Martin Fink, DVM

Dr. Martin Fink is the owner and Chief of Staff of Hilton Animal Hospital. Dr. Fink graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in 1996 and has been practicing in the Newport News and Tidewater area ever since. In January 2016 he became the sole owner of Hilton Animal Hospital.


Dr. Fink is experienced in all aspects of dog and cat veterinary medicine, including complicated cases in surgery and internal medicine. He has a special interest in surgery, dermatology and feline medicine. 


Dr. Fink and his wife Betsy have two boys, Joseph and Oliver. The family lives in Betsy’s home town of Poquoson. The boys are active in sports and attend the Poquoson Public Schools. In his spare time, Dr. Fink and his wife enjoy gardening, traveling, cooking and good company. They share their home with many critters, most notably their parrot “Pepe”. Pepe has been with Dr. Fink since 1987, before college and veterinary school.

Lauren Davis, DVM

Dr. Lauren Davis is an associate veterinarian at Hilton Animal Hospital. A native of Fredericksburg, Virginia, Dr. Davis chose to pursue her Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular Biology at Christopher Newport University here in Newport News.

Following college, Dr. Davis attended Ross University in Saint Kitts to earn her degree in veterinary medicine. A highlight during her veterinary schooling was that she cared for, and became friends with, her own sheep and donkey. Dr. Davis finished her clinical year at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.

In her spare time Dr. Davis is an avid equestrian and enjoys an active lifestyle. She enjoys spending time with her American Cattle Dog, "Bailey" and riding her horse, an American Warmblood named "Margarita."

Dr. Davis' special interests include dermatology and surgery. Her favorite part of veterinary medicine is being a part of her clients' and patients' families.


Matt Pate, DVM

Dr. Matt Pate is originally from Houston, Texas and earned his Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M University. He then attended Auburn University where he received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. Following graduation, Dr. Pate worked in Washington State, in emergency & critical care, where he gained valuable clinical and surgical skills. His special interests also include cardiology and dermatology. Dr. Pate and his wife, another veterinarian, have a dog named Pumpkin, and 2 cats named Biscuits and Gravy. In their free time they enjoy kayaking, cooking, and traveling.

Richard Chance, DVM  (retired)

Veterinarian & Business Advisor Emeritus

Dr. Richard Chance is the founder and past owner of Hilton Animal Hospital in Newport News, VA. He is a graduate of the University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine.


Dr. Chance retired in 2016 when he sold the hospital to Dr. Martin Fink. In his retirement Dr. Chance has been traveling extensively, as well as perusing his love of golf and fishing. 


Dr. Chance was also the owner of the original James River Veterinary Hospital in Hilton from 1987 to 2001. He sold the James River practice to the Healthy Pet Corporation (later VCA) in 2001 and opened Jolly Pond Veterinary Hospital in Williamsburg with longtime associate, Dr. Bonnie Brown. When VCA James River Animal Hospital was closed and relocated in 2011, Dr. Chance identified the continuing need for a neighborhood veterinary practice in Hilton. He made a commitment to reopen the original hospital. A longtime friend, and associate, Dr. Martin Fink joined him in January 2012 as the Chief of Staff and primary practicing veterinarian. 


The practice grew steadily over the following 4 years. In December 2015 Dr. Chance sold the practice to Dr. Fink who is continuing Dr. Chance’s original vision of a neighborhood veterinary hospital. In Hilton Animal Hospital, Dr. Chance wanted to bring back the values and standards of yesteryear. He believed in establishing long term relationships with clients, so doctors can truly know their patients and develop treatment plans tailored to each client’s unique circumstances. Hilton Animal Hospital offers clients a clean, attractive modern veterinary facility; with no-nonsense business practices and common-sense care at reasonable rates.