From muddy pastures to midnight emergencies, Dr. Christy Haines from Makawao Veterinary Clinic (MVC) brings her heart and hustle to large-animal veterinary care. A kamaʻāina born and raised in Upcountry Maui, Haines holds a degree in biology from the University of Virginia and received her doctorate from Colorado State University Veterinary School. She then completed an equine internship at Blue Ridge Equine Clinic, a referral and surgical center for horses in Virginia. 

In 2021, Dr. Haines moved back to Maui. “I was lucky enough to grow up here, and I want to do my part to give back to the community,” she said. “I’m a mixed-animal veterinarian, so I see both large and small animals: horses, dogs, cats, sheep, goats, llamas, alpacas, pigs, cows, and the occasional chicken. I work with an amazing team and have great mentors at MVC, where I’m also trained in acupuncture for small and large animals. My off-hour calls might include helping foal a mare or treat a sick animal in a muddy pasture, which often requires improvising, such as using a tree limb to hang IV fluids or powering X-ray equipment with a skid steer tractor.” 

As a large-animal veterinarian, Haines loves the variety and adventures she encounters. “Whether it’s treating five different species in one day or getting to travel to new corners of the island, I love the animals and working with my team to make a difference. Through communication and education, I want owners to feel that they are supported in keeping their animals happy and healthy. This especially means fostering the interest of young people by encouraging them to grow their skills and knowledge.” 

Dr. Haines also has advice to offer students: “There are many paths to becoming a veterinarian. STEM education (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) is obviously important for the veterinary knowledge base, although the humanities and the arts can also be valuable. In college, I found a love of anthropology, a subject that has helped me tremendously as a veterinarian serving the cultural mixing pot of Hawaiʻi, where there are experts in fiber craft, food production, sustainable land and animal husbandry, showing animals, 4-H programs, and much more.”