Dr. Christine Teets D.V.M. , Owner Veterinarian
I grew up in Boulder, Colorado and decided at the wise age of 6 years old I wanted to become a veterinarian, and I brought everything home with a passion to take care of them! Through my high school and early college years I persisted with my dream, even though many tried to discourage me because I was a girl – “become a nurse instead they said!” Determination paid off and I was fortunate to attend veterinary school at CSU in Fort Collins, CO. After starting with horses and a few years in practice, Rapid City became our home in 1988, and I have been a small animal pet veterinarian here since then. I have served almost 30 years on the advisory board for the NAU veterinary technology program, and as the president for the SDVMA, in 2016-2017, during their 125th anniversary year. My license plate says DOG DOC.
My husband, Don, is a math professor at SDSM&T (School of Mines,) and we have been married since 1977 (we met in the 5th grade.) We have one son, Ryan, who has spent a few of his summers working for me in the veterinary hospital.
When I am not busy at the hospital, my spare time has gone to the dogs……In the past I shared my life with Standard Schnauzers that I showed in conformation and obedience. My precious kitty “Dazl Cat” has so far not given me permission to replace her – I am still looking. I have currently downsized my pets to 3 Papillons. “Jon-Jon,” the cuddle muffin, is learning nose-work and scent discrimination, a fun challenge for the old man in the family. Driven “Busy B” is my agility dog and we are both addicted to this fun sport and are hoping to find time to compete because she has great potential. Miss “Prada,” the pretty girl, is being shown in conformation and training for agility. If I have any time left over, I putter in the yard gardening and growing flowers for deer fodder!
As a veterinarian at TLC Pet Hospital in Rapid City, my life’s mission is to partner with you to keep your pets happy and healthy! I love making a difference by solving problems and alleviating concerns for both pets and their families. My goal is for all pet parents to have the fulfillment and joy in their hearts I have received from my own pets through the years.
At TLC Pet Hospital, we understand that your pet is an important member of your family. My team and I want to give your pets the TLC they deserve every day. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Dr. Chelsea Burke, Veterinarian
I am a native of the Rapid City area and decided early on that I wanted to become a veterinarian. Through high school and my undergraduate education, I continued in my dream, though many told me to find a different career. My persistence paid off and I attended Ross University of Veterinary Medicine and completed my last year or clinical year at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. I have many passions in the field including herd health and reproduction and am certified in AI and FAMACHA, acupuncture and wildlife rehabilitation. Once you start your education in veterinary medicine everyone wants to know what you want to treat and that has been a very hard question for me because I want to treat it all. I love animals and want to do everything I can to help any animal live the best life possible. I have a special place in my heart for exotic animals, including
birds and horses. I am so fortunate to work with my mentor Dr. Christine Teets, before I became a veterinarian and now after. I am also lucky enough that Dr. Teets has aided me in starting my own mobile practice, Town and Country, to work on my large animal friends and those animals that may not be able to get a ride to the clinic and incorporate eastern medicine to aid in the benefits of
western medicine.
My husband, Zach greatly helps me out during large animal appointments and during appointments that involve equine podiatry, a passion we share. We have been married since 2018 and have many animal children at home.
When I am not busy with veterinary medicine, I enjoy spending time with our animals out hiking, camping and backpacking. I love playing soccer, hockey, and riding horses and trying out different riding disciplines. You can also catch me baking and sitting down with a warm cup of tea and a good book. I also enjoy working on my green thumb, craft projects and photography.
As a veterinarian, my mission is to advocate for your animals and advise you on the best care or options for your animals. I truly enjoy educating and solving problems to help both sides. I want all pet parents to know that I view every animal I meet to be part of my family.
Certifications:
- Artificial Insemination
- FAMACHA (selective treatment method for controlling the level of parasitic barber’s pole
worm [Haemonchus contortus] among domesticated small ruminant populations) - Wildlife Rehabilitation
- Honors for Veterinary Business Management
- Veterinary Acupuncture (official paperwork pending, passed all official exams)
- Fear Free
- RECOVER (Veterinary CPR)