On the Road with Compassion

Serving all of Verde Valley, the new state-of-the art mobile veterinary practice offers a wide range of preventative, medical, pharmaceutical and compassionate end-of-life services. “Our mission is to bring the most caring, convenient and quality veterinary care to the residents of Verde Valley and surrounding areas,” said Monica.

Growing up and continuing to live on her family’s UVX Ranch in Cottonwood, Monica became close to animals at a young age. “Originally, UVX Ranch was a dairy that my grandfather ran until the 1950s. When I was 3 years old, he gave me a cow and I kept her until I was a junior in veterinary school. She was 28 years old when she died.”  Dr. Mongini continues to manage Hereford and angus cattle on their 100-acre ranch.  

The Barn on UVX Ranch also serves as a rustic Western wedding venue.

“My dad and I have built the herd over the last 40 years or so and have basically bred and sold cows. This past year, Michael and I took over as ranch managers,” she said.  

Monica attended Northern Arizona University (NAU) and earned her bachelor’s degree in zoology with a minor in chemistry. She then was accepted the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. She founded Verde Valley Roaming Veterinary Services in 2012.

It was her father who proposed a mobile pet veterinarian service. “Our daughter was born three months premature and during my stay in the hospital with her, my dad approached me. He told me that I should be a mobile veterinarian and that he had found a mobile pet truck in Florida. I explained to him that that’s not a thing around here and I don’t want to do equines. He said, ‘Well, then just do dogs and cats.’ I agreed and he flew out and picked up the truck for me.” 

At the time, Dr. Mongini was working at two practices. “It really was out of necessity, as I was seeing a doctor every other day for my daughter’s care. It was stressful and I really needed to plan my schedule and not work for somebody else. My dad was an angel,” she said, adding that she loves her job and the connection she is able to have with her clients as a mobile veterinarian.

Verde Valley Roaming Veterinary Services, operated by Monica and Michael Mongini, offers mobile wellness exams, diagnostic testing, bloodwork, vaccinations, microchipping and in-home euthanasia.

“My dog, Misha, had a tumor on her neck and Dr. Mongini and Michael did their best to keep her comfortable as long as possible,” said Jackie Ryan of Camp Verde. “When it came time to say goodbye, they came to the house on short notice. It was a very difficult day, but they made it easier by being at the house.”

Serving as the only mobile pet veterinarian in the Verde Valley, the mobile unit provides service to Sedona, Camp Verde, Rim Rock, Cottonwood, Village of Oak Creek and surrounding areas.

“One of our cats has special dietary needs and our dog has chronic health issues, but no matter the challenge, Dr. Mongini and her team have always been incredibly responsive and compassionate,” said Client Katherine Stapleton. “They have provided outstanding care for our cats and dogs for over 12 years. I truly believe they care about our animals as much as we do.” VVBN

By V. Ronnie Tierney, VVBN

To contact Verde Valley Roaming Veterinary Services, call 928-646-3766 or visit the website at verdevalleyroamingvet.com.

Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography: Dr. Monica Mongini says her mission is to bring the most caring, convenient and quality veterinary care to the residents of Verde Valley and surrounding areas.