Commonwealth Animal Hospital





Monday
7:30AM – 6:00PM
Tuesday
7:30AM – 6:00PM
Wednesday
7:30AM – 6:00PM
Thursday
7:30AM – 6:00PM
Friday
7:30AM – 6:00PM
Saturday
8:00AM-12:00PM
Sunday
Closed
For after hours emergency care please call the Emergency Veterinary Clinic: 704-844-6440



Our Staff



Veterinarians

  • James Schacht , DVM


    Dr. Schacht is a 1988 graduate of the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine and a certified veterinary homeopath. After several years in a conventional small animal practice he became frustrated by the limitations of conventional medicine and the inability to resolve chronic disease conditions. After forming Idlewild Animal Hospital in 1992 Dr. Schacht began to actively pursue education in Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Schacht has served on the board of the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy for the past 3 years and was the president of the AVH in 2001.

    Training:

    1984: B.S Zoology- North Carolina State University
    1988: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine- North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine
    1993: Professional Course in Veterinary Acupuncture offered by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society.
    1994: Certified in Veterinary Acupuncture
    1995-1996: Professional Course in Veterinary Homeopathy offered by Animal Natural Health Center and Dr. Richard Pitcairn.
    1997: Certified in veterinary homeopathy by the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy.
    November 1996: Advanced Veterinary Homeopathy course offered by Dr. Jeff Levy: Mt. Holyoke, Massachusetts
    May 1997: Advanced Veterinary Homeopathy course offered by Dr. Don Hamilton and Dr. Charlie Loops: Ocracoke, North Carolina
    November 1997: Advanced Veterinary Homeopathy course offered by Dr. Jeff Levy: North Hampton, Massachusetts
    May 1998: Advanced Veterinary Homeopathy course offered by Dr. Jeff Levy: Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
    May 1999: Advanced Veterinary Homeopathy course offered by Dr. Jeff Levy: Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
    July 1999: Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy’s annual conference: Charlottesville, Virginia
    February 2000: Advanced Veterinary Homeopathy course offered by Dr. Jeff Levy: Charlotte, North Carolina
    May 2000: Advanced Veterinary Homeopathy course offered by Dr. Jeff Levy: Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
    November 2000: Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy’s annual conference: Monterrey, California
    October 2001: Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy’s annual conference: Halifax, Nova Scotia
    November 2001: Advanced Veterinary Homeopathy course offered by Dr. Jeff Levy, Charlotte, NC
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  • Heather Kovacevich , DVM


    I am a 2004 graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine.  I have been at Commonwealth Animal Hospital since July of 2004.  I work on a part-time basis as I have two young children at home.  My passions include client education, endocrinology, and pediatrics.  In my free time, you'll find me boating with my family, playing on the floor with my kids, serving at my church, exercising with my dog, or reading a good book.
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  • Clayton Watkins , DVM, CAC


      I graduated from North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine in 1988 and have a special interest in surgery and endocrinology.  I received a certification in Animal Chiropractic from AVCA (American Veterinary Chiropractic Association) in 1998.  Dr. James Schacht and I co-founded Idlewild Animal Hospital in 1992 and moved our offices to Commonwealth in 2002. 
      I am married to the lovely Marie Powell Watkins and have two stepchildren, Mason (15) and Catey (12) and have a two year old (as of 7/6/09) son named Charlie.  We have a cat (Sir Purr) and dog (Bella) and we have a cozy home in the Arboretum area.  We attend St. John's Episcopal Church.
      My hobbies include child rearing, golf, swimming, and I play and collect guitars.  I also play the mandolin, drums, and bass guitar and play in the Living Water Band at St. Johns EC on a weekly basis for the contemporary service.
      I am extremely fortunate to have chosen such an interesting and dynamic line of work and really enjoy my clientele and fellow employees.

