Dr. Craig Barnett joins Hickory after residing in Raleigh since 1994, where he served as a police officer for the city. He dedicated half of his career to being a police K9 handler, working with three dogs over 14 years—two German Shepherds and a Belgian Malinois. All three of his partners retired after successful careers and enjoyed their retirement with Dr. Barnett.
Following his own retirement from the police force, Dr. Barnett attended veterinary school at North Carolina State University, earning his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. During his time at NCSU, he discovered that emergency medicine paralleled police work in its focus on helping people during crises. He is excited to assist not only pet owners but also their pets when they face unexpected illnesses or injuries.
Outside the practice, Dr. Barnett enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and biking in the North Carolina mountains. He loves bringing his wife along on these adventures and frequently invites his adult daughter, who is also a veterinarian, and his son, who is aspiring to be one, to join him. His happy family includes a German Shepherd named Q and two birds, Lexey and Skipper.