10/11/2025
Many of us at VTNH are also horse owners and we do understand that finding routine care for horses is challenging and emergency care even moreso. It is stressful to think about finding a new team of professionals to care for your equines, and we know area veterinarians are stretched thin. A lot of thought, discussion, what-ifs and tears went into this decision and please know it was not made lightly.
Many of us also worked as mixed animal veterinarians for years, and it was our pleasure to care for your horses, donkeys and mules. We also had the benefit of working with a dedicated group of colleagues and were able to share cases, rotate on call and support each other when time off was needed. Our practice was able, with a primary equine practitioner, supported by others in mixed animal practice, to provide around the clock care for over 50 years. We definitely had challenges (injury, illness, growing families), but because we had 3+ veterinarians providing equine care, we were able to make it work.
The decision to discontinue the equine portion of the practice was not financial, nor was it driven by management. Our ownership team, of six veterinarians, all agreed it was not sustainable for us to function as a 1 – 1.5 veterinary equine practice, leaving the on call to a single person most of the time 24/7/365. Mixed animal practices have become a rarity and finding applicants to fill a supporting role in equine has become impossible for us.
We are grateful to our equine colleagues and know they face similar struggles. A list of area equine veterinarians has been emailed to you and a follow up mailing is in progress. We encourage you to reach out now and develop a relationship with an equine practice in your area, before spring vaccinations are needed or an emergency arises. VTNH will continue to provide equine care through the end of 2025. When you have an equine veterinarian, please thank them and treat them with respect and kindness, they are doing a very difficult job.