COMPASSIONATE CARE FROM QUALIFIED VETS
At Ponderosa Veterinary Clinic in Colorado Springs, we strive to ensure that every interaction you have with our team brings you comfort and relief. We understand that every moment with your pet is precious, so we want to do all we can to lengthen the time you have together. Our team is composed of compassionate individuals who will treat your pet as their own, while also fostering a genuine relationship with you. We want you to be comfortable during every step of the process here at Ponderosa, so get to know the caring individuals that may be treating your pet.
MEET OUR VETERINARIANS
DR. RICK COUFAL, DVM - Founder and Lead Veterinarian at Ponderosa
A native of Colorado, Dr. Coufal grew up on a small family farm surrounded by animals big and small. His participation in 4-H over the course of many years led him to choose veterinary medicine as his profession. He went on to graduate from Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in May of 2000, and started working in the Black Forest community later that year.
He continues to find great satisfaction in the day-to-day challenges that running a veterinary clinic in Colorado Springs presents. Whether it’s performing preventative health screenings or a complicated surgical procedure, Dr. Coufal truly enjoys what he does. Aside from his affinity for animals, Dr. Coufal enjoys wildlife photography, camping, fly fishing and spending time at home with his wife, three children and plethora of pets.
KIM BASSETT, DVM
Dr. Bassett grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and graduated from Colorado State University where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science as well as her DVM. She’s been married for 27 years and has three teen-aged children. Her family has lived in Black Forest for over 17 years, and she loves that her job allows her to help her community. During her free time, she enjoys volunteering for 4-H, high school music programs, and a local winterguard program.
KIRK CARROLL, DVM
Dr. Carroll is a 1989 graduate of Louisiana State University, and joined Ponderosa Veterinary Clinic in 2017. After graduating from LSU, he practiced in Marianna, Florida, before moving to Charlotte, North Carolina. He remained in Charlotte until he moved to Colorado Springs to be closer to family. Dr. Carroll exclusively works with cats and dogs, and has an interest in dermatology and dentistry/oral surgery. In an effort to feed his interest, he attended several courses at the Animal Dental Training Center in Baltimore, MD.
Outside of practice, you can find Dr. Carroll cooking, grilling, writing, working in his greenhouse and spending time with his wife and eight pets. As a new Coloradan, he’s begun hiking the beautiful mountains and is working his way towards hiking Pikes Peak. He and his wife also enjoy shooting, and take a trip to the range several times a month.
DR. WILSON, DVM
Doctor Wilson is a 1994 Colorado State University Veterinary Medical School graduate. She has a bachelor’s degree in Molecular biology from the Universityof Colorado, Boulder. She knew from the age of four that she wanted to be a veterinarian. Geriatric medicine, endocrinology, and surgery are special interests for Dr. Wilson. As a fifth generation Colorado native, she enjoys all that the great outdoors has to offer, especially hiking, biking, camping, snow shoeing, organic gardening and kayaking with her teenage daughter. Spending time with her pets is also a favorite activity. She enjoys being “the other family doctor” and feels that it is a great honor and privilege to be part of this circle with families and their fur kids.
Dr. Rippberger, DVM
Originally from Mobile, Alabama, Dr. Rippberger completed her undergraduate degree in Biology at the University of Virginia in 2001 and graduated from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. After practicing in Charlottesville, Virginia for 13 years, Dr. Rippberger moved to Colorado Springs with her husband and 5 dogs and joined the talented veterinarians at Ponderosa. Dr. Rippberger enjoys reproductive and behavioral medicine and helping families care for their pets’ medical and behavioral needs. She has extensive dog training experience and has competed in many dog sports such as obedience, agility, and rally. Lauren and her husband enjoy all of the outdoor hobbies that Colorado has to offer including skiing, mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding.
BECOME A PART OF THE PONDEROSA VET CLINIC FAMILY
At Ponderosa Veterinary Clinic in Colorado Springs, our exceptional team has proven that they are truly the best. We encourage continuing education so that our staff stays up to date and always provides the best care available for your pet. Our entire team treats pet owners with respect and honesty, and provides the utmost care for everyone’s furry friends.
CAREERS
