Dr. Dave Hunt spent 26 years running a solo veterinary practice on a remote Alaskan island before moving into relief work, picking up unusual jobs along the way, from Iditarod sled dog medicine to flying into the backcountry with a dart gun to tranquilize and castrate stallions. He has practiced everywhere from Wyoming to the Caribbean, and chaired the Alaska State Board of Veterinary Examiners. His latest chapter has taken his relief practice to Molokai, Hawaii, where he is working to add licensure so he can keep going. This profile first ran on Relief Rover, the relief-vet community platform that joined Hound in 2023.

In His Own Words

What inspired you to become a veterinarian?

"I knew I wanted to become a veterinarian ever since second grade. I have always loved animals."
Dr. Dave Hunt

What states are you licensed in, or working to obtain licensure within?

"Wyoming, Utah, Alaska, Montana, Idaho, and I am working to obtain licensure in Hawaii."
Dr. Dave Hunt

What roles have you had within the veterinary profession, and outside of it?

"I have worked as an associate, a solo practice owner on a remote Alaskan island for 26 years, a raptor center veterinarian, an Iditarod sled dog veterinarian, a Caribbean island associate, a mobile veterinarian, and chairman of the Alaska State Board of Veterinary Examiners."
Dr. Dave Hunt

What made you switch to relief practice?

"After 26 years of solo veterinary work, I switched to relief work."
Dr. Dave Hunt

What are your favorite things about being a relief vet?

"I love the flexibility that being a relief vet allows you."
Dr. Dave Hunt

What are your least favorite things about being a relief vet?

"There are those more in depth cases that you treat, but you do not get to follow up with the long-term treatment and progress."
Dr. Dave Hunt

How do you feel that relief practice supports the veterinary profession as a whole?

"Relief practice is very supportive, especially to solo practitioners and remote practices."
Dr. Dave Hunt

What supplies or equipment do you bring with you on the job?

"That depends on how remote."
Dr. Dave Hunt

What do you look for in a practice when deciding to cover shifts for them?

"I seek out practices that mirror my passion for high quality veterinary medicine."
Dr. Dave Hunt

Have you picked up any unique practice tips while being a relief vet?

"Of course. I am always picking up new tips and tricks. I have learned new anesthetic protocols, computer systems, and continue to learn about all the different ways veterinarians practice."
Dr. Dave Hunt

What is your most memorable relief job?

"That is easy. I was fortunate enough to fly into remote Alaska and use a dart gun to tranquilize stallions and castrate them."
Dr. Dave Hunt

What advice would you give new relief vets, or someone thinking about becoming one?

"It is important to mirror the values of the clinic you are working at. Be flexible."
Dr. Dave Hunt

How has the global pandemic affected your relief practice?

"Well, I moved my family to Molokai, Hawaii, and I hope to be doing relief work here soon."
Dr. Dave Hunt

What are your hobbies and passions outside of work?

"All things water. Fly fishing, skiing, and scuba diving."
Dr. Dave Hunt