GILPIN COUNTY – Residents of Gilpin County and nearby mountain communities are excited about the upcoming launch of Altitude Animal Aid, a mobile veterinary service set to open in mid-February 2025.
This new joint venture, led by Dr. Brien...
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GILPIN COUNTY – Residents of Gilpin County and nearby mountain communities are excited about the upcoming launch of Altitude Animal Aid, a mobile veterinary service set to open in mid-February 2025.
This new joint venture, led by Dr. Brien Jones and Ali Ihlenfeld, RVT, will bring veterinary care directly to people’s homes, making it easier for pet owners to avoid stressful trips and long waits at clinics.
Altitude Animal Aid will serve communities like Arvada, Boulder, Black Hawk, Coal Creek Canyon, Golden, Nederland, Pinecliffe, and Rollinsville.
At first, the service will focus on dogs and cats but plans to include goats and chickens in the spring.
Ihlenfeld said, "We would like to perform a quarterly or biannual vaccine clinic for local residents if there is a demand for it. We'd also love to hear from the community - while we likely can't do everything we would love to come up with different ways to support the community and the animals."
Dr. Jones, who graduated from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, has over seven years of experience in general practice, urgent care, and emergency medicine.
He is passionate about helping pets and their owners feel comfortable during visits, often sitting on the floor with animals to build trust.
Dr. Jones lives in Coal Creek Canyon and feels deeply connected to the mountain community. In his free time, he enjoys snowboarding, hiking, camping, cooking for friends and family, and listening to live music at Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
Ihlenfeld, a Registered Veterinary Technician, brings additional expertise and a shared commitment to providing compassionate care for pets and their families.
With over a decade of experience in the veterinary field, Ihlenfeld is a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) in Colorado and holds a degree in Communications with a minor in Public Relations.
Throughout her career, she has worked in general practice and emergency management, gaining diverse skills and knowledge. She is passionate about animal behavior, nutrition, and senior care and enjoys working closely with pet owners to improve their animals’ health and well-being through customized care.
She has worked closely with rescues and fostered over three dozen rescue dogs, often ones with special needs.
Her goal with Altitude Animal Aid is to help pets live longer, healthier lives by providing care in the comfort of their homes, making the veterinary experience less stressful for both pets and their owners.
The services offered will include routine checkups, vaccinations, treatment for minor illnesses and injuries, and end-of-life support.
Dr. Jones is especially skilled in wound care and pain management, and he’s excited to use the latest tools and treatments to improve the quality of life for pets.
A portable ultrasound will be available for quick diagnostics, and there are plans to add X-ray services in the future.
Medications will be provided through an onboard pharmacy or ordered online for fast delivery.
Altitude Animal Aid will also offer emergency services and same-day appointments when possible.
Emergencies like injuries, breathing problems, or sudden severe illnesses can be handled quickly, with Dr. Jones helping stabilize pets and guiding owners if additional care is needed at a larger facility.
Flexible scheduling will make it easy for pet owners to get help by booking online or sending a text.
The cost of an exam will depend on the location and type of appointment, and telemedicine consultations will be available for routine follow-ups after establishing a relationship with Dr. Jones.
This convenient approach will save pet owners time and reduce the hassle of traveling into town for care.
Dr. Jones and Ihlenfeld say they are thrilled to offer a service that makes veterinary care more accessible and less stressful for both pets and their owners. For more information or to book an appointment, visit altitudeanimalaid.com, call 720-257-9790, or email ali@altitudeanimalaid.com. With its blend of compassionate care and convenience, Altitude Animal Aid is set to become an essential resource for mountain pet owners.