My name is Chelsea Pearce, and I have dedicated my life to veterinary medicine, balancing my role as a doctor, business owner, wife, and mother. As the medical director and practicing partner at the Emergency Animal Hospital of Crystal Falls, I have built my career around a deep passion for emergency and critical care. I am committed to providing accessible, high-quality veterinary services while staying true to the values that originally led me to pursue this career.

Growing up in West Texas, I was inspired by the resilience and love that animals show, no matter the circumstances. After earning my undergraduate degree from Texas Tech University, I worked at Texas A&M’s teaching hospital, which solidified my path to becoming a veterinarian. I graduated from Texas A&M with my Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 2012, and I had the privilege of beginning my career under the mentorship of Dr. Scott Johnson, DVM, DACVECC. His teachings in emergency and critical care medicine, along with soft tissue and trauma surgery, inspired me to dedicate my practice to helping animals and their families in urgent need.

In 2017, I founded A Crate Escape, a medical boarding facility, to ensure the safety and well-being of pets while their owners are away. This venture came from a need I saw in our community—for a space where pets could receive both care and medical attention in a 24/7 boarding environment. Even as I built and expanded this business, I continued to work and grow my skills as an emergency veterinarian, further seeing how corporate-driven changes in veterinary care created barriers for pet owners. I felt strongly that we could offer something better—something compassionate, community-driven, and accessible.

Our emergency and critical care hospital has become a pillar in the veterinary community, not only for the care we provide but for the exceptional team I have had the privilege of cultivating and training. We have developed a mentorship program that welcomes veterinary students and new graduates from Texas A&M and schools across the United States. These future veterinarians train with our skilled emergency and critical care doctors, gaining hands-on experience in a high-demand environment. Our retention of doctors and support staff since we opened speaks volumes about the success of our business model. We are proud to have some of the most talented and dedicated veterinarians and technicians in the region who consistently go above and beyond to deliver the best care to every patient.

My journey has been one of continuous growth and expansion. Today, I'm proud to be transforming part of A Crate Escape into a primary care hospital, broadening the range of services we can provide to our community. In addition, I am in the process of launching a canine blood bank, a service that is much needed in our area. This blood bank will not only support our emergency hospital by ensuring we always have life-saving blood products available, but it will also build connections with local rescue organizations and Central Texas' canine officer teams, creating heroes on both ends of the leash.

What drives me each day is my unwavering commitment to providing the best possible care for animals while also identifying and addressing the gaps in veterinary services. Being a veterinarian has allowed me to serve my community in ways I never imagined, from providing emergency services to offering advanced boarding to soon saving lives with the canine blood bank. Beyond the hospital, my greatest pride is my family. I am blessed with a wonderful and supportive husband and our four amazing children, and I take pride in my hard work and ability to balance my professional roles and my roles at home.

As I continue to grow these businesses and expand our impact in The Central Texas veterinary community, I remain dedicated to sharing and fostering our compassionate, community-first approach to veterinary care. My work is not just about caring for animals; it’s about making a difference in the lives of their families.