Sam Dwyer

Veterinary Technician Assistant

Carbondale Animal Hospital is proud to have Sam Dwyer as part of its veterinary team. Sam joined the practice in 2023 as a Veterinary Technician, bringing with him a strong passion for animal science, environmental stewardship, and lifelong learning.

Born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin, Sam grew up surrounded by the area’s lakes and greenspaces, which helped shape his appreciation for nature and ecology from an early age. His first meaningful experience connecting environmental science with animal health came during a backcountry backpacking trip through New Zealand. Although he initially pursued an arts program at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, the pandemic inspired him to reevaluate his path and reconnect with his passion for science and the natural world.

In early 2020, Sam relocated to the Roaring Fork Valley, where he worked in summer camps, restaurants, and as a ski technician on Snowmass Mountain. Motivated by his growing interest in veterinary medicine and ecology, he enrolled at Colorado Mountain College in Spring Valley in 2021 and earned his Associate of Science degree in Veterinary Technology. During his studies, Sam developed a deep fascination with animal sciences, natural ecology, and the ways animals influence the modern world. His passion for learning led him to continue his education in Ecosystem Science and Stewardship.

Sam knows he is in the right profession because of the curiosity and enthusiasm he brings to every case. He enjoys understanding the underlying causes of medical conditions and applying what he learns both professionally and personally through his environmental projects and experiences.

Outside of the clinic, Sam is an avid environmental engineer and enjoys blending modern, traditional, and integrated permaculture methods to create spaces that foster a meaningful connection with nature. Much of his free time revolves around his husky, Echo, who joins him on hiking, camping, and dirt biking adventures throughout the mountains and enjoys exploring the outdoor spaces Sam creates and maintains.