Letters to the Editor: Veterinarian Needed in Mason Valley NV

Yerington NV – May 14, 2026

From Cathy Kerrigan of Yerington, Nevada:

Dear Editor:
I moved to Yerington 34 years ago. At that time we had a choice of Vets, there were three at the time. Now we have zero. I am writing to inquire what if any steps are being taken to recruit a Veterinarian . The last two that were here was measurably questionable but at least they were here.
Should the Mayor be a recruiter? Commissioners?
Perfect clinic is already set up AND for sale.

There have been multiple emergency’s that require a vet over the years. I drove to Fallon a few years ago in order to deal with a terminal situation, it was snowing , with high winds and everyone was at risk being on the highway. So Fallon or Fernley, Dayton or Gardnerville, those are our current choices. I don’t think that is good enough, yes there is a large animal vet in Smith Valley happy for that.

Thank you for reading this.
Sincerely Cathy Kerrigan
Yerington

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From Pizen Switch Editor, Leah Wilkinson:

Mason Valley’s need for a permanent community-based veterinarian is indeed a major concern for residents.

Last year, Jane Montalbano of the Red Rooster Emporium arranged for a vet from Washoe Valley to come to Mason Valley monthly. That vet acquired a business license from the City of Yerington and Jane, as a volunteer, would find a venue & schedule appointments! It was a great community effort…until the vet moved to Arkansas.

Torvik Veterinary Clinic from Fallon NV https://www.torvikvet.com/ currently comes to Mason Valley every few months for vaccination clinics and well checks in the Ray Voshall Building at the Lyon County Fairgrounds.

But when it comes to spay/neuters, outpatient procedures and emergencies…pet & animal owners must still travel out of town to receive services.

This can be very traumatic for humans to drive while their animal is in the midst of an emergency.

The government agencies of Yerington and Lyon County recognize Mason Valley’s need for a permanent, community-based veterinarian. But their duties do not include the recruitment of a veterinarian.

A few months ago, I suggested (to the City Manager) that the City consider purchasing, through grants/donations, the professional building on Main Street that had been our community’s vet clinic. This property could house our animal shelter (including dogs AND cats), and could be a dynamic center for visiting veterinarians to spay/neuter and deliver vaccinations, etc. (Elko, Nevada has an all-services animal shelter. https://www.elkocity.com/resident_information/adopt_a_pet_animal_shelter/index.php)

Another idea: A group of locals could start a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization to purchase the former veterinary clinic for the same purpose.

Two active groups work for different aspects of animal welfare: https://argonn.org/ and Yerington Animal Protection Society

I have spoken to several veterinarians about opening a turnkey practice in Yerington, since Greenfield closed a few years ago. Their responses are similar: most modern veterinarians have a preference in working for corporations/groups which provide fixed duty hours, business management, etc. They’ve stated that being a sole proprietor of a rural veterinary office can be 24/7, over-demanding and extremely stressful.

Related article:

The Veterinarian & the Veteran: Friends of St. Francis