Riverwalk Animal Hospital

Your pet loves you like family -- wholeheartedly, unconditionally, and forever. So when they need medical care, the last thing you want to do is hunt around for the right veterinarian.

Welcome to Riverwalk Animal Hospital. Located off Hwy 170 in Okatie, South Carolina (just down the road from Sun City), where your pet will receive exceptional care from people who love animals just as much as you do. From kittens to dogs, from routine exams to laser surgery, Riverwalk Animal Hospital can keep your pets healthy and happy.

From the moment you walk through our low-country porch entrance, we do everything we can to make sure you and your pet feel comfort, kindness, and care. When you come for an appointment, we give you and your pet our full, undivided attention -- our veterinarians see only one client at a time, personalized care is our strength.

All of our staff are dedicated pet owners, and each and every pet we see is cared for just as we would care for our own.
  • Mon-Fri: 8:00am-6:00pm
  • Sat: 8:00am- Noon
  • Sun: Closed
  • After Hours Emergency: 843-368-1350
  • Dr. Stacy O'Quinn, Partner, Director of Medicine

    Dr. Stacy O'Quinn, Partner, Director of Medicine

    I was born and raised in both ends of Georgia; Gainesville in North Georgia and Brunswick in South Georgia. I got my first pony when I was four and my first dog when I was eight. From that point on, I was hooked on animals! I worked two jobs in high school to pay board for my horse and one in college for the same reason. My dog and I were inseparable throughout college: hiking, fishing, and camping every weekend. That dog kept me sane though eight years of college!

    I graduated from the University of Georgia School of Veterinary Medicine in 1996. Upon graduation, I moved back home to Brunswick, Georgia, met and married my husband, Shannon, then met and started working with Dr. Sybil Davis. In 1999, Shannon and I moved up to South Carolina so that Sybil and I could start our dream practice and we have never looked back! Riverwalk has become not only my job, but a big part of my life. I think of my patients and clients as extended family. I enjoy not only the medicine and surgery but also the updates and stories of my patients and their families.

    Shannon and I had our son, Austin, on March 8, 2005. He’s a wonderful little boy that has certainly changed our lives in great ways. Of course Shannon and I still spend plenty of time with our horses. He trains horses, teaches lessons, and boards at our farm, The Lazy Oaks Ranch, in Ridgeland. He is an avid team roper and calf roper, and I barrel race, so we travel and rodeo together often. You can see our farm at www.thelazyoaksranch.com 
    Years in Practice:
    Jul 05, 2000
    Education:
    University of Georgia
    Email:
  • Dr. Joshua Mitchum, Partner, Veterinarian

    Dr. Joshua Mitchum, Partner, Veterinarian

    I was raised right here in Jasper County near Coosawhatchie. I attended high school at Thomas Heyward Academy in Ridgeland. After graduating I was able to obtain a degree in Animal and Veterinary Science from Clemson University on scholarship, partially paid by Jeremiah Milbanks, the owner of a local plantation. I continued on from Clemson to Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine in Alabama and graduated in 2007. Now I am pleased to have returned to the area, willing and eager to help animals in need.

    Being a local I learned from an early age to appreciate the outdoors and our tidal marshlands. I spend as much time as possible enjoying out on the rivers and sandbars. I have also recently taken up golf and I can see why the game is so popular. I have grown fond of watching my ball hook and slice into water and sand hazards and, even better, into the occasional back yard.
    Years in Practice:
    Apr 07, 2007
    Education:
    Clemson University, Tuskegee University
    Email:
  • Dr. Amy Czarnecki, Associate Veterinarian

    Dr. Amy Czarnecki, Associate Veterinarian

    I became part of the Riverwalk “family” in January, 2008, and couldn’t be happier to be here. I grew up in Michigan, where I graduated from Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2003. After graduation, I practiced in the Washington D.C. area for over three years- and we truly loved our time there; we then spent a year back in Michigan before making our migration to the South in summer 2007. I did relief work in Savannah for several months before finding Riverwalk and making it my new home! The facility, doctors and staff, clients, and high quality medicine has made it a wonderful place to practice- and my part-time schedule allows me a great balance between work and motherhood. My primary medical interests include: dentistry, internal medicine, ophthalmology, and senior health concerns/diseases.

