Dr. Amanda Favis, Hospital Director, Owner
Dr. Amanda Favis grew up in Ormond Beach, Florida. She has a BA in biology from Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota and an MS in Ecology from New Mexico State University. In 2006, Dr. Favis obtained her DVM degree from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado where she graduated in the top 5% of her class.
Dr. Favis has worked at the Ruidoso Animal Clinic from 2006 to the present. Since graduation, Dr. Favis has completed extensive continuing education in the use of ultrasound, echocardiography, and endoscopy as diagnostic tools. Dr. Favis's areas of special interest include emergency medicine and surgery, dentistry, internal medicine and soft tissue surgery. Dr. Favis is a member of the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (VECCS), American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), and the New Mexico Veterinary Medical Association (NMVMA).
In her scant free time, Dr. Favis enjoys spending time with her two sons Jacob and Elliot, hiking and bird watching around New Mexico with her husband, Luther and playing with her 4 dogs. She also has 2 cats that live in (own) her home.
Dr. Sarah Botkin, Veterinarian, Owner
Dr. Sarah Botkin is originally from Dubois, Wyoming. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Wyoming in 2006. In 2011, she received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University. Dr. Botkin then completed a 1 year small animal medicine and surgical internship at VCA Veterinary Specialists of Northern Colorado in Loveland, CO. In June 2012, Dr. Botkin moved to Ruidoso to join the Ruidoso Animal Clinic as an associate veterinarian. After 9 years of employment, she then became a co-owner of RAC in January 2021. Her professional interests include surgery (soft tissue and orthopedic) and emergency/critical care. Dr. Botkin is a member of the New Mexico Veterinary Medical Association, American Veterinary Medical Association, American Animal Hospital Association, & AO Vet.
In her spare time, Dr. Botkin enjoys spending time with her husband Josh, two sons Harper and Camden, and their three dogs Gelpi, Calla, and Maddox. The family loves everything outdoors. Dr. Botkin is an avid runner and particularly enjoys obstacle course racing.
Dr. Brooke Thurstonson - Associate Veterinarian
Originally from Farmington, New Mexico, Dr. Thurstonson spent many summers in Ruidoso, where she developed an appreciation for the village and its community. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of New Mexico before completing her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Lincoln Memorial University in Tennessee.
Her professional interests include geriatric pet care, canine reproduction and fertility, nutrition and weight management, and soft tissue surgery. Dr. Thurstonson is an active member of the Society for Theriogenology, the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society, the New Mexico Veterinary Medical Association, and the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Outside the clinic, Dr. Thurstonson enjoys spending time outdoors—whether hiking, running, or sitting on the porch—and loves exploring the beauty of Ruidoso with her husband and daughter. At home, she shares her life with two dogs and two cats, and when she finds a quiet moment, she’s often reading a good book.