MEET OUR TEAM
Dr. Jim Holden is a native South Carolinian who received his Bachelor of Science from Clemson University and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Georgia in 1983.
Growing up on a small farm in the Upstate inspired Jim from an early age to pursue Veterinary Medicine. During his almost 40 year career, he has cared for a myriad of creatures large and small, domestic and wild, and even some famous “movie star” exotic animals.
He has practiced in Beaufort since 1986, succeeding Dr. Bruce Pratt at Holly Hall Animal Hospital on Lady's Island before opening Sea Island Animal Hospital in 1998 and Veterinary Wellness Care in 2011.
Jim loves being outdoors and exploring the natural world through hiking, backpacking, camping, paddling, boating, and skiing. He feels most at home when surrounded by Nature.
He feels very privileged to have been able to live and pursue his chosen profession in our beautiful Lowcountry environment and looks forward to helping pets and their owners for years to come.
Jim Holden, DVM
Dr. Abby Shelton Clements is the newest associate veterinarian at VWC! Originally from central Illinois, her passion for animals and agriculture led her to veterinary medicine. She and her husband, Stephen, a Mt. Pleasant native, are thrilled to call the Lowcountry home.
Dr. Abby is dedicated to keeping pets healthy, active, and injury-free. She shares this love with her two goofy English labs, Boone and May, who are always getting into trouble! Outside the clinic, she enjoys going to workout classes, exploring downtown, and spending time on the
water with her family.
She earned her undergraduate degree from Mississippi State University, where she met Stephen, and her veterinary degree from the University of Illinois, graduating in the top 10% of
her class. She has experience in small and mixed-animal emergency medicine, and has a special interest in dermatology and internal medicine. Dr. Abby looks forward to providing compassionate care, and can’t wait to meet you and your pets!
Abby Shelton, DVM
Kathy Livingston, Licensed Veterinary Technician, was born and raised in Beaufort, South Carolina. She received her degree in Animal Health Technology from the Tri-County Technical College in Pendleton, South Carolina.
She has worked in the veterinarian industry for over 35 years, of which 33 of those years have been spent with Dr. Jim Holden.
In her spare time, Kathy enjoys wildlife photography, painting and helping to care for several animals on a local farm.
Kathy Livingston, Vet Tech
