PRCA Names Vet of the Year

Congratulations to Dr. Jake Wells!

PRCA Names Vet of the Year:
Dr. Jake Wells Named 2012 Pfizer Animal Health PRCA Veterinarian of the Year, presented by Purina

COLORADO SPRINGS, (PRCA) – The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association is proud to announce the selection of the 2012 Pfizer Animal Health PRCA Veterinarian of the Year, presented by Purina. Dr. Jake Wells, nominated by the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, will be recognized at the PRCA Contract Personnel Banquet on December 5, 2012 in Las Vegas and will also be honored on December 7, 2012 at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.
Dr. Wells began volunteering his time as the official rodeo veterinarian for the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo (S.A.L.E) in 1976 and became a life member in 1982 and a member of the Board of Directors in 1986. He was elected to the Executive Committee in 1995 eventually serving as President from 2002 – 2004. He served on the PRCA’s Veterinary Advisory Committee from 2003 through 2005 and was inducted into the S.A.L.E. Hall of Fame in 2011. Dr. Wells worked to ensure the livestock were provided high quality care while they were at the livestock show & rodeo by facilitating the construction of a veterinary clinic which is now open 24 hours a day during the show. He developed the S.A.L.E. Veterinary School Scholarships and Externship Program and still oversees the programs today. He spearheaded the production of a video to educate about the care of the livestock at S.A.L.E. and developed the injured animal protocol and the rodeo stock handling facilities. He is the owner of the Cibolo Valley Animal Hospital in Cibolo, Texas.
“Dr. Wells has made a tremendous impact on our organization, our community, industry and the sport of rodeo. His development of our animal care and use programs is immeasurable and the countless hours he has volunteered as both a veterinarian and as a leader will leave a lasting impact,” stated Keith Martin, Executive Director & CEO of the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo.
The award was created to recognize dedication to the health and welfare of rodeo livestock by veterinarians across the country. Pfizer Animal Health has joined the PRCA as the Official Animal Health provider and as the title sponsor for the PRCA Veterinarian of the Year. Purina Animal Nutrition has been the presenting sponsor of the award from inception.

Other finalists for the award included: Dr. John Boyington, Phillipsburg, Kan.; Dr. Joseph Coli, Reno, Nev.; Dr. Fred Rule, Elk City, Okla.; and Dr. Marty Tanner, Elgin, Texas.