Leigh H. Walker, DVM
Owner/Veterinarian
VeterinariansDr. Walker knew from an early age that she was destined to work with animals. As a second-grader, she placed a photo of herself with her pet rabbit in a time capsule — captioned, with quiet certainty, "Future vet in Virginia." That childhood conviction never wavered.
Growing up in upstate New York, she spent most of her free time outdoors, exploring the woods near her home and catching frogs, toads, and insects with the kind of curiosity that only a future scientist could have. She made regular visits to Virginia and North Carolina throughout her childhood, and something about the South always called her back. Today, she has proudly called North Carolina home for over 25 years.
Dr. Walker earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Richmond before going on to complete her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. She joined Coats Veterinary Hospital shortly after graduating, where she had the privilege of training under and working alongside the practice's founder, Dr. Coats, for more than six years. In January 2013, she purchased the hospital — carrying forward Dr. Coats' founding vision of a lasting community-centered small business that exists for the good of its patients, its clients, its team, and the broader Rocky Mount community.
Her professional passions center on palliative care and client education — areas where compassion and communication are just as important as clinical skill. She believes that well-informed clients are essential partners in the health of their pets.
Beyond her work at CVH, Dr. Walker has devoted herself to international veterinary service. For over eight years, she has served on the leadership team of the Love Honduras Veterinary & Vision Mission Trip, traveling to Honduras each year to provide care and make a meaningful difference in both animals and the people who love them. Her connection to Honduras and its people runs deep, and it is one of the defining commitments of her life outside the clinic.
Dr. Walker lives in Wake Forest with her husband, Tommy, and their children. Their home is a lively one — shared with three dogs, two cats, and an Irish Setter named Sully, a breed she grew up loving and finally brought into her own family. When she's not at the hospital, you'll likely find her cheering on her kids at basketball and baseball tournaments across the region, or recharging at the beach with family and friends.

































