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Billings Animal Family Hospital is a full-service veterinary medical facility, located in Billings, Montana. Formerly Heath Veterinary Hospital, the Center was recently remodeled in 2002 and in 2008 was purchased by Dr. Best.
Our Veterinarians
Dr. Edie R Best, DVM, DABVP
Dr. Edie Best received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Montana State University in 1990. In 1995, she graduated with honors from Colorado State University with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. She then became a board certified Diplomate in the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) in 2003. She is certified in Canine and Feline Practice. The ABVP represents a group of veterinarians who have demonstrated exceptional knowledge, skill and competency in the care of the "total patient". The rigorous certification process must be repeated every 10 years to maintain these high standards.
Dr. Best's practice interests include canine reproduction, internal medicine, ultrasound and cancer diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Best purchased Billings Animal Family Hospital in 2008 and has since changed the name, updated the look and added some new services.
Dr. Best is married and lives in the Huntley area. She and her husband have three dogs, three cats, two horses and a donkey! Outside of work she enjoys boating, fishing, hiking with the dogs and spending quality time with good friends and family. She plans to run her first half-marathon in 2012.
Dr. Mandy Barnes
Dr. Mandy Barnes joined the Billings Animal Family Hospital staff in November 2011. She is a 2005 graduate of Washington State University, where she received her DVM degree. Dr. Barnes is a Billings native and returned to the area to practice shortly after graduation. She particularly enjoys the challenging diagnostic cases and surgeries, and outside the small animal care, she thrives on equine reproduction. Dr. Barnes and Dr. Best initially met when Dr. Barnes was still in high school at a mutual veterinary clinic in Billings, so they have a long-standing relationship! Along with taking care of other people’s beloved pets, she has one dog, one horse and three cats of her own. She is joined at home with husband Dana and three children. When the weekend is here Dr. Barnes will be hard to find, for she occupies her time with fly fishing, camping, horseback riding, and hunting.
Our Technicians
Elizabeth, Certified Veterinary Technician
Liz has been with our team since November 2002. She has an Associate in Science Degree and became a Certified Veterinary Technician in 2006 and is currently our Head Technician. Liz enjoys most helping with cesarean surgery and helping the puppies take their first breath. “And seeing sick patients get better day by day and knowing you helped with it” keeps her motivated at work. She is surrounded by lots of pets of her own; Troy the extremely intelligent Blue Heeler, Hank and Tallulah the wiener dogs, Charlie the goofy Doberman, and Cheetoh the orange kitty. Liz can be seen at Cross Fit after a hard day’s work to revive herself. On her days away from BAFH she is spending time with her husband Karsten and little girl Jovie.
Cynthia, Certified Veterinary Technician
Cynthia joined the Billings Animal Family Hospital team in July of 2000. She has a B.S. in Biology and Chemistry Education and became a Certified Veterinary Technician in 2006. Cynthia is known for “getting control” of an animal so the doctor can do a treatment. She is particularly fond of the Chow Chow, although her four legged family doesn’t include one as of now. It does include; Dawson, an Australian Cattle dog, Kelley, a Schnauzer mix, Joaquin and Joey, both Chihuahuas. When Cynthia needs to escape the worries of the world, you will find her hiking and enjoying the nature and wildlife with a camera in hand.
Kylee, Veterinary Technician/Kennel Manager
Kylee joined the team at Billings Animal Family Hospital in March of 2011, as a kennel attendant. After months of hard work and study, she completed a Veterinary Technician Certificate, and joined technician team. Kylee’s biggest reward is interacting with the animals and their owners, and helping better their everyday life. Her love for animals is shown by all of her furry family members; Peach “the Boss” Pit bull mix, Gage, and Ayla, both Siberian Huskies, and Oliver, the cat. John, her husband, when not working at Corporate Air, joins Kylee and spending time with family and friends. When the weather permits, Kylee will take her horses out for a ride or take a camping trip to pass the time.
Angie, Technician Assistant /Receptionist
Angie joined our Family in November of 2011, with previous experience in veterinary work. She is a valuable member of the team as a technician assistant, and with greeting our customers as a receptionist. Angie loves to meet our patients, hear the client tell stories about them, but her favorite aspect of the job is seeing ill pets leave happy and healthy. She has a household full of pets; Shiloh, the only dog, and four cats, Isabella, Sushi, Splat, and Meowzy. Along with her pets she is the mother of Cayden, her son, and Allie, her daughter. Her husband, Ryan and her enjoy jeeping, camping and fishing when she is not at work and need to relax.
Jessie Swaningson, Veterinarian Technician
Jessie joined the team at Billings Animal Family Hospital in November, since she had worked at another veterinary clinic before she was a great asset to our team. Jessie loves the teamwork and the experience she is gaining with working and helping tend to the animals. Her favorite aspect is she wasn’t hired to do kennels, but is willing to help out if needed. Jessie has a variety of species at her home; Mater the guinea pig, Thumper the cat, and Rowdy and Randy, the twin horses. When she finds time to relax, she enjoys being outside riding her horses, hunting, or any kind of outdoors activities. Jessie also enjoys putting these memories safely away with scrapbooking.
Our Receptionists
Michelle, Receptionist/ Office Manager
Also known as Shelly began working here in October of 2000, as a part time employee. Michelle has a degree in Medical Administration with minor in accounting, which she put into great use when she became Office Manager. Michelle enjoys getting to know the clients and their furry friends. She has two dachshunds, Buddy and Trucker, and two so-called barn cats, Captain Bennett Roo and Cali Jennifer, along with 3 horses, that complete her four legged friend collection. Michelle and her husband John own JM Livestock and Trucking, and partner in National Trucking, which keeps her busy in her off days. When she isn’t doing paperwork, she enjoys photography and spending time with her husband and two daughters, Justine and Brooklyn.
Tahina, Receptionist/ Kennel Attendant
Tahina worked as a veterinary receptionist for 4 years in Washington State before heading to Montana in the fall of 2008, when she joined the team at Billings Animal Family Hospital. Working with clients and their pets remain the most rewarding aspect of animal health to her. Outside of work, her hobbies include painting, outdoor activities and spending time with her husband Grant and son Tristan. She has a large family of four-legged children also: Mable, a Golden Retriever; Laroux and Toulous, Shepherd mixes; Nettle, Heeler mix; Cello, a Great Dane; and House, the English Setter.
Justine, Receptionist/ Kennel Attendant
Justine joined the team at Billings Animal Family Hospital in December of 2011, as a kennel attendant and worked her way up to the front desk as a receptionist. Justine welcomed the opportunity to work here working and seeing the animals, for she is unable to have pets where she is currently living. She is attending MSUB of Billings, which takes up her extra time outside of work, along with shopping and hanging with friends.
Shawnette, Receptionist/ OSHA Coordinator
Shawnette joined the Billings Animal Family Hospital Team in November 2011. She enjoys seeing the sick animals become healthy, and the being a part of that process. Shawnette is our new OSHA coordinator, and is here to assure we work in a safe environment. She has two cats at home, Nala and Paco, who reside with her husband Billy and son Aiden. Spending time with Aiden and teaching him new things and doing outdoor activities keep her busy on her days off.
Our Kennel Attendants
Brooklyn, Kennel Attendant/ Technician Assistant
Brooklyn, who loves being with animals, joined the team the first part of March, 2012. Working with and attending to the animals needs is the most rewarding part of her job. Brooklyn is a High School student at Shepherd High, and is very active in Basketball and Volleyball. When the weather is nice, you will find her outside with her horses, Memphis and Tequila, and dog, Buddy.
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