By Barbara Rowley
Dr. Sid Gustafson, a veterinarian and
animal behaviorist with over 30 years
of experience, is opening a Big Sky
practice on Aug. 1 in the Bighorn Center
on Highway 191.
Gustafson and his veterinary technician
will be offering all types of primary and
preventative care for horses, dogs and
cats. Other animals may be seen, but
will be referred to specialists as needed.
“Basically, what Dr. Daniels offers for
people, we will offer for animals,” Gustafson
said. Medical grooming (teeth,
ears, nails) will be available, as will
all primary (non-threatening trauma)
emergency services, vaccinations as
appropriate, and neutering of healthy
young animals.
Gustafson, who describes his practice
as holistic and natural, will also sell Nature’s
Way products, which he says is
a premium quality food with a natural
approach. In addition, he will offer a
full array of what he calls Animal Enrichment
Services, including dog walking,
training, animal first aid classes. An
author and novelist, Gustafson wrote
and published the book First Aid for
the Active Dog.
A graduate of MSU who received his
doctor of veterinary medicine degree
at the University of Washington,
Gustafson will maintain a practice in
Bozeman but his primary clinic will be
in Big Sky. He will commute between
the two at first, but plans to make his
primary residence in Big Sky as soon as
possible.
Gustafson will enlist the services of a
certified animal chiropractor and pre-vet
students and interns. He hopes to
provide educational services in equine
and animal behavior and train individuals
who wish to provide animal
enrichment services such as pet sitting
and walking.
Initially the clinic will be open
Monday through Thursday from
9 – 5, but Gustafson allows that these
hours might increase depending on
demand. He will also make house calls
as needed.
“I love to ski and I’ve been enamored
of the Big Sky area since it was developed.
I knew Chet Huntley and the
first General Manager, Gus Rahm,”
Gustafson said. “The time seemed
right to finally come up here full time.
We couldn’t be more excited.”
Gustafson can be reached at Veterinary
Clinic of Big Sky at 995-2266.
Read more about his diverse career as
veterinarian, author and animal behaviorist
at sidgustafson.com/works.htm.
