Relief Veterinarian
Dr. Catherine Young grew up with a variety of animals on a small farm in Miles City in eastern Montana, including a 900-lb pig, goats, mules, donkeys, lots of dogs, cats, guinea pigs, and chickens. She spent her childhood riding and showing quarter horses and competing in AQHA Youth World shows. For a semester after high school, she went backpacking in Kenya with the National Outdoor Leadership School. Working at a veterinary clinic while an undergraduate sparked her interest in veterinary medicine, so she went to Bozeman for the pre-veterinary program and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biotechnology of Animal Systems.
While in college, she worked in a research laboratory and met Dr. Trevor McCormick. They both worked for NASA, traveling to rural elementary schools to talk about the early Mars rover missions.
She graduated with a DVM from Washington State University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. Dr. Young spent her time in school participating in studies on equine pain management and summers working at mixed veterinary clinics in eastern Montana. Following graduation, she worked for a year at a mixed-animal practice in Eugene, Oregon, before moving back to eastern Montana. She practiced for nine years as an associate at a small animal practice in Miles City before switching to relief work.
Over the years, she has participated in a World Vets trip to Loreto, Mexico, as well as working with the Rural Area Veterinary Services providing veterinary care in Lower Brule, South Dakota. Dr. Young obtained a Certificate in Veterinary Acupuncture through Curacore in Colorado in 2018 and takes continuing education courses. She also keeps up with her two young boys, Masen and Henry, while her husband, Kevin, runs a general construction contracting business.
Dr. Young enjoys spending her free time doing Crossfit and walking with her three dogs as well as planning new adventures with her family that include extended trips in the camper. Her household also includes three pet chickens, three cats, and two skinny pigs.
