Caring Hands Veterinary Hospital

06/17/2024

Are you familiar with the SEVEN SECOND RULE? You should be! Even with relatively mild temperatures, given Montana's arid climate asphalt can reach temps that burn your pet's paws in mere seconds (see chart below).

You wouldn't walk around barefoot on a surface approaching 150 degrees. DON'T MAKE YOUR DOG!!! Duh.

And yes, we'll be here if you need us. No problem. Whether it's a dog or cat or turtle or skink that burns its tootsies. But remember the old adage: "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!" Translated that means keep your pet safe by always doing the right thing, like steering Mitzi or Buttercup away from burning asphalt. Being smart costs you nothing in the long run, except maybe a few extra steps. But imagine how grateful your tender-footed precious one will feel over having a fur mama (or dad) so kind.

06/03/2024

IT JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER AND BETTER! Color us happy over finding two more quality people to add to our team. Chris (on the right) is an athlete, a dog parent, and the newest addition to our front desk crew. That means he (a guy!) might be that person who takes your call, answers your questions, and helps you with appointments. Chris hails from Florida but has been in Big Sky country long enough to call Montana "home."

Renee (pronounced "Ren-ae," on the left) is an Oregon transplant, a dog mom four times over (plus three cats), and a tech-trainee with a degree in biology. She's working toward a CVT at Purdue, Chris at Penn Foster. These two are going to be instrumental, for what we hope is a long time, in offering your fur babies the best in veterinary medical care. They definitely have the right stuff! So look for Renee and Chris the next time you're in!

05/28/2024

GREAT NEWS!!! We are extending hours!

Beginning June 1, we will again be taking Saturday appointments every other weekend from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Book now for June 1, June 15, June 29, or any other alternating Saturday through at least August.

Also, limited walk-ins will now again be allowed provided you drop your pet off no later than 11:00 a.m. and are prepared to wait, urgent care excepted. Unfortunately, anything that requires us to alter the existing appointment schedule, however, will include either an urgent care or emergency charge, depending on the nature of the problem.

Our plan is to still come back later and offer both after hours appointments (until 8:00 p.m.) and 24-hour emergency care. But we're just not there yet. A little at a time for now, with us doing our best to match OUR availability to YOUR needs.

In the meantime, thank you for all the patience you've shown during the move, and for continuing to trust us to be where love and your pet's good health meet.

05/22/2024

Just a reminder...

05/16/2024

"Where are all the people I know?" We hear it every week! The answer? They're still here. They're just scattered about in a much larger space!

Marcie (12 yrs) is in the lab. Lara (6 yrs) is now our pharmacist. You just don't see them as much because they're not the ones coming up to take your dog or cat. Seren's still here (4yrs). She's just in surgery or doing dentals. And Fay (4 yrs) is always running about, front to back, so much so that we've thought of putting her on roller skates! Or maybe buying her a Segway! "Stand aside!!!"

Yes, we lost Madi. After 5 years she was growing homesick for Oregon and decided to take a break for family. But Maddi's still here! And so is Maddy (below left) who's worked for us since a junior in high school, and between semesters at Eastern Wyoming College (our other Madison is now at MSU). It's just that with added docs and added hours and, yes, so much more space we've had to hire lots of new people to handle the demand. So maybe they're less familiar faces, but faces with big smiles whom once you get to know them you'll love and appreciate like we do. Like Saige (bottom right) who joined our staff and is our newest front desk person who came to us after a stint at the zoo. She was an employee, we think, not a resident. Regardless, she's more than proving she can do the job and more than doing the amazing when it comes to seeing your pet has the best care available! So get to know Saige. And say hey to Maddi or Maddy while you're here!

05/13/2024

"Nah, I don't have to worry about that! My dog never leaves the yard!"

Look closely at Ember's eye (photo on the right). Ticks find a way, man! This is Montana! If birds land in your yard, if squirrels and rabbits ever come for a visit, if you have grass and shrubs or any plants that can provide cover, unless you and your dog live in a New York City high rise and NEVER go outside, your pet needs to be protected from ticks! Flea and tick collars are largely ineffective. You need big ammo...and your vet has it! Give us a call today: (406) 656-6320 and deliver your baby from those pesky little parasitic beasties. They suck!

