Meet the
Team
Meet the
Team
Jose J. Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian
Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Dr. Fernandez has been a passionate advocate for animals throughout his life, dedicating his career to enhancing their well-being. His mission at Southern Trail Animal Clinic is to provide top-notch education and care to his furry clients and their owners. Although not originally from Easley, Dr. Fernandez has been an active member of the Upstate South Carolina community for many years and is recognized as a distinguished veterinarian with extensive experience in advanced medical care.
He graduated from Spring Hill College and earned his doctorate degree from the University of Tennessee Veterinary School in 1999. When not at the clinic, Dr. Fernandez enjoys watching college football, participating in obstacle races, and photography. He cherishes time spent with his wife, two daughters, and their family pets—three Labrador Retrievers named Duce, Finn, and Jameson, two cats named Smokey and Cleo, and two Guinea Pigs.
As a fluent Spanish speaker, Dr. Fernandez is proud to offer bilingual services to better serve the diverse community of Easley, ensuring that both English and Spanish-speaking clients feel comfortable and well-informed about their pet’s care.
Mike Eaves, DVM
Veterinarian
With over 34 years of veterinary experience, Dr. Mike Eaves, is an experienced veterinarian at Southern Trail Animal Clinic. His goal? To keep pets happy and healthy for as long as possible. His prior work and dedication are prevalent in his unrelenting determination to better the lives of animals. He graduated from Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine with his doctorate in 1989.
Dr. Eaves has been married to Lynne since 1994. They have two sons, Sam and Ben. He also has two dogs, Devereaux and Amos Moses, and two cats, Ziggy and Rougaroux (Roux). In his free time, you can find Dr. Eaves playing golf, enjoying an LSU football or baseball game, or traveling with his wife.
Jessica Owen, LVT
Practice Manager
Jessica Owen, LVT, seamlessly balances her roles as Practice Manager and Licensed Veterinary Technologist, blending her passion for animals with her diverse educational background. She received an award in 2023 from the South Carolina Association of Veterinary Licensed Technicians. Originally from Bradenton, FL, Jessica found her home in the charm of Upstate, SC, in 2006. From childhood, animals have been her constant companions, sparking her interest in marine biology before she found her calling in veterinary care.
After graduating from Tri-County Technical College’s Veterinary Technology Program in 2013, Jessica pursued further education, earning a bachelor’s degree from Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, TN. She immersed herself in practical experience alongside her studies, working part-time at a local veterinary hospital and sharing her expertise as a teacher at Tri-County. Jessica indulges her creative side with craft projects or diving into the latest documentary binge session. She loves spending time with her husband and two children, River and Forrie, alongside her farm of dogs, goats, and poultry.
Kirsty Whelchel, LVT
Kirsty Whelchel, LVT, embodies dedication and passion as a Licensed Veterinary Technician rooted in her lifelong connection to the Upstate of South Carolina. With a childhood dream of working in veterinary medicine, Kirsty wasted no time diving into the field after high school, landing a job at a local animal hospital. While gaining hands-on experience, she pursued her education at Tri-County Technical College, graduating from their veterinary technology program in 2012.
Over the past 14 years, Kirsty has devoted herself wholeheartedly to her career, culminating in her well-deserved recognition as the South Carolina Association of Veterinarians Licensed Veterinary Technician of the Year in 2023. Beyond her professional achievements, Kirsty finds joy in her role as a wife to Justin and a mother to two wonderful boys, Easton and Nolan, as well as her beloved fur children Sadie, Mindy, and Kit Kit. A self-proclaimed foodie, Kirsty loves exploring culinary delights, indulging in good reads, family getaways, and cheering on her favorite team, Clemson Football (Go Tigers!).
