About Us

Owner, Veterinarian Dr. Michael Bailey decided to become a vet when he was very young. He’d been raised caring for rabbits, chickens, goats, and cattle, and he secured his first job in a vet clinic at the age of 15! Now, he’s living his dream as the owner of Effingham Animal Hospital.
Born and raised in rural northern Alabama, Dr. Bailey earned his DVM degree from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. He was hired out of college to work in a north Georgia veterinary clinic, where he practiced for six years on everything from dogs and cats to cattle and exotic creatures. When the urge to own his own practice hit, Dr. Bailey moved to Effingham County and purchased the clinic in 1998. Dr. Bailey considers maintaining personal relationships with his clients the most important and enjoyable part of his job; he strives to never take for granted the trust that pet owners place in him. Dr. Bailey is also passionate about saving homeless pets’ lives and getting them placed into loving homes. Dr. Bailey and his wife, Lisa, have two children: their daughter Tenley is a college student, and their son Michael stays focused on school through the week and does his computer gaming on the weekends. The furry side of the family includes both cats and dogs. Outside of his interests in veterinary medicine, Dr. Bailey is a music enthusiast and was active in school band throughout high school and college. He still loves attending concerts when he can. Dr. Bailey also enjoys hiking, going to the beach, and spending time outside working in his yard.