05/01/2024

THIS SATURDAY, MAY 4TH, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.! Our docs and staff will be on hand to show you through our new "state-of-the-art" building (including all those spaces normally off-limits to all but employees!), answer your questions, and share our dream of expanding services to include 24/7 emergency care, an in-house daycare for children of our employees, a pet-friendly coffee shop for you and your fur baby, expanded avian and feline boarding (reptiles, too!), and adoption centers for those pets owners have requested help in re-homing rather than taking them to the shelter.

Refreshments will be served. But for the safety of everyone, humans only. PLEASE, JUST THIS ONCE, LEAVE YOUR PET AT HOME. Thank you.

***A special Sunday Open House for area veterinary professionals will be held at the same time, 10 to 2, on Sunday, May 5th. Join us! 😊

04/29/2024

WHOOPIE! NICE WEATHER'S BACK! We're so glad! But, boo, total bum-ness. Warmer weather only means ticks and fleas are out, too. If you've been on any area hiking trails or one of our parks you know what I mean! Deer ticks, dog ticks, Asian ticks, American dog ticks... Nasty little buggers all!

What's a responsible pet parent to do? First, take the guesswork out on how to fight back and protect your pet now by coming to US for the correct dosage and administration based on your pet's size and breed. Sure, you can DIY it and save a dollar or two, but don't risk an ineffective product that doesn't last--and won't protect your home from a flea and tick infestation that will be far more costly.

One dose of Bravecto, properly administered, will protect your pet for 12 full weeks and eliminate the need--and expense--of months of home de-infestation. But, you know? If you like the gamble, be you. That's important, too. Sure. [But the ticks will be laughing].

So, maybe you should make that call. Your pet will thank you! 😊

04/25/2024

MIDNIGHT RENDZVOUS

While much of Billings slept, our team was performing an emergency C-section last night! Indy and babies are all doing just fine--though, I'm sure, glad the whole ordeal is over. What a night! Whew!

Thank you to our amazing crew! And thank you plus congrats to the Spint family, who helped! Indy appreciates all you--her favorite humans--do for her. Keep those naps and kibble coming, people! 😊

04/23/2024

A WORD ABOUT DOORS...

Humans love automatic sliding doors, where you step on a certain spot on the threshold going in or out and the door parts or slides to one side. Uh...dogs? Not so much.

They get it when you reach forward and push or pull a door open; that's familiar. But the voodoo magic of nobody pushing, nobody pulling, yet the door stills opens, to them sets off an alarm in their heads. "Don't go! It's a trap!" their brains tell them.

There are exceptions, of course. But the reason we didn't add sliding doors that automatically open is because we didn't want to stress your pet out over coming into a strange place any more than we had to. It's part of our commitment to making Caring Hands as fear-free an environment as possible.

So, if you require help, one of our staff will be happy to assist you. Just let us know when you make an appointment or call ahead and we'll watch for you. But remember, this applies to the front door only (west side of the building facing 24th); not the north door. We have awesome people on our staff--the best! But as yet we haven't hired anyone who can see around corners! 😊

04/10/2024

We don't just CARE for pets! Our staff all HAVE pets! All kinds! Dogs and cats and big birds and little birds! Creepy crawly slithery big earsy barely hairy things! And everything in between! Some things big enough to ride! Lots of things that zig and zag when they run! Things that bark and howl and whine and meow! Things that sing and things that cuss! Things that hide and things that love showing off! All are babies that like to cuddle and be spoiled and who bring endless happiness to us, their owners! Just like your pets when you bring them to see us! Yes, owies and shots hurt sometimes! But our people try their best every day to make Caring Hands a happy place for your pet! And for YOU!

04/05/2024

The vet business is always a little scary when it comes to staffing. "When we need people how will we find them, and how can we be sure they're a good fit?"

Problem solved! Meet Brooklyn (on the left) and Emily (on the right), two newbies who've done nothing but impress with their energy, their demeanor, their passion for making sure your fur babies get the best care available!

