Our Doctors

Dr. Farris has always had compassion for animals and often brought rescue animals home (much to her parents’ dismay!). With this in mind, pursuing a career in the veterinary field where she can care for hurt animals and help prevent health issues was only natural

Dr. Farris grew up in Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany and first became a Licensed Veterinary Technician in Germany and was planning on attending Munich University College of Veterinary Medicine. Plans changed after doing an internship at a small animal hospital in Alabama and meeting her husband, Justin.

Dr. Farris graduated from Auburn University Montgomery with honors and then earned her DVM at the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine with summa cum laude. After graduation, she worked with Montgomery Veterinary Associates for 9 years before moving to Charlotte, NC to pursue her dream of opening her own Veterinary Hospital. While River Run Animal Hospital was being built, Dr. Farris worked as the Medical Director of Piedmont Animal Emergency and also as an ER veterinarian at Carolina Veterinary Specialists in Charlotte.

Dr. Farris and her husband Justin live in Charlotte, NC with their two sons Finn and Nils. Their furry children include an energetic and lovable Boston Terrier named Nyah, and an elderly, much-loved Mini Golden named Aslan. Their household is currently cat free after their senior cat Yeti passed away, but hopefully not for long. In their free time, the Farris Family likes to mountain bike, hike, downhill ski, enjoy the outdoors and spend time together.

Born and raised in Texas, Dr. Rachel Bowles is now overjoyed to call North Carolina home. She has always had a deep love for animals and as a child dreamed of being a zookeeper when she grew up. She attended Wheaton College in the Chicago area where she earned a degree in biology and met her now-husband, Robby. She returned back to Texas for veterinary school at Texas A&M University. 

Dr. Bowles and her husband are proud parents of a very inquisitive tortoiseshell cat named Pebble. They love to spend as much time outside as they can, finding new places to explore. She is always up for an adventure and has been skydiving, hot air ballooning, and bungee jumping. Dr. Bowles also likes cooking and traveling. She has enjoyed participating in veterinary mission trips and hopes to continue that involvement throughout her career.

When it comes to veterinary medicine, Dr. Bowles values spending time getting to know you and your pet in order to provide compassionate and individualized care. She loves the unique bond that forms between our pet patients, our clients, and the River Run veterinary team.