Dr. Sonya McClendon
Dr. Sonya McClendon was born and raised in Marshall, Texas and attended Elysian Fields schools. She was an active FFA member and exhibited various species of animals. She participated in rodeo and riding club events with her horses, and was never without some type of wild animal to nurse back to health. Since her family had a dairy in her early years, and then transitioned to a beef cow/calf operation, animals and their care were a way of life for her from a very early age. She knew that she wanted to become a veterinarian at the tender age of nine.
After high school, she graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture/Animal Science/Education. She spent some time between undergraduate and vet school in the working world. Her most memorable time was working for Franks Farms in the thoroughbred racehorse industry, and for David Lowdermilk DVM as a veterinary technician on the racetrack.
After an eight year hiatus from academics, she knew it was time to fulfill her dream of becoming a veterinarian. Dr. Sonya McClendon is a 1995 graduate of Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. She began her career as a solo practitioner immediately after graduation. Though she began as a mobile veterinarian and continued this service for seven years, she knew that she wanted to offer a higher quality of medicine to her patients. She built her clinic and moved into it in 2002. She practiced as a solo veterinarian for 22 years before hiring an associate.
Dr. Sonya McClendon says, “I have a fondness for large animal medicine, but have found it more physically demanding in my later years. I am happy to have an associate to help with the patient load I have and I’m very proud of what we have all accomplished as a team at McClendon Veterinary Services. We look forward to serving our community and surrounding areas for many years to come.
”Though she has a reputation of being a bit “rough around the edges”, that reputation also includes honesty, practical veterinary knowledge, and animal advocacy. The staff at McClendon Veterinary Services looks forward to seeing you there!