A Visit to Country Doc Veterinary Clinic

Dr. Kyle Adkins (second from left) with his team.

At the end of a gravel road, in Crow Wing County’s Pine City, sits Country Doc Veterinary Clinic. You can’t miss the turn off of Paul Bunyan’s Scenic Byway, with towering pine trees and a welcoming sign that reads:

Country Doc Vet Clinic
Kyle Adkins, DVM
All Critters Welcome

It’s clear from the moment you arrive that this is no ordinary veterinary clinic.

Dr. Kyle Adkins, the “Country Doc” himself, is a second-generation veterinarian. His father, a large animal veterinarian, once served as the vet for the Bicentennial Wagon Train. That sense of history is visible on the walls of the clinic, with photographs that tell the story of a family dedicated to animal care.

The land on which the clinic stands was homesteaded by Dr. Adkins’ grandparents. He grew up in the very building that is now the heart of his practice. Later, he and his wife raised their family in the upstairs living space while they transformed the ground floor into the clinic that serves the community today.

Dr. Adkins’ daughter is part of the clinic team, making it a three-generation legacy of animal care. One of the veterinary technicians noted, “Whether you’re related by blood or not, everyone here is like one big family.”

The sign out front notes, “All Critters Welcome,” Dr. Adkins puts it simply: “If you can bring it to our door, we will work on it!” and he means it. Over the years, he’s treated a wide variety of animals, from the usual cats and dogs to more unexpected patients.

Like many rural areas, this part of Minnesota is facing a shortage of veterinarians and veterinary technicians. Dr. Adkins hopes that more DVMs and veterinary technicians will be drawn to this part of the state and see all that it has to offer.

With its rich history, family spirit, and passion for animals, this clinic is making a big difference.

Article by Emma North, MVMA Membership Engagement and Relations Coordinator