Tennessee Names New Assistant State Veterinarian

NASHVILLE –Tennessee Department of Agriculture Commissioner Ken Givens today announced Dr. Sara Clariday as Assistant State Veterinarian. The assistant state veterinarian works to protect and monitor animal health in Tennessee.

 

“We’re excited to welcome Dr. Clariday as she brings valuable experience in both small and large animal care that will help guide our animal health programs,” said Givens. “Her background in education and her knowledge of beef farming make her uniquely qualified to work with the state’s livestock industry and other stakeholder groups to improve animal health in Tennessee.” 

 

Clariday of Mount Juliet, Tenn., graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in the first graduation class of 1979. She married a fellow classmate, Dr. David Clariday. They established Hartsville Animal Clinic, a mixed animal practice in 1979. In 1984, they moved to Mount Juliet, Tenn. and established Mount Juliet Animal Clinic. They also run a beef operation on their family farm in Mount Juliet.

 

Clariday also worked at Vanderbilt Animal Research Facility for more than 11 years. In 1996, she received a teaching certificate from Middle Tennessee State University and began teaching honors biology at Lebanon High School in Wilson County. She became department chair and was awarded ‘’Teacher of the Year” for 2002-2003. She transferred to Metro Nashville Public Schools in 2005 and has taught at both Antioch and Cane Ridge High Schools.

 

As assistant state veterinarian, Clariday will serve as the field coordinator working with field staff in TDA’s Animal Health Section. She is also charged with managing dog and cat dealer licensing and coordinating the disaster animal response teams across the state.

 

“I’m happy to join the Department of Agriculture staff,” said Dr. Clariday. “I am committed to continuing their excellence of service to the state of Tennessee.”

 

For more information on TDA, visit www.TN.gov/agriculture.