Our Story

Learn more about us and how we came into creating Daufuskie's only on-island veterinary clinic.

Sunset beach with driftwood reflection on water.

The Story of Daufuskie Veterinary Clinic

Dr. Dave and Dr. Kelly happened to meet at The Community Farm for dinner October 9, 2024. Miss Pat had intended to invite another veterinarian vacationing on the island that night and by mistake had invited Dr. Kelly. We are so glad Miss Pat made that mistake because it turned into a bond between 2 couples that will have a lasting impact.

Dr. Dave & Cindy were at dinner that night as well. A friendship was quickly formed and the dream of the Daufuskie Veterinary Clinic was born at a farm table because of a chance meeting that was never meant to occur.

Dr. Kelly has been coming to Daufuskie for years, enjoying the beach and natural beauty, dreaming of someday being a veterinarian on the Island.

Dr. Dave moved here full-time in 2024 and realized he was “failing” at retirement and wanted to contribute to the people and pets in some way.

Our story would never have occurred if Deb Smith had not met Dave and shared her dream of bringing veterinary care to the Island as well. She worked tirelessly with Beaufort County Zoning to acquire a commercial status for 293 School Road. Being welcoming and accessible to everyone on the Island was a key requirement. The central location and welcoming setting made her cozy cabin the ideal choice.

Geoff Brunning worked his magic in getting the permits and converted the cabin to the little clinic it is today. Many other local “hero’s” play a role in our story as well, which we are so grateful for.
This is where the story begins. The next chapters are yet to be written but we look forward to building long-lasting relationships with the community pets and people who love them.

Our Doctors

Dr. Dave
Dr. Dave Sandefer has dedicated his life to the care and well-being of animals since graduating from the college of veterinary medicine at Cornell in 1983.
With decades of experience, he has been a compassionate and trusted veterinarian, positively impacting countless animals and their families. Having grown up on a dairy farm Dr. Dave enjoyed mixed practice for the first 20 years of his career. He also has extensive experience assisting shelters and non-profits.
In 2024, Dr. Dave moved to Daufuskie Island with his wife Cindy and their 2 daughters Zia and Jazmine, embracing the island’s close-knit community and unique way of life.
Committed to both pets and the local environments, he serves on the Community Farm Board, Haig Point equestrian Board, and is an advisor for the Daufuskie Island Partnership for Animals.
Dr. Kelly
Dr. Kelly Anderson graduated from the University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine with her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 2001. She practiced mixed animal medicine from 2001-2004. She has been in small animal private practice from 2004-present.
In 2014, she opened her small animal practice, Galilee Veterinary Hospital. She is a member of the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association, Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Jacson and an honorary member of the Jefferson FFA. She is also an active member of her church, Call of Salvation. She resides in Jefferson GA, with her husband Keith, their four children and numerous dogs, cats, and chickens.
Dr. Kelly recently purchased a small cottage on Daufuskie Island and is eager to bring her talents to the Island, increasing her time here as much as possible.

Our Team

Get to know the rest of our team at Daufuskie Veterinary Clinic.

Cindy

Cindy Sandefer will be assisting in some of the administrative tasks whenever and wherever she is needed. Living on an Island with no bridge requires some creative labor sourcing and Cindy’s greatest asset is her desire to see that the clinic has what it needs to serve the pets on the Island. Cindy grew up in Connecticut and met Dr. Dave at Cornell. She later went on to earn a Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Utica College and her MBA from University of Connecticut. These skills help her support Dr. Dave as they grew their veterinary business in Connecticut for over 30 years. An active member of the Haig Point Equestrian Center, she continues to ride weekly, further strengthening her connection to the Island’s animal community. Cindy’s goal is to make veterinary care accessible and welcoming, ensuring every pet and owner feels valued and supported.

Woman smiling with two horses wearing fly masks.

Zia

Zia Sandefer has always been part of the family labor force as well. Assisting with late night surgeries, emergency c-sections, call outs at the boarding kennel she went where she was needed. From those experiences grew a passion for dog training which she hopes to further in the future.

Jazmin

Jazmin Sandefer has been surrounded by animals her entire life. Jazzy grew up immersed in veterinary care, developing a deep love and understanding of animals from an early age. Since she was 13, she has been helping at the family veterinary practice. This has allowed her to gain hands-on experience and build strong connections with pets and their owners. Jazmin brings a warm, funny and loving personality to the clinic making every visit a positive experience. Jazmin loves being with her beloved French Bulldog, Luna, in her free time at home.