Veterinary clinic passed from Coug to Coug

By Devin Rokyta
WSU College of Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Roland Hall (’78 DVM) and Dr. Sierra Temple (’23 DVM), both graduates of Washington State University’s veterinary program and natives of Bonners Ferry, Idaho, stand at very different points in their careers.

After graduating with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in the spring of 2023, Temple accepted an offer to return to her hometown to work alongside Hall, the same veterinarian who had once treated her childhood pets and who has headed one of the only veterinary clinics in Bonners Ferry for more than four decades. Roughly a year later, Hall offered Temple something she hadn’t anticipated: the chance to buy the practice.

“Most people would say at least five years out of school is a good time to think about becoming an owner, not a year and a half. People have asked me if I am crazy. Sometimes things are presented to you, and you either decide to take the chance on it or let it pass by,” Temple said. “I decided I wasn’t going to let it pass me by. It was just a chance I had to take.”

Temple officially took over the Bonners Ferry Veterinary Clinic in November, with Hall agreeing to stay on staff until November 2026 to help with the transition.

Like many rural areas across the country, Bonners Ferry and its surrounding areas face a shortage of veterinarians — a challenge that puts added strain on clinics and makes it more difficult for residents to get timely and affordable care for their animals. The clinic is one of only two in Boundary County, which spans nearly 1,300 square miles.

“There’s a serious shortage of veterinarians in rural areas like ours,” Temple said. “Our county has just a few practicing vets, and we’re also serving clients from Montana and even Canada because they don’t have many options either. I see firsthand how stretched we are — we want to help every animal, but there just aren’t enough of us.”

Preparing new veterinarians to meet those kinds of challenges is a priority for WSU’s veterinary program, which emphasizes broad, hands-on training and clinical experiences that prepare students to serve diverse and often under-served communities.

“I knew I wanted to come back to Bonners Ferry after veterinary school, and I needed to be ready for anything,” Temple said. “Rural veterinarians don’t always have the option to refer cases, so we have to be prepared to handle emergencies on any species, at any time. WSU gave me training across species, great simulation labs to build confidence, and hands-on clinical experiences that helped me hit the ground running when I got back.”

Temple first worked at the clinic in high school, beginning with simple tasks before moving on to surgeries and farm calls. While she was in veterinary school, she learned that Hall and his wife, Linda — a local teacher and the clinic’s longtime manager — were looking to sell the practice. After Temple accepted a position, they began courting her as their successor.

“It was really important to the Halls that whoever purchased the clinic and took over their legacy was someone from Bonners Ferry or someone who truly wanted to be a part of this community,” Temple said. “I am grateful and honored they asked me to take over. It really has been an amazing opportunity.”

Although Temple had hoped to gain more experience before owning a practice, her hand was forced when a corporate offer was made on the clinic.

“At that point, I had to ask myself, ‘If I don’t decide to do this, am I going to be upset in 10 years?’” she said. “It was way faster than I wanted. You’re still trying to figure out how to be a doctor for the first couple years, and now I’m also learning how to manage a business, make financial decisions, and keep my team happy. Luckily, I have a great team, and Dr. Hall is still here to help.”

The Halls are confident the quality services at the clinic will continue with Temple as the new owner.

“Knowing she’s from this community and seeing how deeply she cares about the people and animals here, that made the decision easy for me,” Roland said. “She’s got the heart, the skill, and the passion to carry on the work we’ve done for all these years.”

Temple and her husband, who were high school sweethearts, are also expecting their first child this summer, and they are eager to continue building a life in Bonners Ferry.

The Halls, who met at WSU and married following graduation, won’t be leaving the area, however, they hope to travel to see their grandchildren more often. Linda feels especially proud that after 42 years of ownership, the practice will remain in local control.

“As proud WSU alumni, it is special to see a fellow Coug like Sierra take over our practice,” Linda said. “It’s a great feeling knowing that the WSU connection continues, and the legacy we’ve built at the Bonners Ferry Veterinary Clinic will carry on in good hands.”