Meet the Team at South County Veterinary Hospital

Owner and Veterinarian

Dr. Howard Troob graduated in 1979 from Araneta University School of Veterinary Medicine located in the Philippines. As a native of RI and graduate of URI, he returned to Rhode Island and opened South County Veterinary Hospital in 1982. Washington County Veterinary Hospital was opened in 1985. He’s been happily married for 48 years and a proud father of four successful sons. He enjoys coastal living in southern RI with hobbies like pigeon racing, salt water fishing, wood working, & skiing.

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Otis is our associate veterinarian here at South County Veterinary Hospital. Dr Otis has been practicing for 33 years and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Otis is proud to always be able to stay thorough and compassionate. Dr. Otis loves to go biking, hiking, swimming, and surfing.

Dr. Cortney Loughran is originally from a small town in upstate New York. A 2021 graduate of Iowa State College of Veterinary Medicine she is energetic, enthusiastic and compassionate. Her veterinary interests include Surgery, Internal Medicine and Oncology. She resides in southern Rhode Island with her dogs Annie and Murphy and four chickens. When she is not at work you can find her spending her free time practicing yoga and enjoying the outdoors.

Dr. Enriquez-Mercado continues her dedication towards animal care from the beautiful island of Puerto Rico to the charming and picturesque state of Rhode Island. Earned her veterinary medicine degree from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine where she developed an interest in large animal medicine, reproduction and breeding management. Such interests were nurtured during her clincial year at Iowa State University where she pursued electives and externships in dairy cattle medicine, equine medicine, and mixed animal practices. After graduation she started working at a small animal clinic near her hometown. Here she practiced and gained surgical skills which resulted in her new found interest towards surgery. Certainly Dr.Enriquez-Mercado loves working with small animals and consideres building a strong bond with their families to be a gratifying experience. Additionally, she is passionate about large animal medicine particulary equine general practice and hopes to have the opportunity to venture into such area. Nevertheless, her greatest goal is to continue her education, while obtaining and sharpening skills to complement her carreer for the benefit and wellbeing of her patients. Some of her hobbies include: reading, hiking and outdoor activities; yet enjoys traveling to learn about new cultures and diversity.

Kim’s passion for animals started at a young age while growing up on her family’s farm and as a 4H member showing cows, goats, sheep, and horses for 15 years.

Kim began her career in PA where she interned with a mixed animal Veterinarian, which led her to upstate NY to run a thoroughbred breeding farm. Upon her return to RI, she became a certified technician with a profound interest in surgery and anesthesia, where she thrived for several years. Subsequently, in 2019, she moved into a medical management role at a large animal rescue league where she impacted the lives of thousands of pets and families through wellness clinics, low-cost spay and neuter procedures, and adoptions. During COVID, the gap in support throughout the veterinary community became highly apparent, prompting Kim to combine her passion for the veterinary field and advocacy for mental health awareness by becoming certified in compassion fatigue. Shortly thereafter, she was awarded RI Technician of the Year (2020). Kim’s long-standing enthusiasm for helping others within the veterinary community only continues to grow and has brought her to her most current and exciting chapter yet. She is currently the Practice Manager for two local sister hospitals and sits as a Board Member for RIVTA.

When not working, you will find her spending time with her family on their hobby farm, digging in the garden, or caring for their many animals!

Office Manager

Allow us to introduce our dedicated Office Manager, Janette Cole. A proud graduate of the Katharine Gibbs School of Business, Janette has built a remarkable career in the veterinary field, beginning her journey at South and Washington County Veterinary Hospitals in 2017. With nearly three decades of experience since 1995, she has developed her expertise in both general and holistic medicine. She excels in providing compassionate care to a diverse range of animals, both large and small. In 2016, she was recognized by her peers as Rhode Island’s Veterinary Technician of the Year.

Outside of work, she enjoys her enriching personal life in Saunderstown, where she lives with her husband Chris. Together they share their home with a wonderful array of beloved pets, adding joy and warmth to their lives. Janette is also the proud mother of two wonderful sons; Alex, a retired Army sergeant, and Austin, a soil scientist. She cherishes her role as grandmother to the delightful Savannah.

A lover of the great outdoors and the charm of farm life, Janette finds peace and inspiration in nature. In her leisure, she indulges her passions for reading, cooking, crafting, continuously seeking creative outlets, and the pleasures of a fulfilling life.

Haylee is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island with a BS in Animal and Veterinary Science with additional schooling from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. With over 15 years of extensive combined experience working with wildlife, livestock, exotics, and her passion for small animal medicine, Haylee brings a multitude of expertise to our team.

She holds a plethora of advanced certifications, including advanced veterinary and emergency critical care, is a certified peaceful euthanasia professional, and is a CPR and first aid instructor for canine, feline, equine, and exotic animals, as well as a certified veterinary technician. Haylee is passionate about teaching and educating clients and staff to serve the betterment of patient care both in and out of the hospital setting.

In her free time, you can find her playing volleyball, spending time with family, or at the beach.