Arlington Animal Hospital is a professional veterinary practice for dogs, cats, exotic animals and pocket pets. Our purpose is to keep your animal friends in vigorous health, so that you can enjoy a long and happy relationship with your pet.
History
Dr. James A. Farrell
Arlington Animal Hospital was the first veterinary facility in the City of Arlington, Texas. It was built by Dr. James A. Farrell in 1946. Hwy 80 (Division Street) was the main road between Dallas and Fort Worth, when Arlington was a small rural community between the two cities. Dr. Farrell proudly described how his hospital sat right at the edge of town, where the pavement stopped. It was a dirt road the rest of the way to Fort Worth. The veterinarians in the 1940’s and ‘50’s treated mostly horses and livestock. It wasn’t until the 1970’s that his practice became a small animal hospital. The building has been repeatedly expanded and improved throughout the years as times and needs have changed. Where cattle pens and horse stocks once stood behind the building, now exist runs and kennels for dogs and cats.
Dr. Herbert C. Schoonover
Dr. Herbert C. Schoonover bought the Arlington Animal Hospital from Dr. Farrell in 1974. Dr. Schoonover had been practicing medicine for over 30 years, and he worked hard to maintain the quality of medicine and compassion that was pioneered by his mentor, Dr. Farrell. He was well known and well loved by many patients and clients. Dr. Schoonover was an active Rotarian and an active charter member of New World United Methodist Church on North Davis Drive. In 1990 his daughter, Bonnie S. Harris joined the practice, and they worked as a team for 10 years. Dr. Harris purchased the hospital from her father in December 1992.
Dr. Bonnie S. Harris
Today Dr. Bonnie S. Harris is the proud owner and head veterinarian at Arlington Animal Hospital. She grew up in south central Kansas, where her father was the only veterinarian within a 40-mile radius. Her love for animals came naturally, since the only “day care center” she knew was the front seat of her father’s truck going on calls to local farms and ranches. After high school Bonnie earned a nursing degree from the University of Florida and worked in Critical Care for many years. She eventually fulfilled her lifelong dream and graduated from Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine in 1990. Her special areas of interest include Internal Medicine, Oncology/Cytology and Feline Medicine. Dr. Harris’ main focus however is Preventive Medical Care and teaching pet owners how to keep their animals healthy, so they can live long happy lives. She is an active member of the Texas Veterinary Medical Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Association of Feline Practitioners, the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club of Arlington and her local Methodist Church. Her daughter, Tradel Harris, is also a veterinarian that practices on Long Island, New York. Her son works in the banking industry and lives with his family in Tampa, Florida.