Critter Fixers: Country Vets is a reality television series that provides an inside look at the lives of two dedicated veterinarians, Dr. Vernard Hodges and Dr. Terrence Ferguson, as they run their bustling veterinary practice in Bonaire, Georgia.
The show, which premiered in March 2020 on Nat Geo WILD, has captivated audiences with its mix of humor, emotional stories, and insight into the veterinary world. With its unique focus on the challenges of rural veterinary medicine, Critter Fixers has gained a dedicated fan base and has been a refreshing addition to reality television.
Located about 100 miles south of Atlanta, the Critter Fixer Veterinary Hospital is a lifeline for pet owners and farmers in the region. Whether it’s a dog needing surgery, a cow giving birth, or an alligator with an infection, Dr. Hodges and Dr. Ferguson tackle every case with expertise, passion, and a touch of humor. Their friendly banter and deep friendship add a layer of warmth to the show, making it not just educational but highly entertaining.
The Men Behind the Vet Hospital
Dr. Vernard Hodges and Dr. Terrence Ferguson are more than just skilled veterinarians; they are pioneers in a field where Black professionals make up only about 2% of the workforce. Their journey to success was not easy, but their determination and love for animals helped them build one of the most respected veterinary practices in Georgia.
Dr. Vernard Hodges: The Entrepreneurial Vet
Born and raised in Fort Valley, Georgia, Dr. Vernard Hodges developed an early fascination with animals. Though he initially wanted to become a marine biologist, his path changed after an internship at a veterinary clinic. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Fort Valley State University before earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1997.
Dr. Terrence Ferguson: The Compassionate Caregiver
Dr. Terrence Ferguson, a proud native of Talbotton, Georgia, discovered his love for animals early on while growing up in rural West Georgia. His passion was sparked by rescuing stray animals in his neighborhood, which eventually led him to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.
With the unwavering support of his family, Dr. Ferguson spent his summers volunteering at local veterinary clinics, laying the foundation for his future. After graduating from Central High Schoolin Talbotton, he enrolled at Fort Valley State University in 1987, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology.
While at FVSU, he gained invaluable experience interning with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, working at both the Patuxent Wildlife Refuge in Maryland and the Alaska Wildlife Refuge on the Kenai Peninsula.
In 1994, he was accepted into the Tuskegee School of Veterinary Medicine, one of the nation’s most respected institutions, graduating with his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree in 1998. Outside of his profession, Dr. Ferguson is a dedicated mentor and community leader.
He volunteers, coaches, and serves as Treasurer for the Peach County Youth Organization, and is also a trustee at Beulahland Bible Church in Warner Robins and Macon. He currently lives in Byron, Georgia, with his wife Kimberly, their two children Terrence II and Nicole, and their beloved dog Caesar.
Quick Facts: Dr. Terrence Ferguson
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dr. Terrence Ferguson |
| Hometown | Talbotton, Georgia |
| Current Residence | Byron, Georgia |
| Education (Undergraduate) | Fort Valley State University – B.S. in Veterinary Technology |
| Veterinary School | Tuskegee School of Veterinary Medicine – DVM (1998) |
| Early Internships | Patuxent Wildlife Refuge (MD), Alaska Wildlife Refuge (Kenai Peninsula) |
| Career Start | Volunteered at local clinics during high school and college |
| TV Show | Critter Fixers: Country Vets on Nat Geo WILD |
| Community Roles | Treasurer – Peach County Youth Organization; Trustee – Beulahland Bible Church |
| Family | Wife: Kimberly; Children: Terrence II and Nicole; Dog: Caesar |
| Passions | Coaching, mentoring, wildlife conservation |
The Critter Fixer Veterinary Hospital: A Hub of Animal Care
Established in 1999, Critter Fixer Veterinary Hospital began as a small, 1,000-square-foot facility. Over time, thanks to the hard work and dedication of its founders, it expanded into a state-of-the-art, 7,000-square-foot clinic. Today, the hospital serves over 20,000 patients annually, making it one of the busiest veterinary clinics in rural Georgia.
Critter Fixer Veterinary Hospital is a full-service veterinary practice located in Bonaire, Georgia, co-owned by Dr. Terrence Ferguson and Dr. Vernard Hodges—the dynamic duo featured on the Nat Geo WILD reality series Critter Fixers: Country Vets.
Services Offered:
Critter Fixer Veterinary Hospital provides a wide range of services, including:
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Routine wellness exams and vaccinations
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Surgery and dental care
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Emergency treatment
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Diagnostic testing and lab work
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Exotic animal care
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Large animal and livestock treatment
They treat all kinds of animals—from cats and dogs to goats, birds, snakes, and even wild animals. Their ability to handle such a diverse patient roster has made the hospital unique in the veterinary field.
