From Hat D Ranch to Final Seasons Vet: A Veterinarian’s Lifelong Dedication to Animals, Families, and Compassion

For nearly 30 years as a veterinarian, I’ve had the honor of caring for animals and their families in Utah—a place where my roots run deep and my passion for veterinary medicine was born. From growing up on a farm to founding my own veterinary practice, my life has been shaped by an unwavering commitment to providing compassionate care, especially during the winter season of our pets’ lives.

Growing Up on Hat D Ranch

I was born and raised on a small family farm, “Hat D Ranch,” in south-central Utah—a family legacy passed down from the pioneer days when the Utah Territory was settled. Growing up on the ranch, I cared for horses, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, and turkeys, forging deep bonds with the animals I raised and cared for.

As a young boy, my love for dogs, cats, and horses shaped my earliest memories, and my dream of becoming a veterinarian took root. Watching our family vet make house calls to treat our animals inspired me to pursue a career where I could make a difference in the lives of both pets and people.

I remember vividly, a day when I was about 12 years old.  My favorite mare, “Marlo” was struggling to have a foal.  I had spent nearly every day with Marlo for the past four years.  My dad had already called our vet, but he was several counties away and had just finished assisting another client.  My dad and I tried all we could think of, but we could not get the foal started into the birth canal properly.  I knew the foal would likely not survive, but I was so worried about Marlo too.  When the vet arrived, he made quick work, repositioning the foal and eventually pulling him out. After he left, I laid there with my mare in her stall most of the night.  My dog, “Coalie,” a black lab, laid there with me, at times licking the tears from my cheeks.  

Our vet made several trips to our farm in the following days, treating Marlo.  It was such a sad event in my life, losing the baby foal, but our vet saving the life of my mare, spurred me towards this rewarding career of helping animals.  This event, with my dad, my mare, my dog, and our family veterinarian, was the very moment I knew I wanted to become a veterinarian.  So many more experiences like this one reinforced my decision from this young age.  My love for animals, and my love for helping them and their human parents has been who I am my entire life.

My Educational Journey

After graduating high school, I began my studies at Utah Valley University and Utah State University, earning my Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Science. From there, I was accepted into Colorado State University’s prestigious veterinary program, where I spent another four years earning my degree as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

Upon graduating, I returned to Utah, working as an associate veterinarian in both large and small animal hospitals before opening my own practice in Salina, Utah—North Valley Veterinary Clinic. For 15 years, I served rural communities as a mixed-animal practitioner, caring for everything from beloved family pets to livestock vital to local farms.

The Birth of My Mobile Practice

When I sold my veterinary hospital, I wanted to provide a more personalized experience for pets and their families. I shifted to mobile veterinary care, keeping the name North Valley Veterinary Clinic as I began offering in-home and farm calls.

Through these years, I developed a deep conviction that pets deserved the dignity and comfort of spending their winter season in their home environment, surrounded by the people they loved most. This belief shaped my mobile practice, with in-home euthanasia becoming its cornerstone.

Rebranding to Final Seasons Veterinary Services

In early 2024, I rebranded my practice to Final Seasons Veterinary Services, reflecting my vision of providing compassionate end-of-life care. I also embraced advancements in technology, recognizing a growing need for accessible, timely veterinary services.

With traditional veterinary hospitals facing challenges in scheduling, I expanded my services to include virtual consultations through platforms like Google Meet. Now, I can assist pet parents directly—providing personalized telemedicine, answering urgent questions, and offering invaluable advice from the comfort of their home.

Looking Forward

As I embark on this new chapter in my career, I’m excited to help pet parents navigate their pets’ health and well-being, whether it’s through in-home care or virtual consultations. My decades of experience treating a wide range of species, especially dogs, cats, and horses, enable me to offer expert advice and solutions tailored to each individual pet.  Most times, pet parents simply need some guidance.  Waiting for an in-clinic appointment can take weeks to get your pet in to see a vet.  With a virtual consultation, I will be able to see you, your pet, and give you valuable advice and guidance on what can be done until your in-person appointment, if your pet does need one. My goal is to ensure you feel supported, heard, and confident in the care you provide for your beloved pet.  I am committed to offering you personalized care and advice, helping you feel empowered to make informed decisions for your pet’s health and well-being.

Thinking back to that night with Marlo and Coalie, I’ll forever wonder if a virtual consultation could have helped us get Marlo’s foal out, safe, and alive.  While the technology wasn’t available then, I hope that through my mobile services and virtual consultations today, I can help families avoid similar heartbreaks and create moments of hope—even in the toughest of times.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about my journey and the passion that drives my practice. I look forward to working with you and your pets, helping you find answers and providing the compassionate care they deserve.

Whether you're looking for timely answers to urgent pet questions or compassionate guidance for your beloved pet's winter season, I'm here to help. Schedule a virtual consultation today—getting the care and support you need has never been easier.

Dustin Durfee DVM
Final Seasons Veterinary Services