James Ziegler, DVM

Dr. Ziegler comes to us after serving as a general practice veterinarian on the Front Range for eleven years. Practice before that included working at the Aspen and Carbondale Animal Hospitals for one year and a one-year rotating internship at Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital. While growing up in the mountains west of Denver, Dr. Ziegler always wanted to become a veterinarian. A long detour included becoming a Certified Veterinary Technician at Colorado Mountain College which brought him to the Roaring Fork Valley in 1986. While attending CMC, Dr. Z. worked at a local ranch and other businesses which built character and a strong work ethic.

With becoming a veterinarian still in mind, he commuted from this area to Mesa State College where he earned a bachelor’s degree. Finally, in 1995 Dr. Z. left the valley to attend veterinary college and graduated four years later from Colorado State University. Now he is excited about this new opportunity to return to this paradise and the wonderful people who live here. Dr. Ziegler is very grateful to Dr. Leake for the chance to take the helm as the owner of Red Hill Animal Health Center. Dr. Z is also grateful for the competent and friendly staff who have made him feel at home.

Dr. Z. and his wife, Kelly, are ecstatic to make Carbondale their new home. Dr. Z has great love and respect for the outdoors and plans to spend his precious free time hiking, mountain biking, fishing, camping, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and tending his barbecue. Dr. Z. also shares his life with a wired-haired Pointing Griffon– Earl Grey, a Golden Retriever – Otis,  and a cat – Dorian Grey

Dr. Ziegler is a member of the CVMA, AVMA, and AAHA and has special interests in wound management, soft tissue surgery, and lameness. Dr. Z. encourages old friends and new ones to come by and say “hello” any time.