, and she strongly believes in the importance of educating clients on the benefits of preventative care.
Dr. Rosmer structured her higher education and summer work schedules around her goal of becoming a veterinarian. She attended the University of South Carolina, where she majored in biology with a minor in chemistry. While in college at USC, she worked as a veterinary technician at a local veterinary clinic. After receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in 2004, she attended Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Rosmer received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2009 and then returned to Columbia to begin her practice of veterinary medicine. She is a member of the South Carolina Association of Veterinarians and the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Dr. Rosmer lives in Columbia with her husband and son as well as their two cats. As a mother of a young child, she doesn't really have "spare time" but she does cherish spending time with her family. Together they enjoy camping, hiking, and boating.
Dr. Gavin Beard joined Sandhills Veterinary Hospital in April, 2020. Dr. Beard was born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina and attended the University of South Carolina. While at USC, he worked as a veterinary assistant at a veterinary clinic in Northeast Columbia. After graduating from USC with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, he attended Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine. He graduated Cum Laude with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine and then returned to Columbia to begin practicing.
Dr. Beard lives in Columbia with his wife, as well as three dogs and two cats. Together they enjoy spending time with their fur children, and his hobbies include cooking, traveling and modified cars.