INDIAN RIDGE ANIMAL HOSPITAL - Key Persons

Dr. Allison Sterling was born in Omaha, Nebraska but with a dad in the military, got the chance to grow up and live in many different places including overseas. She's had the love for vet medicine and animals since she was 6 years old. Throughout school she helped at animal shelters and worked as a vet assistant as well as played volleyball and swam. Dr. Sterling attended Truman State University where she graduated with a Bachelors in Animal Science and Biology. Between college and Vet school she worked as an elephant keeper at the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, NE and later as a Vet technician in Missouri. She attended Vet school at Ross University down in the Caribbean on the island of St. Kitts. Here she was able to work on the Sea Turtle Network ran by the federation along with help the community thru numerous clubs and volunteer opportunities. She did her clinical year at Oklahoma State University and graduated May 2024. Her interest in Vet medicine is internal medicine and the animals and their owners in general. She really enjoys getting to know her clients and their pets so that she can care for them the best way she can. She loves providing education so that her clients can make the best decision for them and their fur babies. Her parents are still active military and she has a younger brother who is a mechanical engineer. She has a lovely significant other who she met in school. Have a Heeler/St. Bernard mix named Rocky and an orange tabby cat named Psy.

Dr. Matt Mears

Job Titles:

Surgical Director

I was born in Knoxville, TN, then moved to Martin, Tn. University of TN at Martin is where I did my undergraduate studying animal science and playing basketball. I graduated the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in 1990. I practiced in Memphis, TN from June 1990 till December 1991. Then was hired by Indian Ridge Animal Hospital in January 1992. I became a Partner/Owner 1994 and the rest is history. I have special interest in surgery, but enjoy all aspects of veterinary medicine. I enjoy getting to know my patients, their ins and outs, their special quirks and getting to know and understand their owners. I am married to a wonderful, beautiful wife, Leigh. I have two kids, Emily and Evan. We have 5 cats, Mittens, Jarnella, Ilean(a three-legged cat), Millie, and Alex (a Cerebellar hypoplasia kitten). We have 4 dogs, Blaise, Freddie, Post and Stamp. We Have 4 turtles and some koi fish. We have 14 goats and a goose named Gary. I enjoy watching my son play basketball. I enjoy watching my daughter sing in the chorus at school and the choir at church. I enjoy spending time with my wife and and kids. I like running, playing basketball, traveling when can, watching UT basketball and football. I am and active member of First Baptist Church. I enjoy working at Indian Ridge Animal Hospital with all my Ridge Family.

Dr. Michael Bunch

Job Titles:

Medical Director

I was born in Birmingham, AL and soon moved to Knoxville, TN where I grew up. I attended the University of Tennessee and graduated in 1990 with a degree in Microbiology. I then attended the University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine and graduated in 1994. I began practicing at Indian Ridge Animal Hospital in July of 1994. I became a Partner/Owner in 1999 and have been enjoying my work ever since. My special interest is in internal medicine and oncology, but I love getting to know my patients and owners. I am married to wife Karen and I have two children Taylor and Cooper. We have 5 cats at our home. Four of them are orange male tabby cats and one female gray tabby. Peanut Butter Toast (Big Boy), French Toast (Crazy Train), One-Eyed Jack (Scary Cat), Crouton (Baby Cat), and Special Woman. I enjoy watching my oldest son (Taylor) play soccer. I enjoy my other son (Cooper) play trumpet in the band. I am an avid UT sports fan and love traveling to Knoxville to watch them play. I am an active member of First Presbyterian Church here in Kingsport. I enjoy working with our team here at Indian Ridge Animal Hospital and look forward to seeing all of the furry friends that come to see us.