About the Veterinarian
Dr. Donald Thompson
Dr. Donald Thompson, owner of Elk Park Animal Hospital, grew up on a registered Holstein-Friesian dairy farm with nine siblings on the Canadian border of New York. In 1984, he graduated from Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and began a large and small animal practice in Vermont until selling that Northeastern practice in 2012 to relocate to Pagosa Springs.
Many years ago, his training in acupuncture and herbal medicine began and has flourished as an important facet of day-to-day practice here in Southwestern Colorado. Elk Park Animal Hospital is a truly integrative veterinary practice, utilizing traditional Western medicine and surgery as well as complementary diagnostic and treatment modalities appropriate on a case-by-case basis. Dr. Thompson has had the opportunity to lecture in China and has authored professional articles and textbook chapters related to both acupuncture and herbal medicine. In addition,Dr. Thompson regularly teaches at the famed Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine in Florida.
Dr. Thompson has utilized acupuncture and herbal medicine on horses, cattle, dogs, cats, llamas, alpacas, pet birds and chickens, rabbits, and, just recently, a pet snake! These modalities open the door to many therapeutic options for a variety of species. Let us know if you have questions on how we might be able to help with your pet or ranch animals.
Meet Our Team
Ashley Larkins
Office Manager and Head Tech
Ashley Larkins pursued her passion for horses by obtaining her degree in Equestrian Sciences and Administration with a minor in Business Administration. After graduation, she taught riding lessons and trained horses at a foxhunting facility while also overseeing the foxhounds. She then became a veterinary technician at a clinic in Poncha Springs. Ashley loves all animals and enjoys the opportunity to care for them while learning more about their health and well being. She has a Corgi named Caden, a ferret named Yoshi, and a horse named Red. In her free time, she enjoys anything outdoors and reading books. She is a 3rd generation Colorado Native and loves the breathtaking beauty of the mountains.
Jon Landtiser
Operations Manager
Jon Lantiser is our jack of all trades. Whether it be setting up and keeping our computer network running, maintaining facilities, taking care of the animals in boarding, working at the front desk, helping with emergency services on the weekends or after hours, or helping build the website; you can find Jon at the clinic nearly every day of the week. In his free time, he enjoys going to the theater, playing video games, and binge watching television shows.
Jes Haydel
Veterinary Technician/Front Desk
Originally from Louisiana, Jes moved to Pagosa Springs in 1999. After graduating from Pagosa Springs High School, Jes worked as a veterinary technician alongside Dr. Yost. She then went on to being a photographer and wrangler for a local stable, guiding tourists and training horses for riders of all ages and abilities. Jes loves animals having four dogs; Tundra, Charlie, Sail and Cinch. Jes loves being outside. If you do not see her at the clinic, you will find her enjoying all the outdoor activities Pagosa has to offer. Whether it be hunting, practicing archery, or riding on horseback through the mountains.
Nigel Holloway
Kennel Technician
Nigel has spent several years in Texas and Washington State before arriving in Pagosa Springs. A chef and a retail manager in the past, he decided to enjoy a slower pace and spend more time enjoying the beauty of the area. If he isn’t running around with his camera, you will find him with his head in a book or helping on friend’s property.
A passionate animal lover, this is a dream job for him. A chance to make a difference in all sorts of ways for the pets and their owners.
