Kirk Vardeman has owned and operated Hiawassee Animal Hospital since 1989. After graduating from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 1986, he practiced medicine for 3 years in Blairsville and Hiawassee before purchasing the practice. Originally from Gainesville, Georgia, he worked as a veterinary assistant from the time he was 14 years old. He fell in love with this area during his 2 years at Young Harris College. Kirk has been married to Susan for 42 years and they have 3 grown daughters, Amy, Taylor, and Ansley. He enjoys reading, hiking, biking, running, and skiing on water and snow. He loves traveling and spending time with his family (especially his grandson, Callahan, who was born in January 2023) and pets. He is an active member of Sharp Memorial United Methodist Church and the Lake Chatuge Rotary Club [citation].