Our Doctors want to be Your Partner in Your Pet's Health & Happiness!

Dr. Loretta Carrico, DVM 

"I have lived with pets my entire life.  As a child growing up in the mountains of Kentucky we were always collecting strays and rescuing wildlife.  My father was patient enough to gentle the most timid of animals and my mother was the nurturer/rescuer of all kids/pets and wildlife.  They are responsible for the direction my life has taken and I owe them many thanks for teaching me the importance of animals in our lives.  I will never doubt the power of the human-animal bond to comfort, heal, motivate and enrich our world."

Loretta Carrico, DVM, graduated cum laude from Auburn in 1990 and has practiced in Hampton Roads since 1991.  Before joining Animal Medical, she worked at several area hospitals on a 'relief' basis, while working nights and weekends at emergency hospitals.  She is happily married to a retired sailor, with a daughter, son, daughter-in-law, and three very active grandsons.  Her happy family is currently down to one dog -- a collie-mix named Kodak (who, ironically, is camera-shy);  and a very special cat (Roo) whom you may see when you visit us.  She enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine; but has a special interest in pain management, behavior, and in geriatric pets.  She is active in the community, working with Chesapeake Humane Society, CART (Community Animal Response Team - helping to plan for pet care options when disasters hit) & also pairing up with Blankets for the Homeless to help the pets of our local homeless population.

Dr. Karen Smithwick 

Dr. Smithwick graduated from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in 1995, after obtaining her bachelor's degree from Old Dominion University in computer science.

She has been involved in emergency medicine, as well as 'day practice' for over 11 years (& therefore cannot sleep).  Originally from P-town, she started her veterinary career in the Carribean, where her veterinarian husband was attending veterinary school, then spent a year in Athens, Ga when he attended the University of Georgia.  She then settled herself in Virginia Beach.  She has three children, an Australian Shepherd, four tolerant cats, and a 'marginally cared-for' fish.  She enjoys reading, hiking, tennis, stained glass, and carting short people to various sporting events.  One day she will make a quilt. 

Dr. Erin Barker

Erin Barker, DVM was born and raised in the great state of Maine.  After attended University of Maine for her undergraduate studies, she went on to Tufts University obtaining as Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2011.   She has been in small animal general medicine since 2012, with interests in preventive care, surgery and internal medicine cases.  She has also completed a course in Acupuncture, and enjoys using that as an adjunctive treatment for her patients.  Dr. Barker loves building strong client and patient relationships, and helping the human-animal bond thrive through health and wellness.

Dr. Barker moved to Coastal Virginia in summer of 2019 with her husband who is stationed here with the Navy.  She had her first child in September, and they also have 3 dogs and 2 cats.  In her spare time, she enjoys running, beach volleyball and spending time with her family exploring fun activities in her new home state. She looks forward to getting to know everyone soon!