About Us
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
At Washington County Animal Hospital, we are committed to providing compassionate, high‑quality veterinary care to the pets and families of our community. What began as a small hometown practice has grown into a trusted, family‑run hospital dedicated to promoting lifelong health and wellness for every animal we serve.
We believe in the power of preventative care, proper nutrition, and personalized treatment plans tailored to each pet’s unique needs. Our team is passionate about building lasting relationships with our clients — many of whom feel like extended family.
We recently expanded into a new facility to better serve our patients, while our original building now houses our boarding and grooming services. With modern diagnostic tools including digital X‑ray, in‑house laboratory testing, and ultrasound, we strive to offer the highest level of care to Washington County and the surrounding areas.
Your pets are our top priority, and we are honored to be part of their lives.
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Our Story
A Dream Rooted in Washington County
Cullens Animal Hospital was founded in May 1992 by Frederick E. Cullens, DVM, and his wife, Michelle, after returning home from Macon, Georgia. For Dr. Cullens, coming back to Washington County to practice veterinary medicine was a lifelong dream. From a young age, he felt called to care for animals, and that passion only grew stronger over time.
After earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Georgia in 1988, Dr. Cullens and Michelle moved to Statesboro, where he practiced for one year before spending two more years in Macon. Their first child, Cheston Lamar Cullens, was born in 1990. Although they valued their time away, their hearts remained in Washington County.
Building a Hometown Practice
When their son Cheston (Ches) was two years old, Freddie and Michelle knew they wanted him to grow up surrounded by family and experience the close‑knit, small‑town atmosphere they cherished. Returning home, Dr. Cullens opened Cullens Animal Hospital.
Nearly a decade later, Dr. Osgood Bateman joined the practice, and together they formed Washington County Animal Hospital. Dr. Bateman remained a vital part of the hospital until his retirement and is remembered as an important part of its foundation and success.
After Dr. Bateman’s retirement, Dr. Cullens continued serving the community as a solo veterinarian until May 2025, when his youngest son, Tyler F. Cullens, DVM, joined the practice — continuing the family legacy.
A Family Tradition of Care
Tyler was born in 1996 and attended Brentwood School alongside his brother, Ches. Ches graduated in 2009 and later earned his master’s degree from the University of Georgia. He now works as a Strength and Conditioning Coach at Georgia Military College.
Tyler graduated from Brentwood in 2014 and went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Georgia Southern University. He completed his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at Ross University and finished his clinical year at the University of Tennessee. Upon graduation, Tyler proudly returned home to join the family practice.
Continuing the Legacy
Today, Washington County Animal Hospital remains dedicated to the values it was built on: compassionate care, community connection, and a commitment to the well‑being of every animal we treat. We are honored to serve our small town and surrounding counties, and we look forward to continuing this legacy for generations to come.