Owner/Veterinarian
I’m Dr. Patrick Ryan, owner and veterinarian at Williams Veterinary Wellness, in Williams, Arizona. With over a decade of experience in veterinary medicine, I've had the opportunity to work with a wide range of animals, from horses to snakes. These days, I focus on small animals—dogs, cats, and exotic pets. My journey in the veterinary field began over two decades ago as a veterinary technician in the Chicagoland area.
I grew up in the rural areas of Illinois and later lived in both the suburbs and the city of Chicago. Animals have always been drawn to me, and I to them. I often found myself caring for sick and injured animals, and I realized early on that I had a natural instinct for observation and medicine. While I initially aspired to become an animal biologist—studying wildlife and developing plans to improve populations—the idea of becoming a veterinarian gradually took hold, despite the challenges I knew the profession would entail. In high school, I was focused on academics but also enjoyed weight training and martial arts.
On my 18th birthday, I joined the Army, seeking life experience to guide my future. I was first trained as a Cavalry Scout at Fort Knox, specializing in battlefield reconnaissance, and later trained as Military Police, eventually deploying to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom. My time in Iraq, while challenging, solidified my appreciation for the beauty of our country and clarified my life’s path. Even in the midst of deployment, I found myself caring for animals in need, including a small kitten named Abu, whom I rescued from a line of barbed wire in the sweltering heat of Abu Ghraib. Abu became a comforting presence during a difficult time and further fueled my desire to pursue veterinary medicine.
I completed my Bachelor’s Degree in Neuroscience at the University of Illinois at Chicago, working part-time as a veterinary technician and learning from many mentors along the way. Though I was interested in the brain and animal cognition, I ultimately chose to apply to veterinary school. I was thrilled to be accepted to my top choice, Colorado State University, where I graduated with the class of 2013.
During my time in Chicago, I met my partner, Elizabeth, who supported me throughout veterinary school. We eventually settled near her hometown in Prescott, where I first practiced in Prescott Valley, focusing on small animals and exotics. Later, I worked in Flagstaff at a mixed animal practice with Dr. Jesse Saul, a great friend and classmate from CSU. Practicing in Flagstaff was both challenging and fulfilling, and after six years, I had the opportunity to become the veterinarian in Williams, a role I’ve found deeply rewarding.
My family and I live on a small dairy goat farm in Chino Valley, where my children, Patrick and Jane, are my pride and joy. Elizabeth does an incredible job managing and caring for our Mini Nubian goats, and we also keep chickens and occasionally pigs. Most of my free time is spent with my family and tending to our farm. I’m passionate about growing plants and have hundreds of houseplants and several gardens. Gardening in Arizona has been a challenge compared to Illinois, but I’ve learned a lot along the way. I love growing food, flowers, and herbs, and I’m dedicated to improving the soil using permaculture methods. Our farm is also home to our dog, two cats, fish, and a bearded dragon. Mila, our Malinois mix, protects the family while I’m away and enjoys practicing her bite work, while our cats, Samson and Delilah, act like they own the place, often surveying the property or napping in every possible location.
I’ve truly enjoyed being the veterinarian at Williams Veterinary Wellness and am grateful for the positive feedback I’ve received. People seem to appreciate my honest and realistic approach to medicine. You’ll often find me sweeping the sidewalk and caring for the plants around the clinic each morning—an act of pride in my business and respect for this town. I look forward to meeting you and your pets.
