Meet Our Team

'For 15 years, emergency surgery has been my passion.  Saving the life of a pet is very rewarding.'

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Colorado State University, 2005

BS Animal Science, Montana State University, 2001

Dr. Ellingson has worked at Pet Emergency Center since 2007.  His professional interests include emergency medicine/surgery and anytime that he can make a bad situation better for an animal.  Dr. Ellingson has a passion for using his skills in veterinary medicine to serve animal populations and people in isolated areas of the world through education and programs designed to improve animal health and prevent zoonotic disease.  He has 4 children and a Jack Russel Terrier named Siesil.  When not working, Dr. Ellingson enjoys adventures in the great outdoors by hiking and climbing state highpoints, backpacking, camping, kayaking, canoeing, skiing/snowboarding, snowshoeing and snow camping.  He also enjoys gardening, woodworking and spending time with his family.

'As one of the founding members of Pet Emergency Center, I am proud of how this team serves the Missoula community.'

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Colorado State University, 1984 

BS, Colorado State University, 1981

Dr. Duncan is a Montana native who grew up on a cattle ranch on the highline of north central Montana. He practiced in Northwestern Montana for 17 years.  In 2001, he sold his practice and moved to Missoula to concentrate on small animal medicine and surgery.  Dr. Duncan's professional interests include orthopedic surgery and dentistry.  His personal interests include hiking, hunting and fishing with his family.

'I consider it a privilege and great responsibility to serve pets and their owners in our community.'

Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine 1984.

Dr. Zirbel graduated with the first class of Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine and received her DVM degree in 1984. She is a member of the AVMA. Dr Z has two children, Johanna who graduated from MSU and is now assisting at the clinic and Jacob who recently graduated from MSU. Dr Z, Johanna, and Jacob have 6 dogs, 5 cats, and 5 horses. For the past 30+ years, Dr Z has worked in private practice for small animal clinics as well as pet emergency hospitals. In 2005, she purchased Animal Blessings Pet Hospital and works shifts after hours at Pet Emergency Center doing what she does best…providing exemplary care to many pets in need.

'I’m passionate about seeing happy outcomes for beloved family pets.'

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, 2021

Graduate of Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine on the Caribbean island of St. Kitts and University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine in Columbia, Missouri, Dr. Emma Montross has returned home to Missoula and Pet Emergency Center where she worked as a veterinary technician prior to attending veterinary school.  

'At Pet Emergency Center I get to manage complicated medical cases every day which makes my day challenging and meaningful!'

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, 2021

Graduate of Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine on the Caribbean island of St. Kitts and University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine in Columbia, Missouri, Dr. Brian Montross is passionate about emergency veterinary medicine and surgery and delivers positive outcomes for patients in a compassionate and caring way.  In his free time he enjoys spending time in the backcountry experiencing all that Montana has to offer. 

'The combined experience in emergency medicine and surgery of this team is outstanding.  We can offer so much for sick and injured pets.'

With over 20 years of experience in the veterinary profession from Florida and Arizona to Montana, Billy manages Pet Emergency Center with a wealth of knowledge and energy!

'Our clients are absolutely the best!  I love serving caring pet owners who show their commitment to their pet by coming in even the middle of the night.'

'I love being part of a team where honesty is practiced.  I trust my own pets to each and every member of the Pet Emergency Center team!'

'Being able to make a bad situation better.  That’s what I love about working at Pet Emergency Center.'

'I have always loved animals and pets so working with them all day fascinates me. Everyday, I feel like I am making a difference in the lives of pets and their human families as well.'

'I love our clients and being able to help their pets in time of need!'

'I’ve had emergencies with my own pets and know how stressful it is.  I love being able to help our clients and pets in their time of need.'

'What an amazing and caring team – I’m privileged to be part of it!'

'I’m so grateful to be part of such a compassionate team where every patient and client is treated with kindness, respect and exceptional care.'

'I’m passionate about excellent customer service and seeing happy outcomes for beloved family pets!'