Julie Oghigian, DVM CVA
Owner
Dr. Julie Oghigian has been working in the veterinary profession for well over 30 years, with over 20 of those in practice as a small animal veterinarian. She graduated from Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and chose to pursue a prestigious rotating internship at the nation’s third largest small animal referral hospital.
Dr. Julie has a strong interest in canine reproduction, canine sports medicine and rehabilitation, feline medicine/surgery, dentistry, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), zoo animal and wildlife
medicine/rehabilitation. Dr. Julie is also a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA), having undergone extensive training through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society. She was a Founding Fellow of the International Association of Cat Doctors and Fellow of the American Association of Feline Practitioners and is currently a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Montana Veterinary Medical Association, Society For Theriogenology, American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians, American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture, International Veterinary Acupuncture Society, International Sled Dog Veterinary Medical Association and multiple other organizations. Dr. Julie was the staff doctor at Guide Dogs of America for almost 5 years and was very excited to see the advancements and growth of the GDA veterinary program during that period.
Outside of work, Dr. Julie loves spending time with her husband, who grew up in Montana, and their children, friends, family, cats, and enjoys competing with her champion Labrador retrievers in the AKC conformation ring, hunt tests, obedience, rally, and other performance venues. Dr. Julie is a veterinary columnist in the world-renown Labrador Quarterly magazine. She also enjoys movies, books, photography, SCUBA diving, art, and the outdoors- hiking (especially with their pack llamas!), camping, fishing, shooting, gardening, rock-climbing, and exploring the wilderness.
Jessica Bienapfl, DVM
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Jessica Bienapfl, known to many as Dr. B or Dr. Jessica, is proud to call Bozeman, Montana, home. Having grown up in Bozeman, she has always loved the mountains and the outdoor lifestyle that makes Montana so special. She graduated from Montana State University in 2002 and earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Minnesota in 2008. She is also certified in acupuncture and has a special passion for helping companion animals live healthier, happier lives.
After spending several years away for her education, Dr. B returned to Bozeman in 2015 and was happy to be back in the place she loves. She believes caring for animals is about more than medicine—it’s about building relationships, understanding each pet’s unique needs, and helping families give their beloved companions the best possible life.
When she’s not at the clinic, you’ll likely find Jessica skiing, hiking, camping, or enjoying a good book. At home, she enjoys life with her husband, Dave, and their two cats, Nox and Wren, who keep things interesting and remind her every day why caring for animals is so special.
Jacob
Veterinary Assistant
Originally from Colorado Springs, Jacob is currently a pre-veterinary student at Montana State University, with plans to apply to veterinary school soon. A lifelong love for animals, especially horses, has inspired Jacob to pursue a career as a veterinarian specializing in large animals. Horses have always played a significant role in his life and are the main reason behind his passion for veterinary medicine. In addition to his deep connection with animals, Jacob has a strong interest in genetics, further fueling his desire to become a veterinarian. Outside of school, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his two rescue dogs, Rip and Lucy.
Megan
Veterinary Assistant
Megan is originally from Southern California and moved to Montana to pursue her passion for animal care while studying Animal Science at Montana State University. As a pre-veterinary student, she is focused on gaining experience in both large and small animal care, with the goal of one day owning her own mixed-animal practice. Megan has a strong interest in animal reproduction and enjoys learning about breeding management and reproductive health across a variety of species.
Tracy
Veterinary Assistant
Originally from Australia, Tracy now calls Montana home. After building a career in the travel industry and raising a family, she decided to follow her long-time love of animals and pursue a more meaningful, hands-on career in veterinary medicine.
For Tracy, veterinary medicine felt like a natural fit because it allowed her to turn her lifelong love of animals into a purposeful career where she can keep learning, advocating for animals, and working alongside owners to support their pets’ health and well-being. She is currently studying Veterinary Technology through Purdue University while gaining experience in the clinic. In the future, Tracy hopes to volunteer with animal rescue and rehabilitation efforts both locally and abroad.
Outside of work and school, Tracy enjoys life in Montana with her husband, their three children, and their three dogs. She loves spending time outdoors with her family, whether they are hiking, skiing, enjoying water sports, or planning their next travel adventure or beach vacation.
Derek
Practice Administrator
With 20 years of experience in veterinary medicine, Derek brings a wealth of knowledge, dedication, and passion to our team. His journey in veterinary medicine began as a kennel technician, and through hard work and a commitment to growth, he worked his way up through the clinic to become a surgery technician and, ultimately, our Veterinary Practice Manager.
His leadership philosophy goes beyond providing state-of-the-art veterinary medicine. He believes in a people-first approach, where the well-being, support, and happiness of our staff are just as important as the care we provide to our patients. He firmly believes that when the people caring for your pets feel valued and supported, they are empowered to provide the very best medicine and compassionate care.
He especially enjoys surgery and dentistry, supporting team members in their professional growth, and creating efficient systems that help the hospital run smoothly. His primary focus is ensuring the day-to-day operations of the clinic are seamless, our employees feel appreciated and supported, and we consistently deliver the highest quality of veterinary medicine.
When he’s not at the clinic, you’ll likely find him enjoying the outdoors—hiking, camping, cross-country skiing, or catching live music. He’s also a big coffee enthusiast!
