Respected. Renown. Talented. The team at Billings Animal Family Hospital is truly a cut above, united in a singular focus: providing your pet with the absolute best medical care possible.
DOCTORS
Dr. Edie R Best
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 and re-certified in 2013. 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.
In 2017 Dr. Best also became certified in Veterinary Medical Acupuncture. She uses acupuncture treatment in her practice for a variety of musculoskeletal and neurologic issues and pain management. Her practice interests include canine reproduction, internal medicine, cancer diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Best purchased Billings Animal Family Hospital in 2008. She and her husband live in the Huntley area and have 2 dogs, 5 cats, 2 horses and a donkey named DumDum. Outside of work she enjoys boating, hiking with the dogs, “glamping” and spending quality time with friends and family. She “jogged” her first half marathon in 2012 and continues to stay active when the Montana weather cooperates!
Dr. Sarah Bruggeman
Dr. Sarah joined the BAFH staff as a veterinarian in 2014 but she has worked here off and on through her college career since 2001 where she started as a receptionist. After she finished school, she left for Missoula to get her Bachelor Degree in Zoology. After she finished her BA, she left for Dublin Ireland to join their AVMA accredited Veterinary Program. She graduated in 2011 with her MVB in Veterinary Sciences and then returned home to Montana. Dr. Sarah enjoys small animal internal medicine/surgery but also loves to work with the more exotic type pets and wildlife. During veterinary school she spent time externing in Santa Barbara Zoo Veterinary department and working as a seasonal animal keeper at our own ZooMontana to further this passion. Her family includes 4 cats: Nadia, Poppet,Widget, and Thor; plus 2 dogs: Maximus and Bandit. On her free time she enjoys reading, baking and spending time doing outdoor activities with her animal friends.
Dr. Mandy Barnes
Dr. Mandy Barnes was born and raised in the country, south of Billings. She got her BS in Animal Science from MSU Bozeman and her DVM from Washington State University. Dr. Barnes started working as a mixed animal practitioner but has primarily been working on small animals for the past 10 years. She has a passion for surgery and through her experience with spay and neuter clinics around the state, has become very proficient at these procedures.
Mandy has 3 amazing children and loves outdoor activities including fishing, camping, horseback riding, hunting, hiking, and trail running. She has climbed two of the highest peaks in Montana and plans to continue these types of adventures. When she’s not exploring all the beauty of Montana, Mandy might be enjoying a friendly conversation with friends over a craft beer! If Dr. Barnes seems familiar, it’s because she worked at Billings Animal Family Hospital for 5 years before leaving to pursue other interests for a few years. She is excited to be back to work here full-time!
“Until one has loved an animal a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”
-Anatole France
MANAGER
Brooklyn
Brooklyn joined the BAFH team back in 2012 while in high school as a kennel assistant, and has helped us cover shifts ever since. Now she has returned to us as a part time team member as a Receptionist and Technician Assistant. She has 2 furry family members, 1 Pit Bull, Vegas and 1 French Bulldog, Gretta, who keeps her daughters Braelyn and Harper entertained. When Brooklyn isn’t helping at BAFH you can find her spending time with her family or selling her THIRTY-ONE BAGS.
“Be the person your dog thinks you are.”
-C.J. Frick
TECHNICIANS
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CynthiaCertified Veterinary Technician
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JustineCVT Assistant & Lead Technician / Inventory, Nutrition, & Kennel Manager
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BennettCertified Veterinary Technician
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MercedesCertified Veterinary Technician
Cynthia
Cynthia joined the Billings Animal Family Hospital team in July of 2000. She has a B.S. in Biology and Chemistry Education and while working here became a Certified Veterinary Technician in 2006. Although presently there are no pets in her household, she has taken in many in the past and given them loving homes. When she isn’t caring for the animals here, you can find her and her husband enjoying the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and exploring the mountains.
Justine
Justine joined the team at BAFH in November of 2011 as a kennel attendant and worked her way up the ladder from there. She then worked as a receptionist, a vet assistant, and nutrition manager. After 5 years of employment, at BAFH, she knew this was going to be her forever career. She went to an online school in Texas to become Certified as a Certified Veterinary Assistant. She is now studying to further her education and certifications to become a CVT (Certified Veterinary Technician). Justine is currently our lead technician, as well as inventory& nutrition manager. She enjoys all patients and strives to be their voice and give Optimal patient care. Her favorite thing you at BAFH is surgeries and talking to clients.She has 2 wiener dogs Cotter Jo and Rango Jax. When she is not working, she is enjoys being a military wife to her husband Austin, as well as traveling all over the world and being outdoors with him, and spending time with family and friends.
Bennett
Bio Coming Soon!
Mercedes
Bio Coming Soon!
“An animal’s eyes have the power to speak a great language.”
–Martin Buber
ASSISTANTS
Mandi
Bio Coming Soon!
Kaleah
Bio Coming Soon!
Abby
Bio Coming Soon!
“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
RECEPTIONISTS
Abigail
Bio Coming Soon!