INTERVIEW: ‘Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet’ gears up for new Animal Planet show
Denver may never be the same again.
Dr. Jeff Young, subject of the new Animal Planet show Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet, has been helping his clients and their pets for some time, and his following is legendary. The veterinarian has seen more than 80,000 clients who have called on the Planned Pethood Plus clinic. When the pets can’t make it to the Denver office, he takes to the road and dispenses help from a mobile unit.
Young is a pet lover who the network identifies as not “your average vet.” The series premieres 10 p.m. Saturday, July 11 on Animal Planet.
Recently, Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Young. Answers have been slightly edited for style.
What made you want to work with animals?
I’ve always wanted to be a vet. When I was a boy, I had an animal that died in my arms, and I felt so helpless. And I knew then that I wanted to help these creatures as much as I could. I was always dragging stray animals home with me, and I also spent my summers on a farm growing up, surrounded by all sorts of animals. What I love most about my job is surgery — not just the challenge of doing it, but really putting animals back together — it’s so rewarding.
How do you keep the clinic’s services affordable for everyday pet companions?
Our model at the clinic is high volume and low cost. So in order for us to accommodate low-cost animal care, we see an enormous amount of clients. My client base is more than 80,000.
What’s the toughest part of your job?
The hardest part of my job is addressing the neglected cases. And because our clinic is so unique in that we serve the underserved communities, we see animals that had to be turned away from other clinics because of higher prices. So by the time the owners find us, sometimes weeks later, the problems are exacerbated. … They show up at our doors, and they can be completely broken up.
Do you believe the failure of so many people to spay and neuter their pets is a major problem for animals?
There’s no question that spaying and neutering is the most humane way to reduce the overpopulation problem, and we’re making a lot of progress now compared to years ago. If we spay and neuter animals, we don’t have [to] put down animals as a means to control the population. In addition, their health is improved tremendously over their lifetimes. This also means that we’re keeping the owners’ health care bills low as intact pets have much higher risks for diseases and complications.
Are you more of a dog person or cat person? Or both? Why?
I’m both! They both have their merits. I love all animals equally.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
- Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet premieres 10 p.m. Saturday, July 11 on Animal Planet. Click here for more information.
As a lover & owner of a various array of animals I thank you for the services you provide. I am forunate to have a vet that truely cares about the welfare of all of the many species of animals he cares for in his practice over cost. He also educates his clients & others about the benefits & need of spaying & neurtering.
This is only to thank Dr. Jeff for his service and dedication to the animals. They would not have care if it were not for his kind heart. You, Dr. Jeff deserve all that life has to offer, and I know there is a special place for you in heaven, sincerely Helene Summers
I have wondered why so many tv veterinarians, including Dr Jeff, seem to care very little for sterility. A hat, a mask, and surgery gown should always be used during a surgical procedure. Curious why they aren’t used. Even orthopedic surgeries are done in a cavalier manner. If this is playing to tv audience, shame on you. If this is the way you routinely practice, shame on you. You were taught better. In my 25 years of working as vet tech saw many poor pets who were the victims of veterinarians who practiced the same way. One poor cat even had part of the surgeons glove glued into wound.
What a amazing man. We always read that there are angels making us and he for sure is an angel. If more of vets would give a quarter of the time he gives think how much better off our world would be. God bless this wonderful man and his crew. Thank you go err all you do.
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I heard he pasted away is this true or not we luv’d his show an amazing man.
Hello dr. Jeff young my name is Eileen are touching and me and my mom watch your show all the time and we love it we have two dogs and one cat and we are trying to get them spayed it as soon as possible I wish you would be able to come to Banning California and help us out but I know you can’t keep up the good work and we will keep watching your show thank you Eileen
You provide us with a wonderful program that teaches folks how to be good owners. I am surprised at how people act to their pets. We have a 80 pound German Shepard that is our girl and we are always together. She is our kid since our children have left home. You are a great person and we thank you for the show. Our kid was sick and it cost us 4,ooo to treat her as she has a small liver. Bimbette is now 9 years old.
Bless Dr. Jeff hope you beat the cancer. You are an angel!
Love your show, never miss one. I and the rest of animal lovers wish all vets were like you. I told mine that. Prayers
Sent to you. ??
Where is Dr. Jeff on Saturday nights? After the show showed his hair being shaved, the move to the new location, there was no preview for the next show & lately Dr. Dee is on. Love her too
where is he? Please I miss him and wish him well