Compassionate, Skilled, and Dedicated to Exceptional Pet Care
Meet Our Veterinary Team
At Baxter Creek Veterinary Clinic, our team of veterinarians, licensed veterinary technicians, and support staff share one goal — to provide exceptional, compassionate veterinary care to the pets of Bozeman, Belgrade, Livingston, Three Forks, Manhattan, Big Sky, and West Yellowstone.
Baxter Creek is home to ahighly trained and deeply caring teamthat combines medical expertise, modern technology, and a genuine love for animals. Every member of our staff is committed to offering thorough, practical, and affordable care — always with your pet’s comfort and well-being at the forefront.
Our Veterinarians
Spencer Anderson, DVM
Dr. Spencer Anderson, a native of Montana, graduated from Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation, he spent three years in the Army taking care of military working dogs, including a deployment to Iraq. In 2007 Dr. Anderson returned to Bozeman, and in November 2010 he opened Baxter Creek Veterinary Clinic. He enjoys being part of the Bozeman community.
Click here to read an article about Dr. Anderson featured in the Bozeman Daily Chronicle.
Palmer Poutre, DVM
Dr. Palmer Poutre grew up in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and moved to Bozeman in 2004. She joined Baxter Creek as a technician in 2010 while pursuing her undergraduate degree. She received a B.S. in Equine Science from Montana State University in 2011. Palmer then attended St. George’s University for veterinary school, with clinical training completed at Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Poutre is thrilled to be back in Montana and at Baxter Creek Veterinary Clinic. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors with her dogs and is an avid horse lover.
Jessica Bienapfl, DVM
Dr. Jessica Bienapfl graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Montana State University in 2002. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 2008. She has an interest in internal medicine, soft tissue surgery, and particularly in acupuncture, having obtained her Veterinary Acupuncture Certification from the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) in 2009. Dr. Bienapfl and her husband have a sprightly Lab named Elsie and two cats named Haast and Penny. In her spare time, she enjoys a wide variety of outdoor activities including gardening, skiing, hiking, camping, and mountain biking.
Miles Arakaki, DVM
Dr. Miles Arakaki worked in the military and construction industry prior to veterinary school at Colorado State University. After graduating in 2004, he served as an Army veterinarian in Texas and North Carolina, and deployed twice to Afghanistan. He then worked as a civilian veterinarian at an Army working dog kennel in Missouri. He has formal education as a working dog trainer, and offers training consulting services. When not practicing, he enjoys training with his Belgian Malinois and Golden Retriever.
John Ellington, DVM
Dr. John Ellington was born in Georgia and grew up in the Carolinas. He moved to Bozeman in December 2023 to follow his best friends and veterinary school classmates, who had taken the same path several years prior. He received his B.S. in Biological Sciences from Clemson University in 2015 and graduated from The University of Georgia with his doctorate in veterinary medicine in 2020. His favorite parts of practicing medicine are soft tissue surgery and interacting with clients and their beloved pets. When not at the office, John spends his time fly fishing, snow skiing, and cuddling with his Beagle, Milly.
Our Support Staff
Shanna, Practice Manager / Licensed Veterinary Technician
Shanna came to Baxter Creek Vet in June of 2013. She is originally from Kent, Ohio. She started working in the veterinary field as an assistant in 2000 and earned her degree in Veterinary Technology in 2006. During her college years, Shanna worked summers in Yellowstone National Park and discovered a great love of this area and decided to work towards moving here permanently. In her free time she enjoys hiking, camping, paddle boarding, and skiing.
Alyssa, Practice Manager / Licensed Veterinary Technician
Alyssa is originally from the San Diego area and moved to Montana in 2012. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science from MSU in May of 2016. She has an extensive background with horses, from showing them competitively to using them for ranch work. Alyssa has a Palomino Quarter Horse named Boone, as well as two Boston Terriers, Mac and Rocco, and a French Bulldog, Radar. When she has some time to spare, Alyssa enjoys riding Boone, playing with her dogs, and exploring all that Montana has to offer.
Melinda, Veterinary Receptionist
Melinda grew up in rural Pennsylvania. After graduating from Gannon University, she moved west with her husband. Melinda has been part of the veterinary community since 1994. She joined Baxter Creek in 2017 and is very happy to be a part of the Baxter Creek family! In her free time she enjoys spending time with family, gardening, biking, hiking, skiing and playing her guitar.
Krystan, Veterinary Assistant
Krystan, a native of western Washington, relocated to Sidney, MT in 2018 to complete high school. Following graduation, she delved into Animal Science at Miles Community College, now nearing completion of her Bachelor’s at Montana State University. Off-duty, she revels in playing with her dogs, Stark and Capone, home projects, and cherished moments with loved ones.
Gillian, Veterinary Assistant
Gillian moved to Bozeman in 2018 to attend MSU. She graduated with her BFA and by then had fallen in love with Montana. Gillian is currently studying at MSU for Animal Science. She has two pets, a calico cat named Bug and a ball python named Lumin. When not at work, Gillian enjoys reading, painting, playing with Bug, and looking for critters on hikes.
Justine, Licensed Veterinary Technician
Justine is from central Montana but moved to the Bozeman area in 2019. She obtained her second degree in Wildlife and Ecology Management from MSU. She is currently enrolled in classes to get her veterinary technician degree before taking the national exam. She lives with an incredibly dog-like cat named Otter-Pop, however she most often refers to her as “Little Stinky.” In her free time she quilts, reads, fishes and builds Legos with her partner, Wes.
Addy, Veterinary Assistant
Addy is a Montana native who moved to Bozeman in 2016 to attend Montana State University. She began at the clinic in 2019 and has a strong passion for helping animals. She has two dogs with whom she spends all of her free time. Find her making coffee on the weekends and exploring the outdoors.
Dedicated to Exceptional Veterinary Care in Bozeman, MT
The Baxter Creek Veterinary Clinic team is passionate about providing high-quality, compassionate veterinary services. From preventive care to complex surgery, each member of our team is here to ensure your pet receives the best care possible — every visit, every time.
Call (406) 587-5537, email baxtercreekvet@yahoo.com, or book an appointment online to meet our team and discover the difference compassionate, professional veterinary care can make for your pet.