The Popularity of the Show and Why Fans Love It
One of the key reasons Critter Fixers: Country Vets has resonated with audiences is its heartwarming portrayal of veterinary medicine. The show offers a behind-the-scenes look at the joys and challenges of animal care while also highlighting the strong bond between the doctors and their patients.
Each episode features a mix of dramatic, funny, and emotional moments. From performing life-saving surgeries to dealing with unusual medical cases, the veterinarians are constantly on their toes. One memorable case involved a police dog that had cactus thorns embedded around its eye, requiring delicate removal. Another involved a pet chicken suffering from a rare respiratory disease. These real-life cases keep viewers engaged while educating them about animal health.
Beyond the medical aspect, fans appreciate the friendship between Dr. Hodges and Dr. Ferguson. Their lighthearted teasing, combined with their deep respect for one another, makes the show feel genuine and relatable. The duo also brings awareness to the lack of diversity in veterinary medicine and actively works to inspire future veterinarians through mentorship programs.
Mentorship and Community Impact
One of the most impactful aspects of Critter Fixers is the Vet for a Day program founded by Dr. Hodges and Dr. Ferguson. This initiative allows students, particularly those from minority backgrounds, to shadow them at the clinic and learn about veterinary medicine firsthand. The goal is to encourage more diversity in the field by exposing young people to career opportunities they may not have considered before.
Both doctors frequently speak at schools and community events, sharing their experiences and encouraging young Black students to pursue STEM careers. Their dedication to mentorship has been widely recognized, and their efforts have made a lasting impact on aspiring veterinarians across the country.
Awards and Recognition
The success of Critter Fixers: Country Vets has not gone unnoticed. In 2024, the show was nominated for an NAACP Image Award in the category of Outstanding Reality Program, Reality Competition, or Game Show. This nomination highlighted the cultural and educational value of the show, as well as its role in promoting diversity in veterinary medicine.
Dr. Hodges and Dr. Ferguson have also been featured on mainstream media outlets such as The Kelly Clarkson Showand Good Morning America, where they have discussed their work and the importance of representation in their field.
Is Critter Fixers: Country Vets Cancelled?
While Critter Fixers: Country Vets has been a beloved series, there is uncertainty about its future. After Season 5, which aired in 2023, fans began wondering whether the show would continue. A fan recently asked Dr. Hodges on social media about the possibility of another season.
In response, Dr. Hodges explained that their original contract with Nat Geo WILD was for five seasons, and after that, they began working on a year-by-year basis.
Season 6 aired in 2024 under this short-term contract, but as of now, the network has not yet renewed the show for Season 7. While the doctors remain hopeful, there is a chance that the network might decide to end the series. If this happens, it would be a significant loss for fans who have come to love the dynamic duo and the valuable insights they provide into the world of veterinary medicine.
For now, fans can continue watching previous seasons on Disney+, Hulu, and Nat Geo WILD while waiting for an official announcement about the show’s fate. Whether or not Critter Fixers: Country Vets returns for another season, one thing is certain—Dr. Hodges and Dr. Ferguson have already made a lasting impact on the veterinary world and continue to inspire future generations of veterinarians.
FAQs
1. What is Critter Fixers: Country Vets about?
Critter Fixers: Country Vets is a heartwarming reality series on Nat Geo WILD that follows Dr. Terrence Ferguson and Dr. Vernard Hodges as they care for animals at their busy rural practice in Bonaire, Georgia. The show offers a real-life look at veterinary medicine, featuring everything from surgeries to surprise emergencies, and showcases the duo’s deep friendship and commitment to community service.
2. Where is Critter Fixer Veterinary Hospital located, and how big is it?
The hospital is located in Bonaire, Georgia, about 100 miles south of Atlanta. Originally a 1,000-square-foot clinic, it has expanded into a 7,000-square-foot full-service facility that now treats over 20,000 animals a year, making it one of the busiest rural clinics in the region.
3. What makes Dr. Ferguson and Dr. Hodges unique in the veterinary world?
Dr. Ferguson and Dr. Hodges are two of the very few Black veterinarians in the U.S.—a profession where only about 2%of practitioners are African American. Beyond their medical expertise, they’re also passionate mentors who created a “Vet for a Day” program to inspire youth—especially students of color—to consider careers in veterinary medicine.
4. What animals and services does Critter Fixer Veterinary Hospital handle?
The clinic offers a wide range of services including wellness exams, surgeries, emergency care, diagnostics, dental care, and exotic and livestock treatment. Patients range from dogs and cats to snakes, birds, goats, cows, and even alligators, making it a uniquely diverse practice.
5. Is Critter Fixers: Country Vets returning for Season 7?
As of now, the future of the show is uncertain. Their original five-season contract with Nat Geo WILD has ended, and Season 6 aired under a year-by-year agreement. There has been no official confirmation of a Season 7, though both doctors have expressed hope that the show will continue.
