The Team

Meet the Veterinarians & Team of Pinetree Animal Hospital in Aberdeen! We’re pleased to provide exceptional vet care for your pets!
Please call us at 910.944.7892 to speak to one of our caring veterinary staff members!

Veterinarians

Dr. Watson

Jim Watson was born in Commack, New York where he resided through his high school years. He developed a keen interest in animals at a young age and decided to pursue a career in Veterinary medicine. He attended Cornell University, graduating in 1979. Dr. Watson then moved on to a master's program in reproductive physiology at Louisiana State University, before returning to Cornell for Veterinary school. After graduation in 1985, he headed further north for a busy mixed animal practice in Plattsburgh, New York. After 12 years of dairy cattle, horses, sheep, and goats to go along with dogs, cats, and ferrets it was time to focus on small animal practice in the Sandhills. Dr. Watson and Dr. Israel founded Pinetree Animal Hospital in 2000 and look forward to many busy, fulfilling years in practice. Dr. Watson currently resided with his wife Sharon in Seven Lakes.

Dr. Israel

Melissa J. Israel was born Melissa J. Baptist in Chicago, Illinois in 1968. She moved to New Jersey in 1976 where she grew up in a country town (Yes! They do exist up there.), enhancing her love for all creatures great and small. She migrated south to attend college at North Carolina State University (Go Wolfpack!). She graduated with a BS in Zoology in 1990. In 1994 she graduated from NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine and descended further south to her first job in Pinehurst, NC. Here she met her husband, Thomas M. Israel, and her business partner Jim Watson. Melissa has two children and currently resides in Southern Pines with her 4 dogs, 8 cats, and her many egg laying chickens. Her interest focus on God, family, and friends as well as outdoor activities such as hiking, hunting, fishing, and gardening.

Dr. Whitehead

Dr. Laura Whitehead was born and raised in Huntington Beach, CA. After high school, she served 4 years in the US Marine Corps and was stationed at Quantico, VA. She graduated from Northern Virginia Community College and then returned home to California to complete her undergraduate education at California State University- Long Beach. She then attended the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary medicine. After graduating she completed a 1 year rotating internship in Small Animal medicine at the North Carolina State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. She spent 2 years practicing Veterinary Medicine in Northern Virginia then joined the Pinetree team in 2010. Her hobbies include music and sports. Dr. Whitehead lives in Southern Pines with her husband Tony and lots of cats!

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