Longtime Eagle County resident Amanda Welch is spearheading an effort to bring after-hours emergency vet services to the valley.
Welch — a pet sitter, dog walker and massage therapist — is hosting a fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 3, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the EagleVail Pavilion to raise funds and awareness for her concept, Living On, which she hopes will fill a gap in veterinarian services.
“As of now, there is limited after-hours emergency care for local pets and no options for animals who are here from out of town,” Welch said in a press release. “There is a need for that type of care for both local and visiting pets which is why Living On will be so beneficial to the Vail Valley.”
In addition to emergency services, the ultimate goal is for Living On to offer chiropractic, grooming, acupuncture, massage, physical therapy — including an underwater treadmill — training, and boarding services.
“We have amazing vets in this town that take care of our animal companions, but they are human and can’t work 24 hours,” said Dr. Christine Koelker, owner of Animal Camp Chiropractic. “I think Amanda’s facility would be a wonderful after-hours emergency care option for our community.”

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Saturday’s fundraiser will have food from Rocky Mountain Taco and BIGS Meat Wagon, kids’ games, bouncy houses, face painting, a photo booth, snow cones and more. Tickets are $25 per person at the door, or $40 or two people if purchased in advance. Kids 12 and younger are free.
Additionally, there will be a silent auction with items such as a $1,000 Walt Disney World gift certificate, a two-night stay at The Westin Riverfront in Avon, as well as local goods, services, gift cards, bundles from Wishes, Fresh Tracks, and the Bookworm and more. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase — three for $20 and 10 for $50. Free raffle tickets will be given to kids who participate in games or bring a picture of their pet or favorite animal.
To purchase tickets in advance or for more information about Living On, contact Welch at livingonllc@gmail.com or 970-390-3282.