Veterinary Resources
At Russell Veterinary Services, we believe that informed pet owners are better equipped to make confident decisions about their animals’ health and well-being. We’ve put together the links below to provide easy access to trusted, reliable information on veterinary medicine and animal welfare.
Helpful Resources forHarrogate, TN Pet Owners
This page is intended as a starting point—a curated collection of resources we’re confident recommending to the pet owners and livestock families we serve across Harrogate, Claiborne County, and the surrounding Tri-State region.
As always, we encourage you to bring any questions you find along the way to your next appointment. Our team is happy to help you make sense of what you’re reading and how it applies to your individual pet.
General Pet Health & Veterinary Information
These organizations are among the most authoritative sources of pet health information available online. Whether you’re looking up a condition, researching a medication, or simply trying to understand what’s normal for your pet, these are excellent places to start.
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) — The AVMA is the leading professional organization for veterinarians in the United States. Their public-facing resources include pet health guides, disease information, and guidance on a wide range of veterinary topics for pet owners.
- American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) — AAHA sets the standard for veterinary care quality and accreditation. Their pet health library covers topics ranging from nutrition and dental care to disease prevention and senior pet wellness.
- Merck Veterinary Manual — One of the most comprehensive veterinary reference resources available to the public, the Merck Veterinary Manual covers conditions, treatments, and care guidelines for a wide range of species, including dogs, cats, horses, and livestock.
- VCA Animal Hospitals Pet Health Topics — A well-organized library of pet health articles covering common conditions, procedures, nutrition, and behavior for dogs and cats.
Dogs & Cats: Breed, Behavior & Care
- American Kennel Club (AKC) — The AKC offers breed profiles, training resources, health articles, and guidance on responsible dog ownership for every stage of a dog’s life.
- The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) — A trusted resource for cat owners covering breed information, health guidance, and responsible cat care.
- ASPCA Pet Care Library — The ASPCA’s pet care section includes articles on behavior, nutrition, grooming, and common health concerns for dogs and cats.
- Cornell Feline Health Center — Cornell’s feline health resources are among the most thorough available for cat owners, covering everything from routine care to complex medical conditions.
Exotic & Small Mammal Resources
For owners of rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, birds, and other exotic companion animals—who receive limited exotic animal medicine at our clinic—these resources can be especially helpful.
- House Rabbit Society — A comprehensive resource for rabbit owners covering health, behavior, diet, and housing.
- Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians (AEMV) — Provides owner-facing resources and information on finding qualified care for exotic small mammals.
- Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV) — A trusted source for bird owners seeking health guidance and information on avian veterinary care.
Large Animal & Livestock Resources
For the farming families and equine owners we serve across Claiborne County and the surrounding region, these resources support informed, responsible large animal care.
- American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) — The AAEP offers a robust library of horse health resources covering nutrition, dental care, lameness, vaccination, and more—valuable for both new and experienced horse owners.
- University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine — UT’s College of Veterinary Medicine is a regional leader in veterinary education and referral care. Their large animal emergency line can be reached at (865) 974-8387 for after-hours large animal emergencies.
- National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) — Offers resources on cattle health management, herd nutrition, and industry best practices for beef cattle producers.
- American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) — A professional organization focused on cattle health, with owner-facing resources on herd health, disease prevention, and veterinary care.
- United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal Health — The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service provides resources on disease reporting, livestock health regulations, and Coggins testing requirements relevant to equine owners in Tennessee and neighboring states.
Poison Control & Emergency Resources
Every pet owner should have these resources saved and accessible—especially in situations where immediate guidance is needed outside of regular veterinary hours.
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- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center — Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, this is your first call. A consultation fee may apply: (888) 426-4435.
- Pet Poison Helpline — Another 24/7 poison control resource for pet owners, covering dogs, cats, birds, and other companion animals. A consultation fee may apply: (855) 764-7661.
- Five Rivers Pet Emergency Clinic — Our recommended small animal emergency resource for after-hours urgent care. Reach them at (423) 581-9492.
- Animal Emergency & Specialty Center — A regional emergency and specialty veterinary center serving the greater Knoxville area. Available for small animal emergencies at (865) 693-4440.
- Animal Urgent Care — 1521 E. Cumberland Avenue, Middlesboro, KY 40965. Reach them at (606) 752-0045.
Pet Loss & Grief Support
Losing a pet is one of the most difficult experiences a family can go through. If you or someone you know is navigating end-of-life decisions or grieving the loss of an animal companion, these resources offer compassionate support.
- Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB) — Offers peer support groups, a helpline, and grief resources specifically for those who have lost a pet.
- Pet Loss Support Page — Cornell University — Cornell’s pet loss resources include articles, hotline information, and guidance for families navigating grief after losing an animal companion.
Local Resources & Community
- Claiborne County, TN Official Website — A starting point for residents seeking local government services, community information, and county resources in the Harrogate area.
- Lincoln Memorial University — Located in Harrogate, LMU is home to the LMU-College of Veterinary Medicine, a valuable regional resource for veterinary education and, in some cases, veterinary care access.
- Claiborne Animal Shelter (New Tazewell, TN) — A local non-profit humane shelter where you can adopt, foster, or donate to support lost and homeless pets in East Tennessee.