    I share my life with my wonderful husband, Tim, who works as a physical therapist in Savannah. We have been blessed with 2 children- our daughter, Addyson (December 2006) and our son, Ian (January 2010). They have certainly changed our lives for the better! We also have a fantastic four-legged “child”, Maizy, whom we adopted in my final year of vet school. We love living in Savannah- and enjoy spending time at the local parks and beaches, working on fixing up our house, and serving at Savannah Christian Church… we have definitely made the South our home!
    Years in Practice:
    Jan 14, 2008
    Education:
    Michigan State University
  • Lora, Veterinary Technician

    Lora, Veterinary Technician

    Hi! My name's Lora, and I have been working here at Riverwalk Animal Hospital as a technician in training since January 2007. I obtained a Bachelor's degree in biology from Millersville University, and am currently taking online classes to earn my veterinary technician certification. Before I moved to South Carolina, I worked in the nursing department of University of Pennsylvania's Large Animal Hospital for 7 years. I have always loved animals and cannot imagine working in a field other than veterinary medicine. I live in Bluffton with my husband Tony, 2 dogs Bo and Luke, and 3 cats Ben, Jeri, and Grace. When I'm not working I can be found out at the barn riding my horse Moose or puttering in the garden. I also enjoy hiking, camping, and kayaking.
    Years in Practice:
    Jan 14, 2007
    Education:
    Millersville University
  • Nikema, Receptionist

    Nikema, Receptionist

    Hello! My name is Nikema, but everyone here at Riverwalk calls me "Kema". I've been working here at Riverwalk Animal Hospital since June 2004, and I really enjoy it! currently live in Bluffton with my Boyfriend and young son and our pets. We have 2 Pitbulls, Raven and Tank, and a mixed breed named Misty. When I'm not at work I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, and traveling up and down the east coast. I look forward to meeting you and your pets, as I am one of the smiling faces that will greet you upon your arrival at Riverwalk Animal Hospital.
    Years in Practice:
    Jun 07, 2004
  • Shadow, Office Manager

    Shadow, Office Manager

    Hello, I'm Shadow (yes that is my real name). I've had the pleasure of working with the great team at Riverwalk Animal Hospital since August, 2003. My love for my job comes from a lifetime of being around and caring for animal. I grew up on a small farm on the outskirts of Hardeeville SC (which also makes me one of the few locals we still have in the area). Over the years I have watched as the Low County has grown into what it is today, and doesn't seem to be stopping. It has been exciting to see all the new growth, not only to the area but most of all to Riverwalk. Since I've been here we have added two new doctors and several staff members and most importantly all the new family members (two and four legged ones). Currently, I have one cat and four dogs. First, there's Peaches, a 11 year old domestic longhair. Also Bear, aka Leroy, a 11 year old lab mix that I fell in love with at a shelter in Savannah in 2001 and just had to have. He loves anyone who pays any attention to him. Then there's Buddy, my 9 year old 120 lb German Shepherd, who has to get to know you first. Then there's my sweet, sweet Daisy, which I shared with my now husband before we were married, she a 8 year old Boxer who LOVES everyone. She truly is the sweetest girl and her Daddy's baby. Then last, but certainly not least, is my Pennie Girl. She is a 8  year old Rat Terrier. I know you are not supposed to have favorites but she is my heart and she knows it. Recently she has had to adjust to some changes; in October of 2010 I got married to my best friend and my Pastor. So Pennie has had to learn to share Mom and the bed. But its only took a few months and now she is a Daddy's girl choosing to sleep next to him instead of me.
    Years in Practice:
    Aug 07, 2003
    Email:
  • Windi, Lab Tech/Veterinary Assistant

