Veterinary Services
Working Dogs at Wellington Veterinary Hospital in Wellington, CO
At Wellington Veterinary Hospital, we are dedicated to providing specialized veterinary care and education for working dogs and their handlers. We strive to help foster and strengthen the bond between humans and these animals.
Supporting Working Dog Handlers and Their Communities
At Wellington Veterinary Hospital, we understand that working dogs play a vital role in various fields, including law enforcement, search and rescue, assistance, and therapy. Lead by Dr. Van Metre, it is our mission to support these incredible animals and the humans who rely on them, ensuring they have access to leading edge medical care, equal to the best human standards available in the field.
Our team is dedicated to not only aiding working dogs and their handlers but also to supporting the communities they are part of.
We are so happy to offer first responders and military personnel a 10% discount on products and services at WVH!
WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR WORKING DOG’S APPOINTMENT
Dr. Van Metre and Wellington Veterinary Hospital have taken special care to implement appointment protocols that address the unique needs of working dogs.
- Minimal Separation of Working Dogs from Their Handlers: This maintains the connection between them.
- Dedicated Separate Entrance: This ensures that they can enter and exit the facility without unnecessary distractions.
- Low-Stress visits in our Larger Exam Room: With ample space to move around, your working dog will have the freedom to explore and relax, reducing anxiety and creating a more pleasant experience for both the dog and the handler.
- Special Attention to:
- Nutrition
- Fitness
- Sports Medicine
- Injury Prevention
- Genetics
- Emergency Care
- And more!
- As a USDA-Accredited veterinarian, Dr. Van Metre can issue health certificates for travel and deployment.
Dr. Van Metre: One of the Few Certified Working Dog Practitioners in the United States!
Dr. Van Metre, a veterinarian with 25 years of experience, specializes in emergency medicine and has been with Wellington Veterinary Hospital for 3 years. Her expertise includes ER/Emergency Medicine, working dogs, and providing support and education to first responders.
Recently, Dr. Van Metre completed her advanced degree as a Certified Working Dog Practitioner, making her one of a very small group of individuals in the United States with this degree! This program provides intensive training to serve the unique needs of working dogs and their handlers.
Along with her certification, Dr. Van Metre has helped develop emergency medical programs, is a lead instructor for K9 MEDIC™, and actively supports local working dog groups.
VEMS (Veterinary Emergency Medical Services)
Dr. Van Metre, played an integral role in developing and implementing this program! As one of the nation’s first fully functioning prehospital, or VEMS (Veterinary Emergency Medical Services) programs, EMS professionals and first responders are provided with training and support to care for both people and their pets. However, it’s not meant for EMTs to be an ambulance service for pets. If they are responding to an accident, they will always treat humans first, but now, they will also have the knowledge to do basic lifesaving treatment for our furry friends!
K9 MEDIC™
Dr. Van Metre is a lead instructor and advisor for K9 MEDIC™. K9 MEDIC™ offers training for K9 handlers, medics, and first responders to prevent and treat illnesses and injuries in working dogs. The goal is to ensure all K9s have access to leading edge medical care equal to the best human standards available in the field.
Supporting the Local Community
Dr. Van Metre actively supports local law enforcement, search and rescue, and EMS teams, providing field support and training in Northern Colorado and across the country. Over the years she has been involved with many committees, organizations, and nonprofits to that end.
The entire team at Wellington Veterinary Hospital is aligned with these goals – supporting the human-animal bond and frequently participating in community events.
Visit Wellington Veterinary Hospital Today
At Wellington Veterinary Hospital, we’re committed to providing comprehensive pet dental care in Wellington, CO. Our knowledgeable veterinary team emphasizes preventive care and educates pet owners on maintaining their pet’s dental health at home. Schedule a dental check-up today to help your pet enjoy a healthy smile and overall well-being.