Knox County Veterinary Services

Our commitment to the people of Knox County, as well as the surrounding areas, will be to provide comprehensive veterinary services that will promote happy, healthy, and productive lives for them and their animals.

We strive to get to know our pet owners and farm producers on a personal level to better understand and meet their needs.  We invite you to visit our website as well as our office on High Street in Barbourville and let us show you how we care for you and your pet.

Founded in 1996 by Dr. Mark S. Smith and Dr. Tammy Thomason-Smith, Knox County Veterinary Services, Inc. is dedicated to providing the highest quality veterinary medicine and surgery to pets and farm animals.
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  • 314 High St
  • Barbourville,KY 40906
  • Phone: (606) 545-9170
  • Fax: (606) 545-9952
  • After Hours ER: (606) 344-6914
  • Email Us
  • Get Directions
  • M,T,W,F: 9:00 - 5:00
  • Thursday & Saturday by appointment only
  • Sun: Closed
  • After Hours ER: 344-6914

  • Dr. Mark S. Smith

    Dr. Mark S. Smith, a native of Knox County Kentucky, is the son of the late Roy S. and Merle Smith of Gray Kentucky.  He is the youngest of their five children.  He attended the Knox County school system, graduating from Knox Central High School in 1982.  His college career began at the University of Kentucky where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science in 1986.  Dr. Smith then attended Tuskegee University’s School of Veterinary Medicine, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1991.

    Dr. Smith’s lifelong ambition was to be a veterinarian.  His passions include his two sons Matthew and Aaron, raising his own American Quarter Horses, and watching the University of Kentucky football and basketball teams.

    Dr. Smith began his veterinary career practicing in Mt. Washington Kentucky, later moving to Louisville.  Finally returning home, Dr. Smith opened his own practice providing Knox County and surrounding areas with a veterinary hospital.

    Dr. Smith served as the President of the Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association for the 2013-2014 term.  This organization represents over 1000 veterinarians throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky. He currently serves on the Animal Control Advisory Board for the Commonwealth of KY, and Equine Advisory Committee for Kentucky Farm Bureau.
    Years in Practice:
    Apr 05, 1991
    Education:
    University of Kentucky, Tuskegee University

  • Dr. Tammy Thomason-Smith

    Dr. Tammy Thomason-Smith is a Louisville native.  She is the youngest of three children to the late Richard and Roxana Thomason.  After graduating from Iroquois High School in 1986, she attended Western Kentucky University on a music scholarship for her undergraduate work.  She then entered Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine where she earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1993.

    Following graduation, Dr. Thomason-Smith returned to Louisville to begin her career in companion animal medicine.  In 1996 she and Dr. Mark S. Smith married and moved to Barbourville where they jointly started Knox County Veterinary Services.

    Today they share a home with a menagerie of 4-legged friends.  She is also active in the community, participating in several state and local organizations including serving on the Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association Board.
    Years in Practice:
    Apr 05, 1993
    Education:
    Western Kentucky University, Auburn University
    Interests:
    internal medicine, long term pet care

  • Dr. Josh Houston

    Dr. Josh Houston was born and raised in London, KY. He is the oldest of 2 children to Dallas and Nettie Houston. Dr. Houston began his college career at Lincoln Memorial University where he studied Veterinary Health Sciences for 3 years. He was then accepted into LMU's College of Veterinary Medicine where he earned his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2022.

    Upon graduating Veterinary school, Dr. Houston accepted a position with the clinic that he grew up in. Knox County Veterinary Services was the 1st clinic in which Dr. Houston had worked back before his college career began. As time has passed, he has been able to continue those relationships that started back in his high school days with some of our clients and has made numerous new and lasting relationships since. Dr. Houston prides himself in treating you and your pet like his own family and looks forward to continuing to serve whatever your need may be when it comes to small or large animals.

    In his spare time, Dr. Houston enjoys gardening, helping out around the farm, woodworking, as well as hunting and fishing. Dr. Houston has a chocolate American Labrador Retriever named Mable who also takes part in many of his activities such as bird hunting.

