Meet the HeartBehind the Care
Franklinton Animal Hospital is dedicated to providing affordable, high-quality veterinary care to pets and the people who love them. We proudly serve our community with compassion, excellence, and unwavering dedication.
Our Founders
Meet the dedicated veterinarians who built Franklinton Animal Hospital on a foundation of compassion and excellence
Dr. Aleksandar Besermenji
Veterinarian & Co-Founder
Dr. Aleksandar Besermenji has dedicated his career to providing exceptional veterinary care with a focus on surgical excellence and emergency medicine. With extensive experience in both small animal medicine and complex surgical procedures, Dr. Alex has built a reputation for his skilled hands and compassionate approach. He believes every pet deserves access to high-quality care, which is why affordability is central to his practice philosophy.
Dr. Dragana Besermenji
Veterinarian & Co-Founder
Dr. Dragana Besermenji brings warmth, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to animal health to Franklinton Animal Hospital. Specializing in internal medicine and preventive care, Dr. Dragana believes in building lasting relationships with her patients and their owners. She takes time to educate clients about their pet's health, ensuring they feel empowered to make the best decisions for their beloved companions.
Our Veterinarians
Experienced doctors committed to providing exceptional, compassionate care for your beloved pets
Dr. Wendell Keven Freels
Veterinarian
Dr. Wendell Keven Freels is originally from Sunbright, Tennessee. He earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Ross University in 2003 and moved to North Carolina in 2006, where he has continued his passion for helping animals and the people who love them. Dr. Freels lives in Franklinton with his wife, four children, and their dog Sylvie, a shepherd mix who keeps the household lively. Outside of the clinic, he enjoys landscaping and spending time working on his muscle cars. Dr. Freels chose veterinary medicine because he truly enjoys helping as many pets as possible live healthy, happy lives. He is dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care to every patient that walks through the door.
Hospital Management
Expert leadership ensuring our hospital delivers the highest standard of care
Jessica Pearce
Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM)
Jessica Pearce is a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) who earned her accreditation in 2023 after several years of experience in both practice management and front desk operations. She began...
Client Services
The friendly faces who welcome you and ensure every visit is a positive experience
Bethany Arnold
Front Desk / Customer Service Representative
Bethany Arnold takes great pride in being an exceptional customer service representative and truly enjoys working with clients and getting to know their pets during each visit. She is passionate about...
Katrice Beasley
Front Desk / Customer Service Representative
Katrice Beasley is originally from Fuquay, North Carolina, and currently lives in Henderson with her husband, Mike, their eight dogs—Abel, Raven, Elmo, Skeeter, Zelda, Judge, Trixie, and Candy—and one...
Kellye Austin
Front Desk / Customer Service Representative
Kellye Austin is originally from Virginia Beach and currently lives in Timberlake with her husband, Bobby, and their two sons. Their household also includes their Rottweiler, Ryker, a rescue dog named...
Grooming Team
Professional groomers dedicated to keeping your pets looking and feeling their best
Jimmy Beach
Professional Groomer
Jimmy Beach is a professional groomer who has been part of the animal care field since 2007. Originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he moved to North Carolina in 2003 and now calls Franklinton ho...
Christy Porter
Professional Groomer
Christy Porter is a professional pet groomer who has been grooming since 2014. She shares her home with her husband, Stephen, their daughter, six dogs, and four cats, making animals a constant and joy...
Veterinary Assistants
Skilled professionals providing hands-on medical care and compassionate support for your pets
Jenna Anthony
Lead Veterinary Assistant
Jenna Anthony is our Lead Veterinary Assistant and grew up in Wake Forest, North Carolina. She currently lives in Smithfield with her fiancé, Nathan, along with their three dogs and three cats. Having...
Madison Smith
Veterinary Assistant
Madison Smith is from Kittrell, North Carolina, and began her career in veterinary medicine in 2025 as a veterinary assistant. Her lifelong love of horses, barrel racing, and the rodeo inspired her to...
Savannah Early
Veterinary Assistant
Savannah Early is originally from Charleston, South Carolina, and recently relocated to Louisburg, North Carolina. She has been working in veterinary medicine as a veterinary assistant since 2020 and...
Holly Scott
Veterinary Assistant
Holly Scott is originally from Lakeland, Florida, and moved to North Carolina as a teenager. She has been working in veterinary medicine since 2003 and brings decades of experience and compassion to h...
Leigha Boyd
Veterinary Assistant
Leigha Boyd is originally from and still resides in Oxford, North Carolina. She shares her life with her American Staffordshire Terrier, Maggie, and her "nephew dog," Whiskey, who are both very loved...
Lindsay Bell
Veterinary Assistant
Lindsay Bell is a Franklin County native who has lived locally her entire life. She has always had a strong love for animals, and joined veterinary medicine after the birth of her daughter. She knew i...
Our CoreValues
The principles that guide everything we do
Compassion
Every pet deserves gentle, loving care. We treat your animals as if they were our own family members.
Excellence
We maintain the highest standards of veterinary medicine through continuous education and advanced technology.
Affordability
Quality veterinary care should be accessible to everyone. We offer fair pricing and multiple payment options.
Community
We proudly support local rescues and shelters, strengthening the bond between animals and families.
Awards &Recognition
Honored to be recognized by our community for exceptional veterinary care
Runner-Up
2024
Wake Weekly
Best of the Best
1st Place
2025
Wake Weekly
Best of the Best