Say hey next time you're in and let them know how much you appreciate them being a part of the Caring Hands family. We're expecting great things from both! 😊

04/03/2024

The date is set! OPEN HOUSE Saturday, May 4th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 5th for veterinary professionals.

Come check out our new digs and meet some of the staff. Refreshments provided 😊

03/25/2024

This is Maddi (left). Maddi hasn't been with us long but she's proving to be a fast learner who loves animals and loves giving them the best care available. Fay (right) has been a mainstay for four years and oversees boarding while anchoring our front desk. She is that person "most in the know" when it comes to scheduling and the full array of services offered at Caring Hands. We appreciate so much what both bring to our team. The next time you're in, look for Maddi and for Fay and tell them what a great job they're doing 😚

03/21/2024

As Billings' oldest exotics caregiver we like creepy things and crawly things, things that slink and slither, things that give most humans the wi***es and make grown men, even hairy men, cry. Like babies! Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it's almost that time again for the Big Sky Reptile and Amphibian Expo at Metra Pavilion--and we, your Caring Hands team, will be there!

So suppress the squeamishness and come find us March 30-31 and meet some of the people who revel in ectothermia, and in keeping your skink its skinkiest. Because family may not "get you" and may be terrified of your keeping a pet big enough to eat Grandma. But we understand the passion. No Chihuahua for you! [Evil laugh].

03/19/2024

This is Seren (left) and Cheyenne (right), two of our amazing tech staff. And guess what? THEY LOVE ANIMALS!!! Dogs, cats, birds, goldfish, brontosauri...okay, not brontosauri. They're dinosaurs. But if dinosaurs were still alive Seren and Cheyenne would love and care for them, with the same devotion they show your pet!

So if your fur baby is no longer acting himself, or herself, if she's not eating, not interested in play, is going potty more often than usual--or not at all--bring them in and let one of our tech staff or docs have a look. Dinosaur mommies didn't do that. And look how all of that turned out!

03/15/2024

Life can be sooo stressful sometimes. This little guy has worn himself out with all the fretting. A pupper's life is so rough! Total cuteness is a heavy burden to bear. To prove the point, we'd love to see a pic of your pet "handling" stress...for a good laugh, or ten, heading into the weekend 😄

03/13/2024

As a field, vet med suffers from a high turnover rate. The work can be physically exhausting and emotionally draining. It's hardly all about puppies and p***y cats! But Caring Hands is blessed with some of the same faces, and hearts, you've known since forever.

Lara, on the right, started out as a kennel attendant while still in high school. Both she and Marcie, on the left, are holdovers from the Dr. Kuehn days. Lara's now our pharmacist, Marcie (who will log 12 years with Caring Hands in June) is a lead tech and in charge of our inventory. Marcie has special training in avian care, Lara is a reptile breeder.

Both are two people who make Caring Hands a special place, and who make our clients and their fur, fin, and feather babies feel even more special! 😊

03/12/2024

We're all blushing at the nice things said! The one caveat, though...this was a TEAM effort, none of which would have ever been possible without our amazing staff and the love and loyalty of our clients and their lovable pets who never ceased believing in us. Thank you!

Big Sky Finance was featured in March's edition of Simply Local Billings Magazine. We are so proud to be part of the new Caring Hands Veterinary Hospital Facility!

Read Full Story here: https://hubs.ly/Q02n_cZc0

03/11/2024

YOU'RE ONLY AS GOOD AS YOUR PEOPLE. And we have great people! Dakota (on the left) and Emery (on the right) are just two of our incredible Caring Hands staff!

Dakota's a dog lover/horse lover who's often that kind voice with the warmest of hearts who takes your call, answers your questions, and then helps shepherd you through the maze of options best suited to meet your pet's health needs.

Emery is a cat lover/everything lover who not only knows her stuff and anchors us in tech land but keeps us all in stitches, as well. The laughter kind! Truth is, we couldn't function without these girls. Nor would we want to! Because like all of our team, they are where love and your pet's good health meet!

