The Dream Team

Natalie Clayton, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. Natalie Clayton is a dedicated emergency veterinarian with a unique path to medicine and a deep passion for animal care. She began her academic journey with a degree in Music Education from the University of South Carolina, before pursuing her true calling to veterinary medicine. She earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and completed her clinical year at the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

Since 2015,  Dr. Clayton has been practicing veterinary medicine, spending the last 8+ years in the fast-paced world of emergency care. Whether it’s late-night emergencies or unexpected diagnoses, Natalie meets every case with empathy, expertise, and a deep respect for the human-animal bond.  Her ability to communicate clearly, and treat every patient with compassion has made her a trusted figure in the ER—by both colleagues and pet parents alike.  She is very excited about serving the community with emergency services for their pets and is honored to be part of their care during some of life’s most difficult moments.

Outside the clinic, she shares life with husband, Patrick, their two energetic kids, Molly and Logan, and their resident troublemakers: Rudy, a charming King Charles Cavalier Spaniel with royal attitude, and Bogey, a lovable English Bulldog with a talent for snoring through anything.

When she’s not in scrubs, she enjoys reading, staying active in her church community, and making time to connect with close friends and family.

Phoebe Dunagin, DVM

Veterinarian

A UGA College of Veterinary Medicine graduate, Dr. Dunagin has over 5 years of emergency experience. Her calm, steady presence and genuine empathy make her a valued member of the team. She enjoys life on a small peach farm with her husband, son, and their pets, balancing emergency medicine with a love for gardening, reading, and travel.

Victoria Trutwin, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. Trutwin attended Clemson University for her bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, then graduated from the University of Georgia College and Veterinary Medicine. While at UGA she discovered a passion for emergency medicine and never looked back! She worked in Austin, TX in a large multi-specialty and emergency practice before returning home to South Carolina. She especially loves cats, and has four girls named Tallulah, Hazel, Kida, and Eleanor who rule the house. She enjoys cross-country road tripping and camping with her husband in their truck camper, hiking, and reading classic science fiction. 

Caitlyn Heatherly Bagwell, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. Caitlyn Heatherly Bagwell (Dr. Heatherly) is a dedicated emergency veterinarian who thrives in the fast-paced, high-stakes environment of emergency care. Dr. Heatherly’s journey in veterinary medicine began at Clemson University, where she earned her undergraduate degree in 2016. She went on to receive her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Georgia in 2020. For the duration of her career, Dr. Heatherly has focused exclusively on Emergency Medicine. She is driven by the diversity of cases that emergency work brings and is known for her compassionate, empathetic approach to patient care. When she is not in the ER, Dr. Heatherly prioritizes time with her family and exploring new destinations. She resides with her husband and their two children. The Bagwell household is completed by their beloved dog, Piper.

Kaitlyn Bardos, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. Kaitlyn Bardos earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Mississippi State University, after a bachelors degree from Clemson University and a masters in Biomedical Science from the Medical University of South Carolina. She began her career in general practice, but has since been drawn to the fast pace and spontaneous nature of emergency medicine, and finds joy in helping pets and their families through unexpected illnesses and emergencies.

Outside of the hospital, she enjoys spending time outdoors, horseback riding, gardening, hiking in the mountains of the Upstate, painting, and crafting. She lives with her fiancé, Tanner, and together they have a senior shepherd mix named Mia, two cats (Spaghetti and Felix), a kitten (Violet), a boa constrictor (Fred), and a retired racehorse (Arion).

Jessica Tate

Practice Manager

Originally from England, Jessica has called South Carolina home for the past 13 years. With over 15 years of hands-on experience as a veterinary technician—spanning shelter medicine, general practice, and emergency care—she brings both depth and compassion to her role as Practice Manager at Creature Comforts Animal Emergency Center. Jessica is a licensed veterinary technician and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology from the College of Charleston, an Associate’s in Veterinary Technology from Penn Foster, and a Master of Science in Management from Charleston Southern University.

Jessica is passionate about delivering high-quality veterinary care and ensuring pet owners feel informed, confident, and comforted during some of their most difficult moments. At home, she enjoys life with her two dogs, Baylor and Walker. When she’s not at the clinic, you’ll likely find her out on the water, hiking a trail, or curled up with a good book.