VCA Appalachian Animal Hospital is a veterinary practice located in East Ellijay, Georgia, which focuses on excellence in patient care and client service. A wide variety of patients are cared for, including dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, small mammals, native wildlife, and zoo species. The practice was established by Dr. Dilmus Blackmon in 1976 as Boardtown Animal Hospital. It was located on Boardtown Road, north of Ellijay. The practice was purchased by Dr. Hal Stolz in 1979, and was moved to its present location on the Appalachian Highway (GA 5/515) in East Ellijay in 1984. The practice was purchased in 1990 by Dr. Francis Cipullo, and became a limited liability company in 1995. VCA Appalachian Animal Hospital has since expanded its facility and become a five doctor practice with more advanced equipment to keep pace with the constantly evolving field of veterinary medicine. Dr. Lyn Lewis became co-owner in 2004. The hospital was purchased by VCA in December 2011.