Meet The Staff

Dr. Ashley Tharp is the owner of Four Paws Animal Hospital. She grew up in Alpharetta, Georgia, is a graduate of Milton High School and Emory University. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the University Of Georgia College Of Veterinary Medicine in 2004. She lives in North Fulton with her husband and three children. The Tharp family has two dogs and four cats.

She is an active supporter of Angels Among Us Pet Rescue, HERO Rescue, and Releash Rescue and is a foster for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Rescue and Trust. She has provided veterinary care for hundreds of dogs and cats that have been saved by these rescue organizations.

She has one very spoiled Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, named Jessie, who comes to work with her every day. Her activities and interests outside of work include long-distance running, playing with her kids, trips to Disney World, UGA and Dallas Cowboys football, and spending time with family and friends.

Dr. Ally Whalen is from Acworth, GA. She received her undergraduate degree in biology from Emory University and her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from The University of Georgia. Knowing early in her academic career her true passion for animals, Dr. Whalen started working for various veterinary clinics as a kennel and veterinary assistant in high school.

Dr. Whalen and her husband, Jonathan, are parents to two very spoiled rescue cats, Punky and George, and a rescue dog named Winnie. In her free time, she enjoys running, reading and spending time with family and friends. Dr. Whalen is eager and excited to offer high-quality veterinary care to the furry members of your family.

Dr. Alexa Howard was born and raised in Charleston, SC, graduated from Porter-Gaud high-school, and attend UGA, where she obtained her bachelor's in biological sciences. Dr. Howard earned her doctorate in veterinary medicine from UGA in 2019. Her professional interests include shelter medicine, nutrition, and endocrinology.

Dr. Howard and her husband, Jason, are parents to two rescue dogs, Layla and Ryder. In her free time, Dr. Howard loves exercising, painting, and exploring Atlanta restaurants. Dr. Howard is also a huge UGA football fan! She loves cheering on her Dawgs, and you can always find her in red and black during football season!