Our Team
Viking Veterinary Hospital in Idaho Falls
Meet the Veterinarians & Team of Viking Veterinary Hospital! We’re pleased to provide exceptional vet care for your pets!
Our Mission
In order to give our patients the finest possible medical, surgical, and dental treatment, Viking Veterinary Hospitals works to do it in a kind, considerate, and welcoming way. While enhancing the health and quality of life of our client’s pets, we work hard to build lasting relationships with them and their families.
About Our Hospital
Viking Veterinary Hospital
Viking Veterinary Hospital originated in Nampa, ID in December 2022 as a 24hr emergency and critical care hospital that offers orthopedic surgery services to the Treasure Valley and beyond. We have expanded our locations to include Idaho Falls and Moscow. All three locations offer 24/7/365 emergency and critical care medicine. All three locations also offer advanced orthopedic surgeries. Our founders have over 40 years of combined experience in the veterinary profession and come from diverse backgrounds to give our clients the best options when it comes to the care of their pets. We pride ourselves on quality medicine and high-level patient care. We are privately owned and truly value our employees’ own well-being so that we can act with intention, empathy, and focus in serving the community. The world of medicine is always evolving, and we work to progress, learn, and grow with it.
Meet the Team of Viking Veterinary Hospital
Please click an image to read their bio.
DOCTORS
Dr. Herres
Medical Director, Veterinarian
Dr. Hively
Veterinarian
Dr. Hall
Veterinarian
Dr. Sallee
Veterinarian
Managers
Brittanny Christensen, CVT
Clinical Manager
Caitlin Maberry, CVT
Assistant Clinical Manager
Violeta Carlson
CSR Supervisor
Staff
Kaitlyn Nelson
Technician
Lacy Bales
Coleen Nelson, CVT
Dr. Hall, Veterinarian
Dr. Hall is a Southeastern Idaho native and Washington State University grad. She graduated with her bachelors in nursing from Idaho State University in 2010 and practiced as a OR nurse for many years prior to going back to veterinary school. She has been working at the Idaho Falls hospital since graduated vet school. She loves hounds and hunting breeds and dabbles in trail running and skiing. She loves being a part of the team of amazing staff and doctors in Idaho Falls and is grateful for the opportunity to serve her community as an ER vet.
Dr. Sallee, Veterinarian
Dr. Herres, Medical Director, Veterinarian
Dr. Sarah Herres is passionate about ensuring veterinary emergency service remains available to all pets and pet owners in the area. Dr. Herres graduated from Iowa State University in 1997 and started her career in emergency medicine in Phoenix, Arizona. After relocating to Idaho Falls in 2002, she tried out general practice for a few years. However, she then jumped at the chance to return to the ER when the first (and still the only) veterinary emergency clinic was created here in Idaho Falls. It has been good to see the practice grow and expand, and it is fulfilling to know what a resource it is for the veterinary community. When not working, Dr. Herres enjoys working on puzzles, getting out for float trips, and spending time with her family and pets (two dogs, one cat, and one turtle).
Dr. Hively, Veterinarian
Brittanny Christensen, CVT
Clinical Manager
Caitlin Maberry, CVT
Assistant Clinical Manager
Violeta Carlson, CSR Supervisor
Kaitlyn Nelson, Technician
Lacy Bales
Lacy Bales, originally from a small town in California, moved to Idaho with her family in 2021. With over six years of experience in the veterinary field, her love for animals began early. Lucy’s farm is home to chickens, turkeys, cats, dogs, goats, horses, and guinea pigs, reflecting her deep passion for animals. While she loves all animals, horses hold a special place in her heart, having ridden since the age of six. Animals are her life, and she wouldn’t have it any other way!
Coleen Nelson, CVT
I graduated from College of Southern Idaho with my associates in Veterinary Technology back in 2019. After I graduated I worked in general practice for a couple years until I decided to branch out and found my passion in emergency medicine in 2021. I love working in emergency medicine because it is so rewarding for me to be able to watch my critical patients go home and rejoin their families again full of tail wags and love.
Lacy Bales
Lacy Bales, originally from a small town in California, moved to Idaho with her family in 2021. With over six years of experience in the veterinary field, her love for animals began early. Lucy’s farm is home to chickens, turkeys, cats, dogs, goats, horses, and guinea pigs, reflecting her deep passion for animals. While she loves all animals, horses hold a special place in her heart, having ridden since the age of six. Animals are her life, and she wouldn’t have it any other way!
Lacy Bales
Lacy Bales, originally from a small town in California, moved to Idaho with her family in 2021. With over six years of experience in the veterinary field, her love for animals began early. Lucy’s farm is home to chickens, turkeys, cats, dogs, goats, horses, and guinea pigs, reflecting her deep passion for animals. While she loves all animals, horses hold a special place in her heart, having ridden since the age of six. Animals are her life, and she wouldn’t have it any other way!
Dr. Brooke Bennett, ER Veterinarian
After about 2 years in general practice, Dr. Bennett recognized a desperate need in the region for small animal veterinarians focused primarily on emergency and critical care; the local teaching hospital and general practices were having difficulty supporting the needs of their shared clients and pets. When it was announced that Viking Veterinary Hospital would be arriving in Moscow, Idaho, to provide this service, Dr. Bennett knew this would be an opportunity to support the community she has grown to love and quickly applied. She is excited for the opportunity and privilege to serve pet owners in their times of need.