03/07/2024

This is Ice Bear. Ice Bear was born at Caring Hands and now lives in Idaho. Now that we're in the new building we'd love to see your pet! Post pics with names and pet parents here. Shine Billings! 😊

03/05/2024

This month we are diving into a world of compassion and innovation with Caring Hands Veterinary Hospital as they unveil their brand-new clinic on S. 24th Street West. The new clinic proves its dedication to top-notch care, featuring pet boarding, 24-hour emergency services, and a coffee shop to crea...

03/02/2024

Pics coming but we're still looking for kennel staff--weekday, weekends, and holidays. We had no choice but to temporarily suspend boarding until after the move but now we're ready to rock-n-roll again with both short- and long-term boarding available for all your fur and feather babies. We just need the right people stepping forward to join our team. Part-time, full-time, 15 to 150...as long as you have a passion for animals, can take directions, and do the job, we want to talk to you! Drop by today and fill out an application!

03/01/2024

From summer tech to our newest doc! Caring Hands welcomes back DOCTOR Erin Maxted, a Montana girl by birth and a 2022 graduate of Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. We are rolling out the red carpet now for Erin...uh, Dr. Maxted, who will begin gracing the halls and offering care at Caring Hands beginning April 1.

And, while at it, watch for a feature article on Caring Hands in the March issue of Simply Local Magazine! Shine with us--now and throughout 2024 😊

02/23/2024

We're in! A week under our belts. Only a few rough spots but otherwise rocking it! Thanks to our amazing staff! Thanks to our even amazinger clients! Thanks to all the fur babies who overlooked the smell of new and let us offer them care! We love you all! Best job in the world for sure! 😊

02/19/2024

We've been trying, folks. Our staff has labored five days straight until the wee hours of the morning trying to open tomorrow. IT JUST AIN'T GONNA HAPPEN. We need 1 more day to dot our i's and cross our t's and have everything set up and in working order. We truly sorry. You've been so patient and we were so excited but we have no choice but to keep the lid on this adventure FOR ONE MORE DAY. Thank you for understanding as we try to be at our best for all of you, and all you fur, fin, and feather babies we love to love. We couldn't appreciate you more! ❤️

02/14/2024

Exciting news! City inspectors cleared us for occupancy today. WE'RE MOVING!!!

Tomorrow (Feb. 14) is our last day in the old building, then we shut down for two days (15th and 16th) to pull off the move and re-open in the new digs Monday, February 19th.

SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE OF BEING CLOSED Thursday and Friday but there was no other way to get all our new equipment set up and old equipment moved over. But you're going to love it!

We'll do an OPEN HOUSE later, but if your pet needs care now, give us a call and set up an appointment. But hurry! Spots are filling up fast.

HOURS OF OPERATION, for now, will remain 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday, no weekends. But we'll be expanding hours as soon as we're fully staffed, including weekends and emergencies.

So keep watching this space!

01/29/2024

Work continues to progress with us hoping to be in the new building by Monday, February 19. Key word here is HOPE, with some things outside our control.

In other news, starting Monday, Feb 5th, we are switching to new TEMPORARY hours to enable us to better manage the transition. These will be 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, with no Saturday appointments (for now).

And if you've ever wanted to work in the field of veterinary medicine, realize too this could be your chance. Having already added to our staff two excellent docs, Dr. Jessica French and Dr. Erin Maxted, we're now in the market for additional technicians, veterinary assistants, receptionists, and kennel attendants (KAs) part-time and full.

If YOU are interested in perhaps the hardest job you'll ever love, drop off a resume or stop by 533 S 24th St W and pick up an application. We'd love considering you for our team! 😊

12/28/2023

🥁🥁🥁 drumroll please!! 🥁🥁🥁
INTRODUCING: Dr. Jess French D.V.M.
Our family is growing! Starting on January 2nd, we have a new doctor on staff!
We are so excited to have her on board, and can’t wait to see the amazing things she does!

Call to schedule an appointment with our new doc at 406-656-6320 🫶🏼

12/14/2023

Huge thanks to our friends at Western Security Bank for the Christmas goodies!!!