Don Betts, DVM

After receiving a Masters in Microbiology from the University of Wyoming, Dr. Don Betts graduated from Colorado State University in 1983 with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. He moved to Teton Valley, Idaho with his wife, Jan, in 1985 when they purchased the Driggs Veterinary Clinic.

Dr. Don has been involved with many community and school organizations over the years, including serving on the Teton Valley Hospital board for 13 years, 10 years as board chairman; board member of the original Teton Valley Land Trust; Fall River Propane board member; head coach of the Teton High School Lady Redskins basketball team for 8 years; and long time supporter of the local 4-H programs and the Teton County fair.

Don and Jan have two children, Kelley and Nick. Kelley is married and lives in Dayton, Washington where she is the Executive County Director for the Washington state counties of  Walla Walla and Columbia Farm Services Agency. Nick is married and lives in Memphis, Tennessee where he is attending the Physical Therapy School at the University of Tennessee Health and Science Center.

Dr. Don and Jan are avid skiers, enjoy horseback riding, golf and sporting clay shooting. He spends as much of his free time possible fishing and really enjoys being outside whenever he can.

Licensed in Idaho and Wyoming

PennHIP Certified

USDA Accredited

Memberships & Professional Organizations

  • AKC Veterinary Network Program
  • AVMA – American Veterinary Medical Association
  • EIVMA – Eastern Idaho Veterinary Medical Association
  • IVMA – Idaho Veterinary Medical Association
  • WVMA – Wyoming Veterinary Medical Association

Kristen James, DVM

Dr. Kristen James is a native of the east coast, growing up just outside Washington, D.C. in northern Virginia. She graduated with a BA from Carleton College in Minnesota in 2004 and earned her BVM&S from the University of Edinburgh (Scotland) Royal School of Veterinary Studies in 2011. She first met Dr. Betts in her second to last year of vet school, when she did an externship at the Driggs Vet Clinic at the suggestion of her parents, who moved to the valley in 2006. After graduation, she practiced in Nashville, TN for ten years, during which time she met her husband and started a family. She and her husband recently relocated to Teton Valley with their three kids, four dogs and three cats. She is looking forward to getting back into mixed practice and has already acquired a horse, to the delight of her kids.

Outside of work, and when not chasing after one or more dependents, she enjoys knitting, reading, gardening and getting out for a hike. She is looking forward to getting her bee-friendly native plant garden started when she has time in the spring.

Craig Brown, DVM

Laura VanLeuven, Certified Veterinary Technician

Laura VanLeuven began her career in the veterinary field by working at various Idaho Falls veterinary clinics in 1989. In 2002, Laura took the National Board examination to become a Certified Veterinary Technician.

Laura has been working at the Driggs Veterinary Clinic since May of 2003.

Susan Waddell, Practice Manager

Susan, an Idaho native, was raised west of Idaho Falls on her family’s farm.

It is no secret that her favorite season is when the weather is warm. Once work is done for the day you can find her walking along the creek or paddle boarding, fishing, or just sitting in the hammock under the trees.

Susan, and her husband, moved to Driggs in 1995. They manage a Teton Valley ranch where they also run a cattle and horse operation.

Susan started working for the Driggs Veterinary Clinic in 1998 cleaning kennels and doing some reception work for a few hours a week. That part time job would continue to expand, she would become more involved in the operations of the clinic. including animal care and veterinary assistant. In 2007 she started full time as a receptionist and would become the head receptionist for the clinic. After being the “front desk goddess” for a few years, Susan was offered the opportunity to help with the bookkeeping and clinic management, a position that would eventually allow her to earn the position of Practice Manager.

Susan loves her job and the great people that she works with! The Driggs Veterinary Clinic has been a big part of her life and we are very grateful she has been part of the business for so long.