Dr. Benjamin Mackin
Owner and Veterinarian
Dr. Benjamin “Ben” Mackin is the Owner, Veterinarian, and Medical Director at Carbondale Animal Hospital. He first joined the practice in 2004 and fulfilled his vision of ownership when he purchased the hospital in 2007. Since then, Dr. Ben has been dedicated to building a welcoming, small-town veterinary practice centered on compassionate, practical care for families and their pets, supported by modern medical and surgical services.
Originally from a small fishing village just south of Boston, Massachusetts, Dr. Ben developed an early curiosity for science, inspired in part by his mother, a speech pathologist. He earned his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in 2003. Following graduation, he gained valuable experience working in animal hospitals across San Diego, Boulder, and Denver before ultimately settling in the Roaring Fork Valley to embrace both the mountain lifestyle and a close-knit community. His time working alongside friend and mentor Dr. Scott Dolginow helped shape his clinical approach and solidify his desire to lead his own practice.
Dr. Ben’s passion for veterinary medicine stems from his fascination with the interconnected nature of genetics, physiology, and anatomy, and how these systems come together in both health and disease. He finds deep meaning in helping families care for their pets, recognizing the unique and powerful bond between people and animals. For him, the most rewarding aspect of his work lies in collaborating with pet owners to create thoughtful, personalized care plans that prioritize quality of life—balancing ideal medicine with what is right for each individual patient and family.
Outside of the hospital, Dr. Ben values time spent with his family and community. He enjoys watching his son Conrad grow and explore his interests, and he deeply appreciates his wife Jaspen’s humor and vibrant personality. When he’s not caring for patients or connecting with clients, you might find him immersed in a game of Dungeons & Dragons, embracing creativity and camaraderie in equal measure.
