This article first appeared in the January 14 issue.

While Julie Stafford of 2 Tails Veterinary Services always knew she wanted to pursue veterinary medicine, she never foresaw taking her practice on the road.

Dr. Stafford started her career working with both large and small animals in eastern Oregon.  After a few years, she returned to her hometown of Anchorage and began practicing at Wasilla Veterinary Clinic.  It was there that she noticed a need for large animal and rural care and started making visits to nearby houses and farms.  Then, when she heard the Healy area needed a vet, she started traveling farther and farther to care for animals whose owners didn’t have access to local veterinary care.

She worked out of her Honda Pilot part time as a mobile vet for a few years before purchasing a used Sprinter van last year that had been converted into a mobile vet office by its previous owner.

“I like being on the road,” Dr. Stafford said.  “People are really kind, and it’s a lifestyle I enjoy.  I bring my packraft and hiking and camping gear and do a lot of work and play trips”  

When she heard that Dr. Kimi Ross had closed her Copper Center practice early last year, she once again saw a need for rural care and added McCarthy to her route.  

Depending on need, she plans to visit the Copper Valley quarterly and can make stops anywhere along the way.  She has experience with cattle and large animals, as well as dogs and smaller pets.

“I’m willing to treat any species, but I’m not specialized in pocket pets,” which she said include animals such as mice, rabbits and guinea pigs.

The nature of her traveling practice comes with limitations; although she has experience performing surgeries, dental procedures and emergency care, she lacks the facilities to do so.  However, if an animal is an established patient, she can offer consultations over the phone, mail medications and make referrals to other veterinaries if an animal should require more extensive care.

She provides wellness and diagnostic care, end of life services, and can perform sedated procedures on larger animals, such as horses or cattle.  Additionally, she plans to start teaching in-person backcountry animal care courses - or as she calls it, a WFR for your woofer – which is something she currently does online.

Dr. Stafford said the 2 Tails Veterinary Services’ Facebook page is the best place to stay up to date on her travel plans to the area.

Article by Amanda Swinehart