Dr. Wesley Schoonover, owner and director of WesVet, is thrilled to share his passion for high quality, client-focused veterinary care with Brentwood and the other communities surrounding Nashville. Read on to get to know your new veterinarian or, better yet, call us to schedule an appointment for your pet.

The path to WesVet

Originally from West Virginia, Dr. Schoonover grew up around small business owners and knew early on that he would follow a similar path. As an adolescent, he vividly remembers accompanying his mother on routine visits to their family veterinarian, Dr. Lee, who remains one of Dr. Schoonover’s dearest mentors. Dr. Lee truly cared about his clients, taking the time to discuss anything from pets to sports to school. This struck a chord with young Wesley, who expressed an interest in veterinary medicine and was soon invited to shadow Dr. Lee as a volunteer. Wesley eagerly accepted the invitation and continued to work under Dr. Lee’s guidance during breaks in high school and college. Those early mentorship years strongly influenced Dr. Schoonover’s career as a veterinarian and business owner. He says, “I want to work for a company that shares my values, and what better way to do so than to create it yourself?”

His upbringing may have given Dr. Schoonover the confidence to open his own veterinary clinic. He does not take the risk and fear of failure lightly, but the ability to create and shape a unique hospital environment that focuses on quality medicine and client care was infinitely more important. So, he took the leap, and WesVet was born. 

A house full of love

Not surprisingly, Dr. Schoonover shares his home with a number of pets. Jasper was a stray cat who was hit by a car back in Dr. Schoonover’s college days. Dr. Schoonover was working in the clinic when Jasper underwent surgery and the veterinary team nursed him back to health. The two connected, and once Jasper was released from the hospital, Dr. Schoonover took him home, and the rest is history. He likes to say that Jasper adopted him all those years ago. Dr. Schoonover’s other adoptee is Denver, whose name is a nod to the singer, John Denver, and Dr. Schoonover’s West Virginia roots. Otto and Nemo the fish are also members of the Schoonover troop. 

Dr. Schoonover’s wife and high school sweetheart, Ciera, holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. Their 3-year-old son, Rowan, lights up the house with love and fun. Through rigorous studies, big life changes, and multiple moves, including Michigan and Georgia, the Schoonover family has been through good times and hard, but they are ready to put down roots and settle in Brentwood. 

Let’s goooo Mountaineers!

As a die-hard West Virginia University fan, Dr. Schoonover bleeds gold and blue. Here are some other interesting tidbits about your new WesVet veterinarian:

  • He knows computers—he built his last three desktops.
  • His secret dream is to work outside in the fresh air as a golf course groundsman. 
  • He is a fan of grandiose television shows like Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones.
  • French fries are definitely a favorite food.
  • Don’t ask him to choose between dogs and cats—he can’t.
  • Don’t bring your sick insects to WesVet, because he’s bugged out by bugs.
  • One thing he never wants to experience again? Anal gland juice in the eyes and mouth—we can’t blame him there. 
  • He doesn’t like letting other people down.
  • He has excellent hand-eye coordination skills. 
  • His travel desires include Normandy, France, and snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef.
  • When asked about his most embarrassing moment, he says, “I don’t really get embarrassed. Life is too short to worry about what other people think of you.”

Dr. Schoonover hopes to see his family expand and his hospital thrive in the coming years. He may also try hiking the entire Appalachian Trail and setting foot on every continent. While he’s not sure he’ll be able to check everything off his bucket list, he is certain of one thing—he is excited to make lifelong connections with you and your furry family members.

WesVet is scheduled to open this spring, and we can’t wait to meet you!