About Us
Our mission:
It is our mission to provide compassionate, caring, and exceptional veterinary service to our community. We strive to provide leading-edge veterinary services and education to our clients so that we can enhance the human-animal bond you share with your companion. It is an honor and a privilege for us to be a part of your pets care and we are dedicated to helping your pet live a longer, happier, and healthier life in this wonderful Colorado Springs area.
Meet Our Team!
Richard Monyek, DVM
Owner / Veterinarian
How long in the field: More than 30 years
Background and Schooling: Richard is a 1987 graduate of Colorado State University with his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. He began working as an associate veterinarian for Austin Bluffs Animal Clinic in Colorado Springs from 1988 to present.
Favorite part of the job: Richard continues to enjoy the challenges and rewards of veterinary medicine and has a special interest in soft tissue surgery, anesthesia and pain management as well as geriatric medicine.
My own pets: Richard has two Sharpeis
Outside of work: Outside of work he enjoys spending time with his family and pets and taking trips to the east coast for ocean fishing. He is also an amateur photographer with Houndog Photography.
Jesse Hand, DVM
Veterinarian
How long at ABAC: Started on 4/21/2018
How long in the field: 8 years (Graduated May 2010)
Background and Schooling: Grew up in Colorado Springs/Manitou Springs. Manitou Springs High School grad (2002). BS in Zoology and Doctor of Vet Medicine from Colorado State University (both in 2010, long story…). Worked ~ 8 years as an ophthalmology student technician at CSU. Also was raised by wolves (1000+ volunteer hours over 8 years at a Wolf and Wolf-dog sanctuary near Fort Collins, CO).
Favorite part of the job: I love preventative medicine because I love teaching. Though I don’t get the opportunity to teach Veterinary students anymore, I love the chance to teach people things they may not have known about their pets.
My own pets: One very spoiled Great Pyrenees mix dog named Mistaya (Misty for short).
Hobbies outside of work: Handyman- I love to build/repair/create things (woodworking, classic VW tinkering, etc). Collector (pronounced “Hoarder”)- I love garage sailing/ thrift store shopping, especially looking for 1980’s toys. Gamer (pronounced “Geek or Nerd”)- I love tabletop gaming with friends.
Trephina Benn MVB
Veterinarian
How long at ABAC: Started at ABAC 2017.
How long in the field: I graduated from University College Dublin, Ireland in 1996. I practiced there for 4 years in a mixed animal practice and also worked with marine mammals. I moved to Colorado in 2001 and received my Colorado Veterinary License in 2002.
Favorite part of the job: I enjoyed working in a mixed animal practice for 15 years before deciding to concentrate on dogs and cats by moving to ABAC.
What I love about ABAC: I enjoy getting to know my patient’s families and being able to provide lifetime care from puppy or kittenhood to the end of life. I have a special fondness for geriatric dogs and cats. I love that at ABAC we can provide a friendly, welcoming environment combined with top-notch medical and surgical expertise.
My own pets: I live in the country with my husband 3 kids 3 dogs 5 cats 3 horses 2 donkeys and 5 chickens.
Outside of work: I love to dance and listen to live music. My favourite place to be is on horseback.
Brian
Veterinary Technician
How long at ABAC: Since 2001
How long in the field: Since 2001
Background and Schooling: Brian is a 2001 graduate of Bel Rea Institute of Veterinary Technology with an associate’s degree.
Favorite part of the job: Brian works hard at client rapport.
My own pets: Brian enjoys hunting with his German Wirehair Pointer Dillinger and taking his lab mix Lola on walks around his neighborhood.
Hobbies: His interests include outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing as well as watching hockey. Go Avs!
Kaitlin
Veterinary Technician
How long at ABAC: Started on 8/27/2018
How long in the field: Since October of 2016
Background and Schooling: Born and raised in Colorado Springs. Was a 3rd generation graduate from William J. Palmer High School in 2014, completed the CVA program at PIMA in 2016. I hope to go back to school to become a DVM. I’ve always wanted to be a vet since I was little.
Favorite part of the job: I love seeing the pets walk out of the clinic healthy and happy. I started out in this field in emergency and way too often I didn’t see that. I love that I’m also still constantly learning new ways to help animals.
What I love about ABAC: I love how chill the environment is. I love that the doctors and techs are willing to take their time to teach me new things. Everyone is so friendly here.
My own pets: I’ve always had several pets in my house. Currently I have a spoiled Siamese cat named Kinzey, a crazy rescue mutt (Australian Cattle Dog/Chow Chow) named Koda, a fat potato guinea pig named George, and a mellow Red Eared Slider named Tily.
Outside of work: I’ve always been captivated by nature. I try to escape to the mountains whenever I can. I also really love photography, specifically in nature. I always have my camera with me ready to capture any gorgeous sight that Colorado will give me.
Vanessa
Receptionist
What To Expect
When you are looking for a veterinary care clinic you should be able to count on superior care and excellent service. We at Austin Bluffs Animal Clinic have assembled an expert team of veterinary professionals to bring you the best possible healthcare for your pet. We have a state-of-the-art veterinary facility which is clean, and comfortable. Call 719-598-7879 to schedule an appointment and we will find a time that is convenient for you.
You should take your pet in for a check-up every six months to a year depending on your pets age. This will include a full physical exam and may include teeth and gum cleaning if needed. Our doctors will check the health of your pet from head to tail.
Bring in any medical history you have of your pet when you come to our vet clinic. It’s best to keep a journal of your pet’s health throughout his or her life, including behavioral shifts. If you have something like this, share it with our team. If not, let us know everything that you think will be important. Our team can still work with whatever information you have.
In some circumstances, our veterinarians will refer you to a specialist who has advanced expertise in areas such as internal medicine or surgery.
Payment Options
2. We accept debit cards, credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover), checks and cash. All cards must be signed by the owner of the card.
3. When unexpected illness strikes a pet, unexpected expense strikes as well. Austin Bluffs Animal Clinic understands this and is able to make some special arrangements through the CareCredit program. It takes just 5 minutes to complete an application and will allow you to break down your payment into 6 monthly installments. You can either apply at our hospital, where we’ll call in your application over the phone for immediate approval, or apply yourself online at: www.CareCredit.com.
Highlights of the CareCredit program:
- Low Monthly Payments (3% of the Total Balance)
- Interest-Free For 6 Months
- Determine Approval in a Few Minutes
- No Annual Fee
Welcome to Austin Bluffs Animal Clinic
We're open six days a week to make sure the pets of Colorado Springs get the care that they need.
Address
Contact Info
Phone: 719-598-7879
Fax: 719-598-7539
Email: austinbluffsanimalclinic@msn.com
Hours
Mon – Fri: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
Clinic Closures: New Year's Day - Memorial Day - 4th of July - Labor Day - Thanksgiving Day - Christmas Day