Our Veterinarian

Dr. Steve Pelton - Owner & General Practitioner

Dr. Steve Pelton has been the proud owner of Hearthstone Animal Clinic since August 2007. Born in Churchville Chili, New York, Dr. Pelton grew up surrounded by open fields, woods, and farmland. He fondly recalls roaming these areas with his curious Irish Setter. One snowy night, when Dr. Pelton was about seven or eight years old, his dog took off running during a walk. After a frantic search, he 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. He attended Texas A&M University, where 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. That same year, he enrolled in Texas A&M’s College of Veterinary Medicine, earning his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine, cum laude, in 2000.

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 a holistic approach to health, emphasizing the importance of diet and exercise for both animals and humans.

At home, Dr. Pelton and his wife Amanda have two daughters: Kylie Addison Pelton, born in November 2009, and Kynlee Kathleen Pelton, born in July 2013. The Pelton household is filled with pets:

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 - A cat 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.
Stoli - A cat Dr. Pelton rescued after being found injured in a ditch. Despite severe injuries, Stoli recovered and has been with the Peltons for three years.
Dr. Pelton’s interests include 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.

Pets Lost, but Not Forgotten:

Lucky - Adopted as a senior diabetic in January 2023, passed away March 2024 at age 14.
Osiris - The 'king', March 2005 - January 2023.
Delilah - March 2004 - January 2022.
Ava - March 2007 - January 2021.
Callie - August 1993 - March 2007.
Zeta - August 1999 - January 2012.
Holly - Adopted 2005 - March 2011.
Ebony - Adopted 2001 - March 2011.
Calvin - Rescued on the side of the road in August 2011, passed away January 2012 from a rare fungal infection.