    Years in Practice:
    Jul 05, 2022
    Education:
    Lincoln Memorial University

  • Jennifer Hensley

    Jennifer Hensley was born and raised in Harlan, Kentucky.  After graduating high school, she attended Southeast Community & Technical College to receive an associate in science degree.  She then attended Lincoln Memorial University to earn an associate degree in Veterinary Technology.  Next, she completed a 6-week internship at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine.  She is a licensed veterinary technician with many years of experience.  She began working at Knox County Veterinary Services in July 2013 and has a passion for caring for animals.   She currently lives in Corbin with her husband Lane, young son and daughter, and their many fur babies. She enjoys spending her free time making memories with her family. 
    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 2010
    Education:
    Lincoln Memorial University
    Interests:
    veterinary technology

  • Jen Chasteen

    Jen Chasteen is born and raised in Harlan, KY.  After high school she attended Southeast Community & Technical College then onward to earn her associate degree in Veterinary Technology at Lincoln Memorial University.  She also completed an internship at the University of Tennessee.  She has since been using these marvelous skills and her love of animals to 'rock the world of veterinary medicine' :) In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband Jimmy and their two Cairn terriers Isla and Watson.
    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 2003
    Education:
    Lincoln Memorial University

  • Makayla Walters

    My name is Makayla & I started my career as a veterinary assistant in December 2020. I have two sweet baby boys, a wonderful husband & fur cats who I enjoy spending my free time with. Though I don't hold any type of degree, it's special that I can still play a vital role in helping to provide the best care for your pets. I love animals of all kinds, and the best part of my job is loving on (YOUR) fur babies to help make their visit a little easier!
    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 2020

  • Taylor Gregory

    Taylor Gregory was born and raised in Bell County, Kentucky. After graduating from Bell County High School in 2019, she attended Lincoln Memorial University, where she obtained her bachelor's degree in pre-veterinary health sciences. Upon graduation, she was accepted into Gillespie College of Veterinary Medicine at Lincoln Memorial University, where she is a current Veterinary student.

    Taylor began working at Knox County Veterinary Services in 2021 as a Veterinary Assistant and has been a vital part of the team ever since. Taylor has a strong passion for mixed animal medicine, which is what she would like to dedicate herself to once she graduates. In her spare time, she likes to hunt, fish, and spend time with her family & friends!
    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 2021
    Education:
    Lincoln Memorial University

  • Angie Skidmore

    Angie Hensley Skidmore started working with us in November of 2022.  She is originally from the Midwest and moved with her family to Kentucky shortly after graduating high school.  She lived in the Bell County area for many years where she started a family of her own.  A graduate of cosmetology school, she worked as a beautician for over 10 years before briefly moving back to the Midwest to work as an office administrator for a small trucking company. 

    Angie has always been a people person and has a love for all animals.  She has a willingness to help in any way she can, and her knowledge and skills have helped her fit well in her position at our clinic.

    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 2022

  • Amelia Napier

    Amelia is a 2022 graduate of Knox Central High School, and is currently studying at Union Commonwealth University to obtain her Bachelor's degree in Biology. She is planning to attend veterinary school in the near future to pursue her goal of becoming a veterinarian.  Amelia has a deep passion for all creatures great and small, and hopes to make a lasting impact in the world of veterinary medicine and public health. In her free time, Amelia enjoys hiking, painting and spending time with her beloved furry (and scaly) friends!
    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 2023
    Interests:
    Veterinary Medicine, Microbiology, Art, Conservation Biology

  • Adam Smith

    Adam is a native of Barbourville and a graduate from Union Commonwealth University with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. He shares his home with his partner Eric and their dog and two cats. He has a background in customer service and is proud to be part of the team at KCVS serving the people and pets of his hometown and beyond.
    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 2024
    Education:
    Union Commonwealth University
    Interests:
    Computer science & information technology, biology, music

  • Katelyn Hurst

    My name is Katelyn Hurst. I am a 2023 graduate from Bell County High School. I am currently attending Union Commonwealth University. I plan to attend vet school in the future to pursue my dream of becoming a veterinarian. I love animals. Fun fact - I have 3 fur babies: Bella, Molly and Jackson!
    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 2025