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  • Tamara Rattray , DVM


    I graduated from Louisiana State University with my DVM in 2007 and have been at Commonwealth since 2007.  I enjoy preventative medicine and teachings, dermatology, and geriatric patient care.  When not working, you'll find me out trail hiking with my newest family member, Page, a 2 year old pit bull or lounging with my 7 year old tabby cat, Moxie.  My other favorite forms of entertainment include spontaneous road trips and travel, LSU football games, and taking in local Charlotte theater productions.  I am happily setting up home in Charlotte and am looking forward to spending the next several years with all my favorite patients!


Technicians

  • Courtney Wright , RVT


    I have been in the veterinary business for 15 years.  I came to Charlotte from Atlanta in 1999 and have been with Commonwealth Animal Hospital since 2004.  In 2003, I graduated from Gaston College with high honors and a degree in Veterinary Medical Technology.  I am also a small mammal wildlife rehabilitator with a special interest in squirrels and opossums.  You may occasionally see me 'strut the stage' at some of our local theaters and I am very proud of my nicknames:  "The Cat Whisperer" and "Morticia".

  • Carl Osborne , CVT


    I am a Certified Vet Tech who graduated from St Petersburg Jr College.  I am originally from Boca Raton, Fl.  I specialize in Animal Dentistry.  I joined the Commonwealth family in March, 2008.  I and my wife, Ileana, have one son, Marquill.  Our four-legged family members include a boxer, a blue nose pitbull, and 4 teacup yorkies.  In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, coaching little league football and spending time with my family.
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  • Tamara HeBert


    I began working at Commonwealth in August, 2007.  Before I came here, I worked for Total Bond at Paw Creek from May 2002 to Aug 2007.  I have received many years of excellent on-the-job training and continue to learn every day.  In my time off from work, I enjoy spending time with my family.  I have a son named Zach.  He is my "Little Sidekick".  My other family includes 3 cats - Scooter, Mika, and Mickey; and a dog named Koda.


Reception Staff

  • Leslie Kagan


    I have been at Commonwealth Animal Hospital since May '08.  I literally grew up in an animal hospital because both of my parents are veterinarians.  I have had animals all my life, the most recent being an adorable orange tabby and an awesome german shepherd!  I am currently a biology major at UNC-Charlotte and plan to pursue veterinary medicine.  I greatly appreciate the experience I am gaining by working here and getting to know all of you!
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  • Lynn I.


    I have been with Commonwealth Animal Hospital since Sept 2005.  I have been in the veterinary field since 1997.  I am a native to Charlotte, and although I've moved around throughout my life, this is home.  I have 2 grown children and a large furry family.  In my spare time, I like to keep my thumb green by working in my garden or reading a good book.


  • Linda Woodmansee


    I have been at Commonwealth Animal Hospital since 2006 and have been working with animals for about 8 years; although my love for animals began at a very young age.  I enjoy petsitting on the side and spend most of my free time with my own furry family and playing in my flower garden.


  • Jean


    I have been with the founders of Commonwealth Animal Hospital since April 1, 1996.  (April Fool's Day - appropriate, somehow!)  I have been in my field since Sept. '81.  No matter what 'job' I'm doing, I consider it my calling to make everybody happy!  I am a dedicated runner and I LOVE MY LIFE!!!  Running is the key...and answer...to everything in life!!!


Kennel Staff

  • April Cleveland


    I originate and reside in Concord, NC.  I graduated from Northwest Cabarrus High School.  I have been with Commonwealth Animal Hospital since 2005 and now serve as Kennel Manager.  I enjoy working with animals.  I have 7 dogs and 2 birds of my own.  I have little free time, but when I do,  I find myself spending it with my family, playing softball, and riding horses.


  • Mike Buckley


    I have been in the veterinary business for 18 years or more.  I have had other jobs but always find my self back in the veterinary world as it is my passion.  The love of my life is my cat, Cyprus.  Some of my main duties include keeping your pets in a sanitary environment, walking, feeding, bathing, and medicating.  Your pet's well being and happiness is my primary concern.
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