The Man Behind the Stethoscope
Discover the personal story, family, and passions that drive Dr. Steve Pelton
My Journey to Veterinary Medicine
Born in Churchville Chili, New York, Dr. Steve Pelton grew up surrounded by open fields, woods, and farmland, roaming these areas with his curious Irish Setter. His path to veterinary medicine began with a life-changing experience when he was about seven or eight years old.
One snowy night, during a walk, his dog took off running. After a frantic search, young Steve found his dog alongside an older Black Labrador, curled up in the snow, barely alive. With his father's help, they brought the dog to a local veterinarian, who helped him recover and return to his owner. This experience, coupled with the loss of his Irish Setter to a rare kidney cancer a year later, ignited Dr. Pelton's passion for animal care.
After moving from New York to Kingwood, Texas, Dr. Pelton set his sights on becoming a veterinarian. At Texas A&M University, he received the Dean's Award for Biomedical Science each year during his undergraduate studies. In 1996, he earned dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Biomedical Science (with an advanced Biotechnology option) and Veterinary Science, then enrolled in Texas A&M's College of Veterinary Medicine, earning his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine, cum laude, in 2000.
The Pelton Family
Steve with his wife and daughters, the heart of everything he does.
Cypress, TexasFamily Life
At home in Cypress, Dr. Pelton and his wife Amanda have two daughters: Kylie Addison Pelton, born in November 2009, and Kynlee Kathleen Pelton, born in July 2013. Family has always been the cornerstone of his life, and watching his daughters grow up alongside the animals they rescue and care for has been one of his greatest joys.
The Pelton household is always bustling with activity and filled with rescued animals. Each pet has their own story and personality, and they've all played a role in teaching his daughters about compassion, responsibility, and the joy that comes with caring for others.
Being a father has made Dr. Pelton a better veterinarian. He understands the worry parents feel when their "furry children" are sick, because he feels that same concern for his own pets and his human children. This personal connection drives his compassionate approach to veterinary care.
The Pelton Pack - Our Current Family
The Pelton household is filled with rescued animals, each with their own personality and story. Here's our current furry family:
🐕 Allie
A semi-snarky rescue dog, 100% mix but 100% loved.
🐕 Abby
A 13-year-old lab mix, still going strong and loves hiking.
🐱 Crypto
From a feral kitten crew left at the clinic's front door. He's quite the character!
🐱 Ivy-Bean
The newest kitten, living up to her playful name.
🐱 Maisie
A cat gifted to Kynlee for her 9th birthday.
🐱 Toshi (Satoshi)
An amazing furry black bundle of crazy kitten! Rescued from under someone's truck in fall of 2024!
cat Pip
A completely elusive white mix, loves my kids but won't let me touch her!
Personal Interests & Hobbies
Dr. Pelton practices general medicine with a special interest in internal medicine and soft tissue surgery. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and believes in an overall approach to health, emphasizing the importance of diet and exercise for both animals and humans. When he's not at the clinic, Dr. Pelton enjoys working out, engaging in political discussions (the good and the bad), and diving into the world of Bitcoin ("There will only be 21 million"). He also cherishes spending quality time with his daughters. Over the past five years, he's particularly enjoyed visiting the family's small cabin in Montgomery, Texas. The cabin, nestled by the National Forest, has been a labor of love for Dr. Pelton and his father, who are currently working on a large new deck and patio. These family projects and getaways provide the perfect balance to his busy veterinary practice.
When he's not at the clinic, Dr. Pelton enjoys working out, engaging in political discussions (the good and the bad), and diving into the world of Bitcoin ("There will only be 21 million"). He also cherishes spending quality time with his daughters.
Over the past five years, he's particularly enjoyed visiting the family's small cabin in Montgomery, Texas. The cabin, nestled by the National Forest, has been a labor of love for Dr. Pelton and his father, who are currently working on a large new deck and patio. These family projects and getaways provide the perfect balance to his busy veterinary practice.
Pets Lost, but Not Forgotten
Every pet that has been part of the Pelton family has left an indelible mark on their hearts. These beloved companions are remembered with love:
Life Beyond the Clinic
Glimpses into the life and passions that fuel my dedication to animal care
Dr. Pelton
Dedicated to providing compassionate veterinary care.
Outdoor Adventures
Hiking, creek adventures, and quality time with our rescue dogs in nature.
Home Sweet Home
The special bond between Dr. Pelton and his pets at home.
Father-Daughter Time
Special moments with the girls, from matching shirts to formal events and sisterly bonds.
Special Occasions
Formal events are even better with family pets, here with one of our beloved cats.
Cabin Deck Project
Building memories together, our family cabin deck project from start to finish.
Building Together
Working with my dad on the cabin deck, creating memories while we build.
Our Family Cabin
The cabin where we escape to reconnect with nature and each other, complete with our new deck project.
Why this work matters to me
Why This Work Matters to Me
“Every day, I get to witness the incredible bond between families and their pets. I see the joy a healthy pet brings to a household, and I feel the responsibility of helping maintain that happiness. It's not just about treating animals—it's about supporting families and preserving relationships that bring so much love to our world.”
When I opened Hearthstone Animal Clinic, my goal was simple: create a place where both pets and their families feel comfortable, cared for, and understood. After all these years, that mission hasn't changed. Every patient that walks through our doors is treated like they're part of our own family.
This community has given my family and me so much over the years. Through Hearthstone, I hope to give back some of that love and support to the families who trust us with their most precious companions.
Ready to meet Dr. Pelton?
Experience the personal touch that makes Hearthstone Animal Clinic special.