Bigfork Animal Hospital

7575 MT HWY 35
Bigfork, MT 59911

(406)837-6250

bigforkanimalhospital.com

Bigfork Animal Hospital - Our Doctors

 

Jim Thompson, DVM

I did my undergraduate work at the University of Arizona and then graduated from the Colorado State University Veterinary School in 1986. I practiced in my hometown of Phoenix for six years. Looking for a slower pace, I moved to Whitefish, MT to raise my family and purchased the Whitefish Animal Hospital in 1992. During my free time (if any!), I enjoy my family time, watching my boys play hockey, and all outdoor activities.



Leslie Fethke, DVM, DACVS

I received my bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Denver and then graduated from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2007. After veterinary school I went into equine medicine and surgery. I completed two equine internships followed by a three-year large animal surgery residency at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. In 2013, I became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons for large animals (DACVS-LA). I practiced as an equine surgeon in Las Vegas for 2 years before transitioning to small animal medicine and surgery. I worked at an AAHA-accredited small animal hospital in Las Vegas for 4 years. My husband and I met in my home state of Colorado and we share a love for the mountains. We moved our son and chocolate lab to the Flathead Valley to be part of a mountain community where we can enjoy the outdoors and raise our family.



China Prentice, DVM

I grew up with a slew of dogs and horses, and rode competitively through my childhood and into the present.  I completed my bachelor's degree in developmental Biology from Cal State University - Fullerton, and then graduated from Western University, School of Veterinary Medicine in 2015.  I also pursued and am completing my Masters in Public Health via a dual degree program through University of Minnesota - Minneapolis.  I chose to go into small animal medicine for my love of companion animals, especially our hunting breeds. I love taking care of working dogs, and am very involved in North Valley Search and Rescue with my tracking Walker hound Johnnie!  I have lived in Montana for 4 years now and love every season here.  I have a daughter and several dogs and horses, and we are always out on adventures camping, on horseback, or scouting/hunting.  I look forward to continuing to serve our community in both the veterinary and outdoor worlds! 



Shea Stevens, DVM

I was born and raised in Kalispell and grew up loving all the Flathead Valley has to offer. I earned both a bachelor's degree in microbiology and a Leadership Fellows Certificate from Montana State University before completing veterinary school at Oregon State University. My fiancé, Casey,  is the head golf professional at Buffalo Hill Golf Club, and with both of our families still settled in the valley, I couldn't be more excited to be back home. Outside of work, I enjoy exploring the Montana outdoors with my lab, Gracie, and our mixed breed dog, Bailey. I also love golfing, bass fishing, Bobcat Football, and finding opportunities to experience live jazz.
 
I look forward to sharing my passion for leadership and service with my hospital teams and community. My special interests in preventative health, animal behavior, surgery and dentistry will help me to foster the human-animal bond and promote pets' overall wellness and longevity, allowing clients as many happy years with their pets as possible. I'm a firm believer that veterinarians and clients work as a team in pet care. I know veterinary visits can be stressful for both you and your pet, so please let me know what I can do to help you leave the hospital feeling comforted, educated, and empowered!