About Us
We are Coops Creek Veterinary Clinic.
Coops Creek Veterinary Clinic proudly reopened in June 2024 with the mission of providing compassionate and local preventive care to the pets of Dunlap and the surrounding communities.
Our clinic is built on the foundation of a close-knit, caring team that genuinely values the well-being of each other and the pets we serve.
We believe that the relationships we build with both our clients and their four-legged family members are at
the heart of what we do.
Meet Our Team
Veterinarians
Dr. Lauri Taunton
DVM
Dr. Lauri Taunton’s lifelong passion for animals was kindled by her beloved “Pop” and her parents, igniting a flame that would guide her future. At the age of four, she confidently declared her dream of becoming a veterinarian, a dream that she resiliently pursued and achieved. Dr. Taunton’s academic journey led her to Auburn University, where she earned her veterinary degree in 1996.
Following graduation, she embarked on a fulfilling career that saw her practicing veterinary medicine in Mobile, AL, Columbus, GA, and her hometown of Montgomery, AL. During this time, not only did she excel in her professional life, but she also embraced the joys of motherhood, raising her remarkable children, Jacob and Ana.
In 2023, alongside her husband, Toby, a native of Spring City, TN, Dr. Taunton made the decision to return to TN, settling in the serene environment of Flat Top Mountain. This move marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life, providing her with the opportunity to serve the pets and pet owners of the Sequatchie Valley.
Dr. Taunton’s journey – from her early dreams inspired by her family to her accomplished career and loving household- underscores her unwavering dedication to animal care. She is deeply thankful for the chance to make a difference in the lives of pets in this picturesque part of Tennessee
Dr. John English
DVM
Bio coming soon
Licensed Veterinary Technicians
Emilee
LVT
Growing up on a farm in Bledsoe County, Emilee developed a passion for animals at a very young age. When she wasn’t outside trying to rescue every stray animal in need, you could usually find her glued to the TV, watching Animal Planet. As she grew older, Emilee’s desire to help animals only grew, and she ultimately turned that love of all creatures into a career as a veterinary technician. She truly feels this is what she’s been called by God to do!
Emilee wasted no time preparing for her future. She took pre-vet and agriculture classes in high school and spent time volunteering at a local animal shelter during her downtime. In 2014, she enrolled in the veterinary technology program at Chattanooga State, through which she was placed at South Rhea Animal Hospital for her clinicals, which happens to be Coops Creek’s sister clinic. Emilee joined Coops Creek in August 2024.
Emilee has been happily married to her childhood sweetheart, AJ, since July 2021. They are currently in the process of expanding their human family and building their “forever home” on family land in Bledsoe County. They both keep busy with their 2-year-old daughter. Their animal family consists of Four dogs (Charlie, Scamp, Dolly, and Waylon), pigs, and chickens.
In her free time, Emilee is heavily involved in her church, Mt. Crest Church of God of Prophecy. Other than that, she enjoys being at home with her family, watching TN sports, old-time shows, and movies.
While in high school, Emilee was involved in a lot of clubs, sports, and outreaches. One of her biggest accomplishments thus far has been getting her state degree in FFA. Emilee and her dad enjoy fishing together, and she and her mom enjoy shopping together.
Client Service Representatives
Zaavan
CSR
Hi, my name is Zaavan. Some of you may notice that I’m not from around here, and it’s true! I was born and raised in northern Illinois. However, my family is from Whitwell, and I’ve been visiting the area since I was born. I’m married and currently have four pets of my own. I have three cats, all of which were rescues. I also have a big white dog, which you may have seen in the clinic “helping”. I hope to expand into some livestock in the near future! In the past, I’ve had reptiles, fish, and birds. In my spare time, I enjoy being with my husband, gardening, traveling, and I’m even a little bit of a gamer.
Anyways, as of 2025, I’ve been in Vet Med for a little over 8 years now. I started working in a cat specialty clinic in Florida. I was there for 5 years. I started at the bottom, working in the boarding section of the clinic. I cleaned, fed, and medicated cats. I eventually was trained to be an assistant and a receptionist. In the many years there, I continued learning and was trained how to run the lab machines, take radiographs, and perform other lab duties. Working there was great, and I learned a lot, but I wanted to expand my knowledge to include other animals, which is ultimately the reason why I left. I started a new position as a receptionist at another animal hospital. That hospital saw not only cats, but also dogs, reptiles, and other small pocket pets. They even on occasion saw exotics, like raccoons, foxes, and a monkey! I enjoyed my year and a half there, but finally said goodbye, as my husband and I decided to make the big move to Tennessee. I started at another local animal hospital full-time, as well as Coops Creek Vet part-time. An opportunity presented itself, and I made the switch to Coops Creek Vet full-time. It has been such a pleasure to work here, not only with the other employees and veterinarians, but with the people and animals of Dunlap. I genuinely hope all of us here at Coops Creek Vet can impact you and your pets’ lives in a positive and educational way, ensuring your pets live their best lives.
Veterinary Technician Assistants
Kate
Veterinary Technician Assistant
Born and raised in Florida, I made the move to Tennessee in 2024, embracing the slower pace and beautiful landscapes—from beaches to mountains. My love for animals began at a young age, growing up with three lively labs—Murphy, Haley, and Allie—and spending family gatherings surrounded by barking dogs and lots of laughter. I was always the one bringing home injured animals, making regular visits to the local wildlife care center, and fostering a deep compassion for creatures big and small.
At just 14, I started volunteering at my local animal shelter, where I discovered my passion for animal care. Over the years, I worked my way up from kennel attendant to veterinary assistant, gaining over 10 years of hands-on experience in the field. I also began fostering rabbits from my local shelter and rescue, helping over 50 rabbits find loving homes. Two of those rabbits, Kirby and Peanut Butter, found a permanent place in my heart—and my home.
Today, I’m continuing my education to become a licensed veterinary technician, furthering my commitment to providing the best care for animals.
At Coops Creek, I treat every pet as if they were my own, providing the kind of care I’d want for my own furry (and feathered) family members. When I’m not working with animals, I love sewing, hiking, and exploring new places. I’m also a proud pet parent to a blue tick coonhound named Beethoven and 10 chickens.
Annabelle
Veterinary Technician Assistant
Hi! My name is Annabelle. I’m from Whitwell, but my husband and I bought a house and moved to Dunlap recently! I own and raise hedgehogs! I have six prickly babies. I also have a white German shepherd named Ghost, and a black Pomeranian named Oreo! Can’t forget my tortitude cat, bear! My love for animals started very early with owning lots of cats! I’ve always known I wanted to work with animals! Helping my best friend with her boarding/grooming and Pomeranian breeding helped me get experience! I also took up a side task of pet sitting. Now, I’m a kennel attendant at Coops Creek Veterinary Clinic, and I’m looking forward to advancing my career and seeing what opportunities lie ahead.
Jess
Veterinary Technician Assistant
Hello all, my name is Jessica, and I am a Mama bear with three beautiful children. We enjoy going on adventures to new locations and consider ourselves “Foodies”, trying local restaurants when the opportunity arises. I have 14 years of experience in the vet industry. I started off volunteering while in high school, then eventually transitioned to employment with my first paid job as a receptionist/tech assistant. I am passionate about what I do and love being a voice for those who can’t communicate with us. I am currently in school to become a Veterinarian, and in the future, my dream is to run a clinic with my family.
Coops Creek Veterinary Clinic has a team of veterinary professionals who are proud to care for cats, dogs, and rabbits in Dunlap, Sequatchie County, Whitwell, Jasper, Pikeville, Bledsoe County, Marion County, Grundy County, and neighboring Tennessee areas.