Dr. Ryan Reid was a member of the 4-H Club while growing up, and his experience helping to care for and raise his Polled Hereford Steer, Big Red, made a permanent impression. The steer arrived at Dr. Reid’s family ranch in the summer of 1991, sick with a severe respiratory disease. After eight months of an intense daily healthcare routine—which included medications and prescription feed, high-powered fans to help lower the steer’s temperature, regular bathing, and more—Big Red recovered and was healthy enough to place second in the race for Grand Champion! Dr. Reid saw firsthand what the power of proper animal healthcare could do, and he hasn’t looked back since.

Dr. Reid is originally from Cedar Creek, Texas, where he grew up as the oldest of four siblings. He attended Texas A&M University to earn his degree in biomedical science, and obtained his Master’s degree in public health at the University’s School of Public Health. Next, Dr. Reid earned his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

After his schooling, Dr. Reid decided to serve his country as a member of the United States Army. He spent seven years on active duty as a Veterinary Corps Officer, and is currently a veterinarian in the U.S. Army Reserves! After his active-duty service, Dr. Reid entered into the world of private practice. He and his wife, Dr. Shannon Poole, also own Cross Creek Animal Hospital. Dr. Reid has been serving the pets and animal owners of the Fayetteville area since 2014!

Outside of his interests in the veterinary care world, Dr. Reid is an avid marathon runner—his crowning achievement thus far was completing the Walt Disney World Dopey Challenge in 2016, in which he ran 48.3 miles over four days!—and also loves to travel. He and his wife have been to Finland, Denmark, Russia, Italy, and Malaysia thus far, and he hopes to visit Alaska in the near future.

At home, Drs. Reid and Poole share their lives with two dogs, a Border Collie named Diablo and Watson the Sheep Dog, as well as three Maine Coon cats: Sherlock, Tamale, and Mayhem.

Dr. Shannon Poole: As a University of Minnesota graduate with 14+ years of experience, Dr Poole is not only a highly qualified veterinarian, but she is also Dr. Reid's wife! Welcoming Dr. Poole to our clinic has meant the world to our staff, customers, and pets as her boundless compassion, extensive knowledge, and unmatched adaptability have added to the strength of the Academy Pet Hospital Team.

As if being a top-notch veterinarian was not enough, Dr. Poole also excels as a mentor. Her passion for educating and helping others grow in the veterinary field is a standout character trait. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Poole when you come in for your pet's next visit!

Growing up in Illinois, Dr. Long knew she wanted to be a veterinarian from a very young age. She spent her grammar school years volunteering at local animal shelters and her high school and college years working in small animal hospitals. These experiences solidified her passion for veterinary medicine.

Dr. Long graduated from the University of Illinois, where she received both her undergraduate and veterinary degrees. Upon relocating to North Carolina with her military husband, Dr. Long joined the Academy Pet Hospital team. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two labradors (Jax and Kimber), being around family, reading, and hiking.