A Legacy of Care: Serving Dallas Pets Since 1924
For over 100 years, Rutherford Veterinary Hospital has been a proud and trusted part of the East Dallas and Lakewood communities. As one of the oldest continuously operating veterinary hospitals in Texas, our story is woven into the fabric of the city. Generations of families have relied on us to care for their pets, and, under 100% local woman ownership, we’ve remained dedicated to preserving that legacy, while continuing to grow and innovate with each new decade.
How It All Began: The Vision of Dr. Frank E. Rutherford
Founded in 1924, Rutherford Veterinary Hospital stands as a proud, locally owned small business and a recognized historical landmark in Dallas. For more than a century, we've been part of the East Dallas community—providing veterinary care to generations of pets and earning the trust of families who call this neighborhood home.
As an AAHA-accredited hospital since 1999, we uphold the highest standards in veterinary medicine. While our roots run deep, our approach to care is modern and forward-thinking. We offer advanced diagnostics, surgical expertise, and Fear Free techniques, making our service on par with concierge care from a boutique private practice.
The Rutherford Legacy Lives On
When Dr. Rutherford passed away in 1932, his wife Nell Rutherford took over managing the hospital. Not long after, their son-in-law, Charles Steeger, who had been working as a technician, enrolled in veterinary school. He graduated from Texas A&M in 1936 and became the next doctor to lead the practice.
Over the following decades, Dr. Steeger worked with several associates and eventually formed a partnership with Dr. James Earl Nash, who had joined the team in 1945. After Nell’s passing in 1975 and Dr. Nash’s shortly after, Dr. Steeger once again became the sole owner of the practice and property.
Carrying the Torch Through the Generations
In 1969, a young veterinarian named Dr. Ronald E. Vaughn joined the practice after serving two years in the Army and graduating from Texas A&M’s College of Veterinary Medicine. He became a partner in 1979 and purchased the practice, land, and building from Dr. Steeger in 1985.
Dr. Vaughn continued to nurture the hospital’s long-standing reputation for quality care until August 1, 2013, when Dr. Teri Rowan, who had joined the hospital in 2008, purchased the practice. A proud Texas A&M graduate herself, Dr. Rowan was drawn to Rutherford’s incredible history and warm community ties. Today, she remains deeply committed to preserving its legacy while ushering the hospital into a bright and compassionate future.
Honoring Our Historic Building
We’re not just preserving a name; we’re preserving a landmark. The original 1924 hospital building still stands today, thanks to years of thoughtful restoration and stewardship. While we’ve updated medical equipment and modernized certain areas to meet the needs of today’s pets, the heart of our hospital remains unchanged.
In the fall of 1999, we restored the front lobby to reflect its original 1930s appearance, using old photographs to replicate the ceiling, furniture, and fabric patterns. Every renovation since has been documented and photographed, keeping our history alive for future generations.
That same year, Rutherford Veterinary Hospital was officially recognized as both a county and state historical landmark, a rare and meaningful honor for a veterinary hospital.
See the History for Yourself
We’re more than a place for pet care; we’re a part of Dallas history. And we’d love to welcome you and your pets into the next chapter of our story.
Call us at (214) 826-4166 or book an appointment online to experience care that’s been trusted for over a century.