Meet Our New Veterinarians! 🐾 ♥️

We’re so excited to introduce Dr. Colrain Balch and Dr. Joan Hiltz, the newest additions to our Sugar River Animal Hospital team! 

Dr. Colrain Balch took an unconventional path to veterinary medicine—starting with a degree in Latin American & Caribbean Studies and a life-changing experience in the Peace Corps. Her journey from a veterinary receptionist in rural Maine to a feline-loving veterinarian proves that passion always finds its way! She loves preventive care, strengthening the human-animal bond, and—when not in the hospital—baking, gardening, and knitting!

 Dr. Joan Hiltz has years of experience in both small and large animal medicine, having co-owned a mixed animal practice for 25 years. She’s a passionate advocate for preventive care and client education, believing that informed pet owners make the best decisions for their furry friends! When she’s not at the hospital, she’s out riding, training her young horse, or competing in equine endurance events.

  We caught these two sharing a laugh—because veterinary medicine is serious work, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have fun along the way. A little laughter and a lot of love go into everything we do!

Join us in giving them a warm welcome!