Erin Haxton, DVM
Ever since I can remember, I have wanted to be a veterinarian. My parents still have school papers that list veterinarian as what I wanted to be when I grew up, although I doubt I even knew how to spell veterinarian at the time! As a little girl, we had various animals, including geese, turkeys, dogs, cats, cattle, hamsters, and rabbits. I was always the first to volunteer to bottle feed any calves in need. Bringing home stray cats was a hobby that I’m pretty sure my parents were not fond of, but they always supported my love for animals. During school, science was the subject I excelled in and something that piqued my curiosity. Pair this with my love for animals, and pursuing veterinary medicine as a career made sense.
I graduated from Oklahoma State University with a B.S. in Animal Science and a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. Oklahoma State holds a special place in my heart, and I love rooting for the Cowboys! I met my husband Robbie in Stillwater, and we still find our way back every year to tailgate with friends. During away games, or if we can’t make it to Stillwater, you’ll find us at a local venue wearing America’s brightest orange!
After graduating from veterinary school, my first job was in a small animal walk-in clinic in Oklahoma City. The experience I gained during this time changed my love for animals and the sciences into a true passion. Robbie and I commuted in opposite directions for work, so when a college friend told us about an opportunity to join Arrowhead Veterinary Clinic, we decided to move to Bartlesville!
The staff of Arrowhead Veterinary Clinic, along with the citizens of Dewey, Bartlesville, and the surrounding area, have made us feel very welcomed and at home. My passion, which excites me despite what can sometimes be a difficult day, is the human-animal bond. I love seeing how our patients and their parents impact each other’s lives. Knowing that I am a small part of making that bond last as long as possible is a huge privilege for me, and I am honored by the trust placed in me, not only by my patients but also by the pet parents that love them. I treasure the relationship I develop with each of my clients as we work together to ensure the pets they love receive the care they deserve. The importance of preventive healthcare is at the center of my passion. Nothing makes me happier than educating clients about the different aspects of preventive medicine and helping ensure pets live their longest, healthiest lives possible. The human-animal bond is something that I feel should be respected through all aspects of veterinary medicine, whether it is routine health care, sick pet visits, or during the difficult time of deciding to give a pet a peaceful ending. My passion for the sciences still lives through continuing education. Veterinary medicine is constantly changing, and keeping up with current medicine is something I find fun and highly satisfying.
Along with my husband, my family generally consists of several dogs and cats that come into our lives either from the local shelter or pets that need special medical care. In my spare time, I enjoy being outdoors, traveling with friends and family, reading, and attending concerts/plays. My professional memberships include the OVMA and AVMA. I look forward to meeting and building a relationship with you and your beloved pets!
Samantha Ketcher, DVM
As a child, I lived on my grandpa’s horse farm and many of my fondest childhood memories are from my time there. One of my favorite memories is following the vet around as he doctored the horses. When the question of what I wanted to be when I grew up was asked, the answer was automatic; I was going to be a veterinarian. Many of my best friends included animals. The least I could do for them was to learn to improve their quality of life the way they improved mine. My family has always supported my need to have an assortment of animals which has included: dogs, cats, lizards, snakes, mice, hamsters, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, ducks, and quail. When I was a little older, I was given the opportunity to join the FFA at Dewey High School and gain access to all its learning and leadership opportunities. I was able to earn my state FFA degree with the knowledge I gained. I believe the FFA is one of the single most influential organizations that I was a part of and is responsible for many of the skills I need along my journey to becoming a veterinarian.
My family has used Arrowhead Veterinary Clinic for their vet services since I was a child. When it was time to gain experience in the field before veterinary school, Arrowhead is where I set my sights. Dr. Haxton, Dr. Hine, and Dr. Davis spent many years imparting wisdom that served as the building blocks for the doctor I am today. Since graduating from Oklahoma State University Veterinary School, I have worked at large veterinary hospitals that offer a wide array of services. This has allowed me to exponentially expand my knowledge base and skill set, which in turn has helped me better the lives of a wide variety of animals and ailments. Although I very much enjoy all types of surgery, orthopedic surgery is my true passion. Another passion of mine is exotic animal medicine. I love all the tiny creatures and how they require you to think outside the box.
I have many passions outside of veterinary medicine. I enjoy spending time with family, being outdoors, gaming, volunteering, and hanging out with my many critters. We currently have three dogs, five cats, hogs, chickens, quail, a gecko, and a bearded dragon.
Since graduating from Dewey High School, I have been on a journey to expand my knowledge and skill so that I may ultimately bring that back to the community that first inspired it- Dewey Oklahoma and Arrowhead Veterinary Clinic. I look forward to helping your pet in the future!
