Dr. James Malatesta - Veterinarian

Dr. James Malatesta was born and raised in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where his deep love for animals first took root.

From a young age, he was drawn to veterinary medicine, inspired by his experiences caring for his own pets as well as those of friends and family. He quickly recognized the vital role veterinarians play in keeping pets happy and healthy within the community.

Dr. Malatesta was awarded the Arkansas Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship before graduating from high school in 2013. He then attended Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2017. During his undergraduate years, he combined his passion for animal welfare with hands-on experience, working as a veterinary assistant at a local animal hospital. His interest in medicine expanded further as he served as a research assistant in a microbiology lab, where he contributed to the study of antimicrobial compounds aimed at combating antibiotic resistance, a growing concern in both human and veterinary medicine.

Following his graduation from OBU, Dr. Malatesta pursued his doctorate at the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, where he honed his skills in animal care, diagnostics, and treatment. It was during his time at LSU that he met his wife, Rebecca, a fellow veterinary student. After graduating, the couple moved to North Carolina to begin their careers—Rebecca as an overnight emergency veterinarian at BluePearl, and Dr. Malatesta in general practice.

The Malatesta share their home in Knightdale, North Carolina, with a beloved pack of four dogs—Vito, Lucille, Callie, and Sylvie—and three cats—Spidey, Baked Ziti, and Old Cat, who is 19 years old. Dr. Malatesta firmly believes that pets are family members, and he treats every patient under his care as if they were his own, providing them with compassion, kindness, and the highest standard of veterinary care.