Welcome to Ambassador Animal Hospital in Columbia, SC

While growing up in Central, South Carolina, Dr. Joe Trimmier developed a love of animals at an early age thanks to his family's horses, dogs, and cats. 'I grew up with animals and saw what an important part of the family they are,' he says.

While Dr. Erin Trimmier was growing up in Clemson, South Carolina, her family 'always had animals — both dogs and cats.' She began riding horses at a young age, an activity she still enjoys to this day. 'I always wanted to be a veterinarian,' says Dr. Trimmier. 'I don't remember ever wanting to be anything else.'

Dr. Carothers began working in veterinary offices while still in high school. While in college, she worked on horse and dairy farms to gain valuable hands-on experience. She attended Clemson University, graduating in 2003 with a degree in Animal Science. She then earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from North Carolina State University's College of Veterinary Medicine in 2007.

Dr. Gailene Holland was born in Texas but spent her childhood living in North Carolina, Virginia, Saudi Arabia, and England having been brought up in in a military family. Throughout her upbringing, she knew she wanted to one day become a Veterinarian and has since achieved those aspirations.

Maggie has been a part of the staff at Ambassador Animal Hospital since July 2012. She first started as a kennel assistant and over the years, by working hard and learning a lot, she has moved her way up to being our lead Veterinary Assistant. Some of her daily responsibilities include helping our veterinarians with appointments, collecting blood samples from patients, running bloodwork, and filling prescriptions in the pharmacy. Maggie enjoys teaching the other girls how to do things around the hospital, such as collecting samples for tests and identifying specimen under the microscope. She also assists with surgeries and dental cleanings by placing IV catheters and monitoring the patients while under anesthesia. Maggie graduated from the University of South Carolina, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design.

Caitlin has been working with Ambassador full time since March of 2016. She graduated from the University of South Carolina obtaining a bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Childhood Education. On some days at the clinic, Caitlin is responsible for greeting clients, making appointments, and taking phone calls. On other days she assists the technicians and doctors when needed by holding pets for sample collection or examination. She also cares for the borders that stay at the clinic by feeding, walking, giving medication and bathing them. Her favorite part of her job is meeting and getting to know the patients and clients on a personal level. Caitlin also loves that she gets to learn new things almost every day.

Michelle joined the Ambassador Animal Hospital team in October of 2005. She works full-time as our kennel supervisor, overseeing the care of boarders staying with us. Michelle is also responsible for administering medications, bathing our borders, and maintaining the kennel facility. She enjoys working with and easing the anxiety of difficult or nervous animals during their stay. Michelle was previously a dog groomer and is also a certified dog walker.

Nicole is a fairly new member of the Ambassador staff, joining us in June 2019 as a full time receptionist. She has been working with animals since she was a child, so with her love for animals she fits right in. Nicole used to work at horse farms, where she trained and taught riding lessons. As a receptionist for the clinic she greets clients, takes phone calls, and schedules appointments, among other things. Her favorite part of her job is meeting and getting to know the clients and their pets. “The staff and clients are so friendly and kind and I enjoy the opportunity to learn something new everyday,” says Nicole.

Sydney is a full-time veterinary and kennel assistant. She is currently in her senior year of Cedar Valley College’s Vet Tech program. Some of her daily responsibilities include running bloodwork, collecting samples, and caring for boarding animals. Sydney enjoys working with and learning from our veterinarians, as well as teaching our new employees.

Lyanne works full-time as a veterinary assistant at Ambassador Animal Hospital. Some of her daily job tasks include properly restraining animals, drawing blood, obtaining patient history, performing dental cleanings, and running lab work. Lyanne also helps prepare for surgeries and monitors patients anesthesia during procedures.

Whitney joined the Ambassador family in July of 2021. Some of her responsibilities include bathing patients, administering medications to boarders, and assisting technicians and veterinarians when they need help. Whitney enjoys learning new things and says, “the staff is happy to teach and works as a team to get everything done.” Her favorite part of her job is getting to meet new animals. 

Lindsey recently joined the Ambassador family in August 2019 as a kennel assistant, and is a great addition to the team. Being in a military family,she has lived in many different places, including Alaska, and has always found herself working at an animal hospital. In fact, she has been in the veterinary field since 2005 and has a variety of experience. Lindsey feels this is a unique attribute that she brings to the clinic. Some of her daily responsibilities include assisting the doctors with patient care, taking care of the patients that are boarding, and keeping the work space clean and organized.