Our Story
Caring for Animals. Shaping the Future. Rooted in Community.
Where Our Family Takes Care of Yours.
Reata Veterinary Hospital has served the Southern Arizona animal community with dedication and heart since 1978. Founded by Dr. Conaway as a solo equine practice, Reata began with a pickup truck, a few ice chests for supplies, and a veterinarian with a strong work ethic and an even stronger commitment to animals and their people.
Over four decades later, Reata has grown into a family-owned and operated mixed-animal hospital serving both large and small animals. In 2024, we opened the doors to our brand-new, 6,000-square-foot facility where we now welcome horses, dogs, and cats alike. Our equine care continues primarily in the field, with in-hospital surgery and stalling facilities coming soon.
A Legacy of Teaching
Reata is proud to be a teaching hospital—one that not only provides high-quality care to our patients but also helps shape the next generation of veterinary professionals. We host veterinary students, technician students, and pre-vet externs from across the country, offering hands-on training, mentorship, and exposure to the business side of practice.
Our mentorship program is deeply embedded in our culture. We believe that learning should be active, supported, and collaborative. Through structured rotations and real-world experience, we aim to foster clinical confidence, ethical integrity, and the sheer joy of helping animals heal.
Dr. Conaway’s involvement on the founding steering committee for the the University of Arizona’s College of Veterinary Medicine reflects our commitment to veterinary education at every level. We offer clinical rotations in both our small animal and equine departments, allowing students to gain focused, hands-on experience in each area of practice.
A Family Atmosphere
Reata isn’t just a workplace—it’s a home. Many of our team members have been with us for decades, and several of Dr. Conaway’s family members are actively involved in hospital operations. Our Hospital Director, Charlene Bosworth, began as a veterinary assistant in 1992 and went on to become one of Southern Arizona’s first equine-certified CVTs. This sense of loyalty, growth, and long-standing care defines who we are.
Community-Focused Care
We know that a veterinary hospital is only as strong as the community it serves. We are grateful to the our clients and their families who have trusted us with their animals for generations and during our transition into small animal care at our new home. From participating in local youth programs to mentoring students of all ages, we strive to be good neighbors as well as good caregivers.
Our Promise
- Family-Driven Care: Every patient—and the people who love them—is treated with the same kindness and respect we offer our own family.
- Integrity & Excellence: From the ranch to the exam room, we uphold the highest professional and ethical standards.
- Lifelong Learning: We commit to growing alongside our students and our community, ensuring a brighter future for veterinary medicine.
Want to learn more about our student externship opportunities or how we support the next generation of veterinarians?
Visit our Teaching & Training page
Visit our page for VetCats