Does your pet need care?
Our highly-trained emergency veterinarians and technicians have a passion for providing compassionate, quality care.
Emergency Vet Care in the North Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina Tri-State area
Mountain Emergency Animal Center is the only animal emergency hospital in the North Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina Tri-State area that is open at night, all weekend, and all major holidays, with a full staff of veterinarians and technicians in the hospital at all times, allowing complete continuation of care for your pet when your family veterinary office is closed.
Our Doctors
Deanna Belyeu DVM
Medical Director / Emergency
Dr. Deanna Belyeu is originally from Lynchburg, Tennessee. After high school, she attended Auburn University where she completed her undergraduate studies as well as her veterinary degree. She graduated in the spring of 2000 from Auburn’s College of Veterinary Medicine with honors. Dr. Belyeu is a second generation veterinarian following in her beloved father’s footsteps.
Following graduation her career began here in Blue Ridge, at the Ocoee Animal Hospital as a mixed-animal practitioner. During those early years, she gained experience in small and large animal medicine and surgery as well as emergency care. Dr. Belyeu has committed her entire career to Fannin County and its surrounding neighbors.
2026 marks the beginning of her 26th year in veterinary medicine and a year of change. Dr. Belyeu is our new Medical Director here at Mountain Emergency Animal Center (MEAC). She will continue her role as a General Practitioner part-time but is looking forward to expanding her knowledge and skills in the emergency field.
Dr. Belyeu is happily married with 4 grown children, a grandson, 3 dogs and a cat. Mineral Bluff is home and she truly doesn’t want to be anywhere else. When she is not at her day or night job; she enjoys spending time with family, playing with her grandson, watching football and most SEC sports, hiking and visiting local restaurants, breweries and wineries.
She and our staff are looking forward to serving our community and our furry friends throughout the tri-state area.
Phyllis Richardson DVM
Emergency Veterinarian
Tonya Shinholster
Practice Manager
Tonya has been with Mountain Emergency Animal Center since July 2010. She earned her Associates Degree in Animal Science, Livestock Health and Livestock Production at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton Georgia.
She started her career as an assistant in the veterinary field in Spring of 1997. Moving from an assistant in general practice to an assistant in emergency, she now serves as MEAC’s practice manager.
In her spare time, Tonya enjoys barrel racing, pole bending and perfecting the trade of leatherwork.
She and her husband Blake, share their home with an Australian Cattle Dog named Josie Mae, a border collie/ heeler mix named Timber and a variety of horses that make up their small breeding operation of performance horses.
Patricia Legg
Customer Service Lead and Accounting Supervisor
Tricia came to MEAC in October of 2020. Having an extensive background in customer service, she enjoys making clients feel at ease and cared for. She and her husband of over 30 years have two grown children, 2 dogs and 4 cats. In their spare time they might be found traveling cross-country, enjoying the open road and RV camping.
Chloee Cantrell
Veterinary Assistant
Chloee has worked in the Veterinary field for over 4 years. She is currently in school to become a Registered Veterinary Technician. She has 2 fur babies, Maverick and Maggie who go everywhere with her. For fun, Chloee loves to travel, kayak, and hike!
Courtney Godfrey
VETERINARY ASSISTANT
Courtney has been at MEAC since November of 2022. She has loved animals for as long as she can remember, graduating from Cape Coral Technicial College’s veterinary assisting program in 2020. In her free time she is a digital artist that enjoys chilling at home with her Australian Shepherd, Cody, and her cat, Cinder.
Caroline Legg
Customer Service Representative
Since joining the team in July of 2025, Caroline has been dedicated to providing compassionate care to every pet and owner who walks through our doors. With several years of customer service experience, she understands the importance of compassion and a supportive presence, especially during stressful times. When Caroline isn’t working, she enjoys cooking, photography, and loving on her own furry family. She is proud to be a part of the team at MEAC!
