A Tucson native, Dr. Andrew Carlton graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. He then attended Michigan State University where he completed his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Carlton worked as an emergency hospital veterinarian for over five years prior to and after opening Sahuaro Vista Veterinary Clinic in 1989. The clinic soon became an American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) certified hospital. He was a veterinarian for the Arizona Department of Racing for over 20 years. Dr. Carlton has served on advisory committees for Pima Animal Control, as well as, the Amphitheater School District, was a member of the Pima County Board of Health, Southern Arizona Medical Association board, and a consultant for the Humane Society of Southern Arizona. In his free time, he enjoys spending time visiting his children and grandchildren, traveling, and generally keeping busy whether it be at home or making upgrades to the hospital [citation].