    Windi, Lab Tech/Veterinary Assistant

    Hi, my name is Windi and I have been at Riverwalk Animal Hospital since April 2001. I have always loved animals and working at an animal hospital where I can make their lives better was a great choice for me. I am a big proponent of spaying and neutering to help control the animal overpopulation, as well as annual bloodwork for animals of all ages. Routine bloodwork diagnosed one of my cats with diabetes and helped prolong her life with proper treatment and medication. Another cat was diagnosed with renal failure. Because bloodwork caught it early we have taken steps to ensure a long and healthy senior life. I also founded and run Morningstar Animal Rescue, a non-profit animal rescue organization dedicated to the homeless needy dogs and cats in the Lowcountry area (www.morningstar.petfinder.com). My dogs are a huge part of my life, and I train and compete with them all over the southeast in agility, herding, earthdog, dock diving and flyball (www.morningstarbordercollies.com). My hobbies include collecting coke memorabilia, watching horror movies, Carolina Gamecocks football, playing tennis and most any sports, and watching reality tv (love Top Chef!) as well as Lost and Law & Order. Most importantly I share my life with a very patient husband, Billy, my son, Will, and our seven dogs, Marley (Cocker Spaniel), Wick (Jack Russell Terrier) and the Border Collie's Ellie, Fli, Star, Fig and Singe plus three wonderful cats, Penelope, Patra and Chili. My life is very busy, but the animals are my passion and I wouldn't have it any other way!
    Years in Practice:
    Apr 30, 2001
  • Janet, Kennel Assistant

    Janet, Kennel Assistant

    Hi, my name is Janet Ossman. I have been working at Riverwalk Animal Hospital since July of 2004. I work as a kennel assistant. I also help the technician when they need help. I live in Beaufort, SC. and have been in Beaufort for 36 years. I have 3 children, 2 girls and 1 boy, ages: 21yrs. 14 yrs. 11 yrs. I also have a lot of animals: I have 3 guinea pigs, 4 ferrets, 2 chinchillas, 5 cats and 4 dogs. I really love working here. The staff members are really terrific people to work with.
    Years in Practice:
    Jul 09, 2004
  • Nadine, Receptionist

    Nadine, Receptionist

    Hello-my name is Nadine. Although my pets have been patients here for many years, I began working as a receptionist in December 2004. My animal tribe consists of 8 dogs, 12 cats, and 3 horses. I make my home in Okatie, along with my husband, son, and all of our furry friends. Spending so much time at Riverwalk with my pets just naturally led to my working here. It is a great job since everyday is something new.
    Years in Practice:
    Nov 29, 2004
  • Deb, Veterinary Assistant

    Deb, Veterinary Assistant

    Hi there, I’m Deb Brennan and I’ve been part of the Riverwalk Animal Hospital team since May ’08. I’m a veterinary assistant as well as being trained in other area so each day is a learning experience and education for me. I’ve lived in New England most of my life and have two grown children. I love the sun and the sea and my new life in Sun City. When I’m not working I head further south and enjoy swimming and scuba diving. My background with animals was a professional horseman but now I own two dogs, Lucy and Milo and a twenty-five year old parrot named Popeye. My job at Riverwalk gives me the opportunity to meet new people and help animals and I don’t know what could be better than that!
    Years in Practice:
    Apr 07, 2008
  • Lynne, Veterinary Assistant

    Lynne, Veterinary Assistant

    Hi!! My name is Lynne. I moved back to the Bluffton area to spend more time with my grandson. I started working at Riverwalk Animal Hospital in December of 2008 training as a Receptionist and a veterinary assistant. I have 3 dogs that I have adopted from Animal Shelters. Kandi, a 13 year old Husky mix and Pertie, an 11 year old Dalmatian came from the Hilton Head Humane Association. Then Lucie, my 5 year old Pointer mix I adopted from a shelter I worked at in Florida. I love my job at Riverwalk Animal Hospital, to see the love and commitment that the staff puts into the care of the animals coming into our clinic is a very rewarding experience.
    Years in Practice:
    Dec 04, 2008
  • Ashley