Outside of the clinic, Dr. Bennett’s interests include going on hiking and camping adventures with her husband, Jeremiah, and their two dogs, Beck and Annie. Beck is a 2020 mixed breed dog (half border collie, half chihuahua) that is Dr. Bennett’s heart dog, and Annie is a 2013 mix breed dog (pittie/something-scruffy) that is Jeremiah’s best friend. Dr. Bennett also spends a lot of time keeping her two cats, Creek and Ripple, out of all of her crochet and cross stitch supplies. Last but not least, Dr. Bennett’s fifth pet is an approximately 18 year old creamsicle corn snake named Rio and is arguably their most well-behaved pet. She cannot wait to be a part of Team Viking to support pet owners in the Palouse and surrounding areas when they are in need!
Dr. Stephanie Permenter, Owner & Medical Director
I attended vet school at Washington State University. After graduating, I pursued an internship in equine medicine, where I honed my skills and knowledge. After returning home I worked in our family small animal veterinary clinic while I also established and successfully ran my own ambulatory equine vet clinic. I continued my equine practice for over a decade adding animal acupuncture and chiropractic services for horses before I transferred my focus back to small animal medicine. Working with horses, in particular, has always been a passion of mine, having spent my childhood riding and showing in 4-H and PonyClub.
For many years, I dreamed of moving my family to a smaller town to enjoy a quieter pace of life. When the opportunity to become involved in the ownership of another hospital arose, I began evaluating where we might find our perfect match. As an Idaho native and farm kid, who loves the mountains, Moscow stood out to us as the ideal place. The town offers a perfect blend of small-town charm, farming traditions, and a mountain lifestyle that I have always cherished. My time in the region during undergrad and vet school only deepened my love for this area.
Today, I find great fulfillment professionally in helping people and pets in small animal emergency medicine. The fast-paced environment allows me to be there for both animals and their owners during some of the most critical moments in their lives. It’s a privilege to provide care and support when it’s needed most. I am excited to fulfill one of my life values of service by offering after-hours and emergency care for small animals, helping both the community and area veterinarians.
Outside of work, I continue to enjoy riding cutting horses, trail riding, photography, and spending quality time with my family.
Lexie, Certified Veterinary Technician
Alexx, Certified Veterinary Technician
Hello, my name is Alexx. I am a CVT and I am so excited to join the Viking team! I graduated from Brown Mackie College in 2017. After graduating, I worked in emergency and in general practice and I’ve learned that I have a passion for emergency medicine. I love to help people help their pets. I have 3 dogs, 4 cats, and many reptiles. I enjoy gardening, walking, and spending time with my husband and our family.
Hailey, Technician Shift Lead
Bio coming soon!
Tatiana, Veterinary Assistant
Hello my name is Tatiana Bruns! I own a Bernese mountain dog named Bear plus my two cats Olaf and Nugget. I’ve been an animal lover since I was a little kid and it has never stopped and I’ve never had a job that hasn’t had animals involved.
Bailey, Veterinary Assistant
Bio coming soon!
Maddie, Veterinary Assistant
Maddie has been in the veterinary field since 2009 but her love for animals started before she could even walk. Raised in Washington State with a wide assortment of family pets and the occasional wildlife rescue she’s never gone a day without some sort of critter to take care of. Maddie is very passionate about emergency veterinary care and is one of our dedicated weekend warriors! On her days off she’s hanging out with her 10-year-old border collie mix, Petey, and 1-year-old Bengal cat, Archie.
Mindy, Client Service Representative
I have my Bachelor of Science in Health Administration and would love to continue with my Masters in the future.
I have a Newfoundland named Fiona, an English Bulldog named Hazel, a cat named Hamiliton, a Bearded Dragon named Lego, and a Fire Eel named Butters.
When I am not working, I love being a mom, restoring antiques, gardening, and gaming.
Grant, Technician Shift Lead
Grant has wanted to be a veterinarian since he was 5 years old and would love to own his own practice in the future. He has been working in the veterinary field for 4 years and loves all animals especially his 3-year-old Border Collie, Primrose. Grant moved to Nampa over 2 years ago in order to start a new church here in the Treasure Valley. When outside of work, he loves studying theology, rock climbing, fishing, playing soccer, and chess. He strives to do his work with joy and integrity, and treats every patient as if it were his own.
Maddison – Veterinary Assistant
Maddison was born and raised in sunny Southern California, but has spent the last few years in Boise pursuing one of her passions by working with animals. She has a knack for reuniting lost and found pets and volunteers with rescues to help find homes for those in need. She would love to one day add ‘foster-pet parent’ to her list of titles and have an animal rescue of her own. In the meantime, she loves getting to interact with pets on a daily basis and help care for them in a professional capacity.
Sophia, Kennel Technician
Tori, Kennel Technician
I moved here about 8 years ago. I love spending time with family, friends and my dogs. I love reading and I love going out to the desert. I love cooking and I love the country life. Also I have always had many different animals throughout my life.
Tate, Client Services Representative
Kylie, Client Services Representative
Bio coming soon!
Elise, Client Services Representative
Mel, Client Services Representative
Mel is new to the veterinary field and emergency veterinary care. After finding her passion, she now has aspirations to be a CVT someday. Outside the hospital, she spends her time with her husband, daughter, and all of their animals.
Kelly, GP & Ortho Coordinator
This is Jax who came into my life after my other dog crossed his rainbow bridge. He has 2 other housemates, Groot and Murphy, a foster fail.
On my off days, I am outside cycling, mountain biking, or hiking with my dogs.