GEARY, OKLAHOMA — Southwest Animal Hospital is pleased to welcome Dr. Cooper Hicks to the practice. Dr. Gary Burns, who founded Southwest Animal Hospital in 1978 and has owned and operated his mixed veterinary practice ever since, is proud to welcome his grandson home as a veterinarian.
Located two miles south of Geary on the west side of the road, Southwest Animal Hospital has been serving area families and their animals for nearly five decades.
Growing up in Geary, Cooper spent much of his childhood following his Papa, Dr. Burns, around the veterinary practice. Long before he understood what being a veterinarian meant, he knew he wanted to be like his Papa and spend his life working with and caring for animals.
Cooper graduated from Geary Public Schools in 2017, where he was active in 4-H, FFA, and other school activities. His dedication to agriculture earned him the Oklahoma State Farmer Award in 2017 and the American Farmer Degree the following year.
He continued his education at Oklahoma State University, earning a bachelor's degree in Animal Science with a pre-veterinary focus in 2020. He then completed his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree with honors from Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine in May 2024. One of the most memorable moments of his graduation was being hooded by his grandfather.
Following veterinary school, Dr. Hicks spent the past two years practicing at Pryor Veterinary Hospital. He is grateful for the experience, friendships, colleagues, and clients he gained during his time in Pryor and is excited to begin this new chapter back home.
Cooper's passion for animals extends beyond veterinary medicine. He maintains a small beef cattle herd as well as a small herd of show goats. He also continues to support youth agriculture programs and has served as the veterinarian for the Mayer County Fair. He regularly helps members of the stock show community with everything from health papers and vaccinations to illness, clipping, and show preparation.
Agriculture and youth programs played an important role in Cooper's own life, and he enjoys giving back to the programs that helped shape him.
Cooper's return to Southwest Animal Hospital represents a special full-circle moment. The little boy who once followed his Papa around the clinic has now returned home as a veterinarian, ready to work alongside the man who first inspired his dream.
Southwest Animal Hospital invites the community to join them in welcoming Dr.
Cooper Hicks home and looks forward to the knowledge, compassion, and dedication he will bring to the practice and the community he has always called home.