Meet Dr. Steve Pelton
Leading Hearthstone Animal Clinic with passion, expertise, and compassion, and treating every patient like one of his own.
About Dr. Pelton
A general practitioner who treats your pet like family.
I grew up in Churchville-Chili, New York, roaming the fields and woods with my Irish Setter. One snowy night when I was seven or eight, my dad and I found an old Black Labrador half-frozen in the snow and barely alive, and we got him to a vet who brought him back. A year later I lost my own dog to a rare kidney cancer. Those two things set the course for the rest of my life.
I left New York for Texas A&M, earned the Dean's Award for Biomedical Science all four years of undergrad, and graduated from its veterinary school in 2000.
My first job out of school was VCA Spring Branch, and I stayed 7 years. They made me the youngest medical director the company had picked at the time, so I learned early how to run a busy hospital. But I wanted a practice of my own, where I set the standard of care.
In 2007 I found Hearthstone for sale. It had been a Cypress practice since 1982, the right size and the right fit, so I bought it that August. I've run it ever since. That's 26 years in practice now, and I still see every patient myself.
At home in Cypress, my wife Amanda and I have two daughters and a house full of rescues, most of them strays that found their way to us, including a clinic-doorstep cat named Crypto. Being a dad made me a better vet. I feel the same worry about my own animals that you feel about yours.
Professional philosophy
The bond between pets and their families is one of the most precious in life.
The bond between a pet and their family is one of the most precious things in life. My job is to understand that bond and protect it, with care that honors what your pet means to you.
After 26 years of doing this, I keep it simple. Gentle hands with your pet, straight talk with you, and a plan that treats the medical problem and the worry that comes with it.
Dr. P
Education & career
The path to Hearthstone.
B.S. in Biomedical Science
Texas A&M University. Advanced Biotechnology Option and Veterinary Science.
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine. Graduated Cum Laude.
VCA Spring Branch
Seven years in a busy Houston hospital, where I became the youngest medical director VCA had picked at the time.
Bought Hearthstone Animal Clinic
A Cypress practice open since 1982. I've owned and run it ever since.
Specialties & interests
What Dr. Pelton focuses on
A particular passion of Dr. Pelton's is laparoscopic, minimally invasive surgery, especially the laparoscopic spay (the LOVE Spay). Working through two or three keyhole incisions instead of one long opening means far less pain, minimal tissue trauma, and a noticeably faster recovery for your pet.
Laparoscopic Spay (LOVE Spay) & Minimally Invasive Surgery
Tiny "keyhole" incisions, sealed under camera guidance with no tearing of tissue, for dramatically less pain and a quicker return to normal. A preventive gastropexy (to guard against bloat in deep-chested breeds) can often be done through the same small incisions.
General Practice
Comprehensive wellness care for dogs and cats.
Preventive Medicine
Vaccination protocols and wellness planning.
Soft Tissue Surgery
Routine and advanced surgical procedures.
Diagnostic Medicine
Advanced diagnostic imaging and laboratory work.
Dr. Pelton in action
Hands-on, compassionate care
Gentle & compassionate care
His gentle approach ensures every pet feels safe and comfortable during their visit.
Collaborative team approach
Working alongside a skilled team to provide comprehensive, personalized care for every patient.
About Hearthstone Animal Clinic
Hearthstone Animal Clinic is an independent veterinary practice located at 14606 FM 529, Cypress, TX 77095. Founded in 1982, the clinic is owned and operated by Dr. Steve Pelton, DVM, who has practiced veterinary medicine since 2000. The clinic specializes in dogs and cats, offering wellness exams, soft tissue surgery, dental care, diagnostics, laser therapy, and end-of-life care. Hearthstone is currently accepting new patients. Office hours are Monday through Friday 7am to 6pm, Saturday 8am to 12pm.
Experience the Dr. Pelton difference.
When you choose Hearthstone, you are choosing a team that genuinely cares about you and your pet. We take the time to listen, to explain, and to treat every patient like one of our own.
Get Your Pet SeenOr call or text (281) 859-9244