    Ashley

    Hey there! My name is Ashley and I first joined the Riverwalk team back in 2004. After 4 years, I took a break then returned in August, 2009. I started as a kennel assistant in high school at 16 years old and over the years I have worked towards becoming a veterinary technician. You will see me in the front checking in patients for treatment or boarding, in the back caring for our patients, in the appointment room assisting the doctors, up front as a receptionist or in the kennel caring for our boarders!
    I share my life with a pit bull named Kujo or “Joe” (his stage name), a crazy tortie cat named “Inde” and a Chihuahua/min pin mix named “Kodi”. I also share my life with a wonderful husband named Daniel. We were married July 24th, 2010 and continue to enjoy all marriage has to offer us. We live by the river and enjoy things like boating, swimming and other water sports. I am currently enrolled in PennFoster and Technical College of the Lowcountry where I am pursuing both my Veterinary Technician certification and my AS in General Business.
    I thoroughly enjoy being employed here at Riverwalk Animal Hospital. Like they say, “If you find something you love, you won’t work a day in your life.” That’s exactly how I feel. There’s always something new to learn and always new clients or patients that we bring into the Riverwalk family. I look forward to meeting you and your four-legged family members!

    Years in Practice:
    Oct 01, 2004
  • Yvonne,

    Yvonne,

    I grew up in a small town in the upstate of South Carolina. I moved to the Lowcountry to work for a landscape company after graduating from Clemson University with a degree in Horticulture in 1998. I continued to work in the landscape industry for twelve years, but along the way I realized that a career change was in my future. My love for and experiences with my pets developed into a desire to seek out a job in the veterinary field. I am currently working towards an associate degree as a veterinary technician and gaining valuable on-the-job experience as an employee at the same clinic that I grew to love as a client of ten years. I look forward to meeting all of the clients and patients that come to Riverwalk Animal Hospital and to showing each of them the same professional and caring service that I received.
    Years in Practice:
    Jul 12, 2010
    Education:
    Clemson University
  • Patrisha,

    Patrisha,

    HOLA! My name is Patrisha a.k.a. Patty! I'm originally from Orlando, FL. but moved here because my Fiancé is in the Marines and had no choice but to follow. I must say it was the best decision ever! We've been living in Beaufort for less then a year now and happy to say I won't go back to Orlando. We live here with our 4 dogs, Ceasar (black & white mix), Ruby (tan & white mix), Maya (Toy Poodle), Oscar (Dachshund) and our little Betta fish Po. My passion for animals has been with me since I was a very little girl. Whenever in Puerto Rico, I would go help my grandfather in the backyard with the hens, roosters, rabbits, horses, dogs, cats, etc. When living in Orlando I also worked at an animal clinic while finishing high school, so that just made this career more interesting for me. I worked at other places that weren't animal related and just wasn't happy. I started as a volunteer here at R.A.H. and was extremely happy when offered a position. I would say my job title is a "Floater" just because I help in either kennel, appointment land or treatment. I'm glad to say I work for Riverwalk Animal Hospital, never have I met such an amazing group of Doctors or Staff!
    Years in Practice:
    Oct 04, 2010
  • Michele,

    Michele,

    My name is Michele Little. I joined the team at River Walk Animal Hospital on October 2010 as a Veterinary Technician. I was born in a small town in Coshocton Ohio. I grew up on a small horse farm surrounded by all kinds of animals; it was at a young age that I knew how much I wanted to work with animals. I moved to Savannah GA in 1994 where I started working in the Veterinary Field. I have completed numerous continuing educational programs to better my learning. I have to say working in this field has brought me lots of rewarding experiences, and I'm please to say that I wouldn't change anything about it. I'm happy to share my life with my fiancé Jerry Sullivan better known as Buck, Daughter Bethany. We have other four legged animals Katie our Chocolate Lab, Bugee who is a Pug, and two great Kitties name Doc and Georgia. In my spare time I have a great horse name Tank whom I barrel race with. He has a heart of gold a little side note about him that he only has his right eye, so he can't see anything on his left eye. It's just a reminder that animals of all shape and sizes can do remarkable things. My life saying is that I wasn't born in the South, but I got her as fast as I could. I think animals bring so much to people lives, and I want to help clients get the best care of the animals they can get, because they are family members too.
    Years in Practice:
    Oct 04, 2010