Our Veterinarians
Jean Waguespack, DVM, DABVP (Canine & Feline)
Dr. Jean Waguespack is a California native and completed her Bachelor of Science degree at California State Polytechnic University of Pomona in 1995. She then headed east and completed her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree at Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2005. Dr. Jean Waguespack then worked as an associate in a multi-doctor private practice in Birmingham, Alabama for one and one-half years, and then at a small two-doctor private practice in Alexander City, Alabama for five years.
As of November 2020, Dr. Jean Waguespack mastered a rigorous and demanding application process and certification examination in order to obtain Diplomate status with the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) specializing in Canine and Feline practice. To qualify to sit for the extensive examination, a veterinarian must complete either a residency program or six years of clinical veterinary practice. In addition, two case reports, references, descriptions of practice procedures, and professional education records must be submitted and pass review. She has special interests in internal medicine, ultrasound, and oncology and has proven expertise in these areas. She is currently the only ABVP Canine and Feline practice veterinary specialist in the Columbus/Phenix City area, and only one of five veterinarians with this certification in the state of Georgia.
Dr. Jean Waguespack is married to Dr. Wayne Waguespack, has two sons, and loves to spend as much time playing sports or just hanging out with them. She also enjoys traveling to the mountains or the beach, photography, and reading.
The American Board of Veterinary Practitioners was established in 1978. It is one of twenty-one veterinary specialty groups accredited by a special committee of the American Board of Veterinary Specialties, a division of the American Veterinary Medical Association, to recognize excellence in clinical practice through the certification of species-oriented specialists. Over 900 veterinarians worldwide are certified in one of ABVP’s eleven practice categories: Avian, Beef Cattle, Canine and Feline, Dairy, Equine, Exotic Companion Mammal, Feline, Food Animal, Reptile and Amphibian, Shelter Medicine, and Swine Health Management. For more information about ABVP, please visit www.abvp.com.
Dr. Anita Wheat
Dr. Anita Wheat is from a small town in western Alabama and she grew up following her father to their small family farm where she helped to care for the cows and pick up chicken eggs. From early childhood, she decided to become a veterinarian and in time realized that she preferred small animals to caring for farm animals. She attended Auburn University for her bachelor’s degree in Microbiology as well as her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Wheat graduated from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in May of 2020.
Dr. Wheat is happy to begin her veterinary career in Columbus. Many days she can be found walking in the park with her dog, Smitty, or curled up reading Harry Potter.
Dr. Cecilia Vidouria Hernandez
Dr. Cecilia Vidouria Hernandez is originally from McAllen, Texas. She initially moved to the Chattahoochee Valley when she was stationed on Fort Benning as an Animal Care Specialist (68T).
While serving active duty in the U. S. Army, she reached the rank of Sergeant, graduated from Airborne school, and was deployed to Afghanistan. She has been married since 2010 and has 3 daughters and 3 dogs. She has an A.A.S. in Veterinary Technology (Summa Cum Laude) from San Juan College, a B.S. in Biology (Magna Cum Laude) from Columbus State University, and received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (Magna Cum Laude) from Auburn University, Class of 2022. She published her first paper in the Journal of Raptor Research in 2018, “A Retrospective Study of Raptors Treated at the Southeastern Raptor Center in Auburn, Alabama”.
Her interests include soft tissue surgery and small animal reproduction. Her hobbies include reading, bird watching, and being a dance mom for her girls.
Everyone was so wonderful from the moment we walked in. So kind and attentive. Dr. W and his staff made us feel as if we were their only patients that day. I never felt as though we were being rushed through to get to the next appointment. Everything was explained thoroughly and all questions were patiently answered. Would highly recommend!
We had a great experience bringing our kitten Sam to Animal General! The staff was kind and caring and was great at communicating with us through the whole process. We can’t wait to bring our other pets there for their vet needs.
Always a wonderful and positive experience!
Super friendly and helpful staff- The vet was compassionate and very knowledgeable. My puppy came in with a fractured femur and right away received lots of love and attention. I know I left him in good hands.
