Our Vets

Bob Owens DVM

Dr. Owens and his wife Vickie established the original practice in O'Neill on October 1, 1972. In 1973, Dr. Owens and Dr. Merton L Dierks, from Ewing, Nebraska formed a partnership and eventually formed what is now the O'Neill Veterinary Clinic, north of town. His main areas of interest are on the cow/calf side and feedlot with a special emphasis on both reproductive and carcass ultrasound technologies. His hobbies include hunting, fishing and grandkids.

Kirk Sholes DVM

Dr. Sholes joined the O'Neill Veterinary Clinic in October 1987. He grew up on a ranch south of Inman attending O'Neill Public High School and graduated from the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in May 1986. After a year of practice in a mixed animal clinic at Plainview, NE, he moved back home to O'Neill as a mixed animal practitioner at our clinic. Dr. Sholes' veterinary interests include bovine and equine practice and especially equine reproduction and dentistry. Professional memberships include the American Association of Equine Practitioners and the American Embryo Transfer Association. He has been a member of the O'Neill Volunteer Fire Department since 1989 and is active both as a firefighter and EMT. Dr. Sholes and his wife, Karen, have five children.

Sandi Colman - Veterinary Technician

Sandy is the senior tech and has been with the clinic since 2005. Sandy and her husband Chad, a farrier, live in O’Neill and are raising their three children Cody, Taylor and Wyatt. In her spare time she enjoys bowling, spending time with her family, hunting and traveling with her kids to watch them compete in rodeos.

Pam Pongratz - Veterinary Assistant and Office Manager

Pam joined the clinic in October 2008. She grew up on a ranch northwest of Atkinson. In 2006, she graduated from Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, IA with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management/Marketing. After college, she married Joe. They enjoy working together raising cattle on the family farm/ranch. They have a daughter, Amanda, and a son, Logan.