Welcome to 

Gunnison Veterinary Clinic, Critter Sitters, and Peaceful Journeys

 We treat your pets like the valued family members they are. We pride ourselves on being a small “mom & pop” business, while focusing on the safety and care of your furry family members. Our mission is to provide exceptional care that aligns with Gunnison's health forward lifestyle at an affordable cost. We strive to help pets live happier lives. We are committed to professional, compassionate, and personalized service for all. 

              GROOMING                            DOGGY DAYCARE                            BOARDING                    

   grooming         daycare        boarding

                            

                                   END OF LIFE SERVICES                           PREVENTATIVE MEDICINE

          Peaceful Journeys            vet

Your local source for quality pet care

Call or Text us at (970) 641-0460

You'll feel confident with our fully-trained staff. We go above and beyond to ensure your furry friends are healthy


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clinic


Dear Valued Clients:

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your trust and confidence in caring for your pets needs.  We would like to announce Dr. Bailey’s transition to Gunnison Valley Veterinary Clinic this fall. We are happy to continue to have Dr. Bailey’s expertise in the valley, ensuring that our clients and patients continue to receive exceptional medical care. We look forward to continuing to partner with Dr. Bailey in the years to come.

At Critter Sitters we are delighted to continue to provide pets with exceptional boarding, daycare, and grooming. We will remain to be their beloved home away from home and best doggy play date spot. We are excited for the many possibilities the future holds to improve their stays.

At Peaceful journeys, we will continue to be the town’s most heartfelt and honorable way to say goodbye to your beloved pets. You can trust that we will treat your pet with the dignity and respect they deserve in their final hours. We appreciate the certainty and loyalty that many families have had in us over the years for their pet’s aftercare and continue to strive to give every family the best possible service.

Dr. Bailey is so grateful for the support and warmth she has received from the tight-knit community here in Gunnison over the past two years. Being a part of your lives as a veterinarian has been an honor, and she looks forward to sharing this next chapter with the you all.


  • Tom Venard
    DVM
    Veterinarian

    Dr. Tom Venard, DVM a native of eastern Colorado, graduated veterinary school from Colorado State University in 1975 and Harvard School of Public Health in 1985. He spent half of his veterinary career in the US Army Veterinary Corps. In 1991 he purchased Gunnison Veterinary Clinic and has been entrusted for almost 50 years to take care of the animals of Gunnison and Crested Butte areas. 

    Doc as most call him has always loved animals and pets. He has always been fascinated by how the body works and enjoys continuing to learn about its new discoveries every day. He strives to not only make a difference in the lives of his pet patients, but their human families as well. His favorite part of veterinary medicine is being there for his clients from the first day they bring a new pet home to the day they have to say goodbye. 

  • Jamee Venard-Smith
    Owner / Business Manager

    After a life well traveled as a kid in the military, Jamee's family settled in the Gunnison valley where her dad, 'Doc', took over running Gunnison Veterinary Clinic. Over the years, Jamee has been hands on in every aspect of the business. She started as kennel help and assisting her dad in veterinary work after school and during the summers, transitioning to more of a day to day role, and now manages the family business. She raised her kids here in Gunnison and now enjoys the precious time she gets with her grand kids.

    Over the years Jamee noticed that the Gunnison community had a lack of dignified aftercare for pets. She made it a priority to serve this void creating, Peaceful Journeys, a place where you can trust your pet will be treated with respect and love even after they are gone.

    'I love coming to work everyday! Being a pert of your pets life, brings joy to my heart. We strive to be a loving part of your pets life from beginning to end.'

Location

Find us on the map

Office Hours

Veterinary Mon-Fri, Boarding Sat-Sun

Critter Sitters & Gunnison Vet

Monday:

8:30 am-12:30 pm

2:30 pm-5:30 pm

Tuesday:

8:30 am-12:30 pm

2:30 pm-5:30 pm

Wednesday:

8:30 am-12:30 pm

2:30 pm-5:30 pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-12:30 pm

2:30 pm-5:30 pm

Friday:

8:30 am-12:30 pm

2:30 pm-5:30 pm

Saturday:

8:30 am-10:30 am

4:30 pm-5:30 pm

Sunday:

3:30 pm-5:30 pm

Contact Us

We look forward to hearing from you

  • "Our dog loves going to doggie day care! The staff is fantastic and takes great care of her. I appreciate the time they spend with her working on her manners and other interactions. The socialization has been such a positive experience. Also, the large kennels with indoor/outdoor access are nice when she does need an overnight stay."
    Amanda
  • "All three of our pets love going to Critter Sitters for their care. The staff is very friendly and loving of our little fur babies. The dog gets excited and the two cats stay quite mellow. The care given to our pets is excellent. Never has there been a problem in the last seven years we have been clients. Each visit is like seeing family again for us and for the pets. Thank you, Critter Sitters!!!"
    Gayla
  • "I’ve been using various kenneling facilities for 20+ years in several states and abroad. The staff here truly care about my fur kids and they will be back. They went above and beyond during the holiday to ensure the comfort of all the animals in their care. The dual kennel/vet is extremely convenient and you can rest assured they are in great hands! The prices are unbeatable and our dogs are now being seen by the vet on an annual bases for checkups and they are my favorite kennel anytime we will be in the Gunnison area."
    Herman
  • "I can’t thank you all enough for showing such gentle compassion as we said our final goodbye to our sweet Granny~ It was such a difficult decision to make and you made us feel so reassured. Rest in Peaceful Sleep Granny"
    Julie
  • "The staff at Critter Sitters are top-notch! Very friendly, willing to go that extra mile for their clients and of course, they would do anything for my dog to make him feel safe and loved."
    Sara
  • "Sparks always loves to go over because everyone there is so nice to him! I have never had one bad interaction with Critter Sitters. As someone who is very hesitant with other people looking after my dog, I wholeheartedly trust them with my dog. Highly recommend having them look after the dog or wash or anything. He came back with this super cute bandana and was so excited. I absolutely love this place and will never go anywhere else"
    Samantha
  • "Jamee and her staff go above and beyond for their patients."
    Sandy
  • "This was our first experience boarding with Critter Sitters. All staff were very welcoming and gentle with my senior JRT. Glad to have found this business."
    Ellen
  • "I love All of the crew at the clinic. My two Boston’s just love all of you! Thank you so very much for taking care of Dixie and Gracie!"
    Mary
  • "It was a great visit for us; caring, calm, and on time! Easy to schedule! Thanks!"
    Nadine & Tony
  • "Everyone was absolutely wonderful during THIS difficult time and EVERY other. Thank you all so much, not only for taking great care of our animals but us as well."
    Holli