Exploring Life & Business with Jay Brekke of Brekke Veterinary Clinic

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jay Brekke.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I Graduated from Vet school in 2013 from CSU Fort Collins and moved to my hometown of Canon City, CO where I practice veterinary medicine for 2 years before moving to Castle Pines to start my own small animal general practice. My wife (non vet) has been my backbone for the support and growth of the business and helped with all the nonveterinary needs and financials. Together we have grown from 3 staff members to 30 and from 1 clinic to 2 state-of-the-art clinics 15 minutes from each other.

We have become a big part of the community and now have many friends. My sister-in-law has joined us in the past 3 years helping run our rescue division which is a big part of our practice. We treat thousands of rescue animals each year from TX, OK, and NM to give them great Denver homes. Our way of giving back.

3 years ago we hired Dr. Jackie who was my good friend in vet school. Together we help the community with great vet care. In the past 2 years, our community went from 10 family-owned practices down to just me. Everyone else has sold to corporate or equity companies. We are the ONLY family owned and operated. Times are changing and we are staying strong being family owned and will stay this way. I’m proud to be a native Coloradoan in a great community!

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It’s been smooth but with COVID, staffing changes, increase in prices, and supply change. Overall this has been such a great community that I love what I do.

We’ve been impressed with Brekke Veterinary Clinics, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are general veterinary care M-F 8-5:30 but have a surgeon, cardiologist, radiologist, and internist who we work with daily for advanced cases and care. We are the only family-owned in all of Castle Rock and Castle Pines. We offer personalized vet care at every visit.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
For any new grad or vet wanting to start their own practice, do it. Don’t let anything hold you back. Find other vets in the community and partner and work with a specialist to help you take your care and experience to the next level.

Owning your own vet practice is the only way to keep this profession personal. Stay away from corporate non-veterinarians as this will change the career for good. Stay small, stay family orientated.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.brekkevet.com 

Image Credits
Mark Stevens Photography