Dr. Jake Van Dyke: A Life Built on Grit, Family, and a Passion for Animals

Humble Beginnings on the Farm

Dr. Jake grew up in rural Utah, where life on the family dairy farm shaped more than just his work ethic—it sparked a lifelong passion for animals. From an early age, he took on real responsibilities, like feeding baby calves and milking cows, and discovered that caring for animals takes heart, hard work, and a whole lot of grit. But for Dr. Jake it felt less like work and more like a calling.

That sense of purpose carried him through a two-year religious mission and into his undergraduate studies at Southern Utah University and Dixie State University, now Utah Tech University. In 2009, while pursuing his pre-vet degree, he met and married his hometown sweetheart, Casi, his one constant in a whirlwind of change, challenges, and hard-earned progress. Together, they navigated the next big step: veterinary school.

Juggling Dreams and Daily Demands

When Dr. Jake was accepted into the competitive regional veterinary program through Utah State University and Washington State University, he and Casi faced what would be some of the most demanding years of their lives. Every day required juggling priorities: long hours in lectures and labs, late nights studying, early morning clinical rotations, and squeezing in whatever work he could: fighting wildfires in the summer, laboring in construction, and even training horses.

Balancing the intense academic load of veterinary school with hands-on clinical work was already a full-time commitment—but for Dr. Jake, it didn’t stop there. He was also a husband and a father, working tirelessly to support his young family. The pressure to succeed—for both his education and his family—was relentless. Maintaining a strong relationship with his wife while being pulled in so many directions wasn’t easy. But it was essential. Through it all, she remained his greatest source of strength and stability.

While Dr. Jake chased his dream, Casi kept the family grounded: raising their children, running the household, and offering the kind of emotional and practical support that made it all possible. It was a partnership in the truest sense. Their shared vision for the future—one built around family and animals—kept them going. Jake often says there were moments when the weight of everything felt impossible to carry alone—and that he didn’t have to, because Casi was right there beside him, carrying it too.

From Vision to Reality

In 2017, their sacrifices began to pay off when Dr. Jake opened the Fremont River Veterinary Clinic. By 2020, they expanded their reach by acquiring Mt. Pleasant Animal Hospital, serving clients from across the state of Utah. Today, Dr. Jake is known for his skills with both large and small animals, and for the kind, down-to-earth care that only comes from someone who’s lived every step of the journey.

In 2021, Dr. Jake teamed up with Dr. Howard—chiropractic physician and founder of Balance of Nature—to create Dr. Phytos™ Phytonutrients™, a plant-based dog food topper crafted with produce powdered after a tailored vacuum-cold process that stabilizes the ingredients. Their shared passion for animal wellness and simple, high-quality ingredients made the collaboration a natural fit.

The Adventure Continues

At home, the adventure continues. Jake and Casi are raising five children—along with a dog, three cats, and fifteen horses—and still find time to enjoy the outdoors together through camping, hiking, fishing, and horseback riding. They’ve also coauthored the Dr. Jake’s Veterinary Adventures children’s book series, bringing the world of animal care to young readers.

“Throughout my life,” Dr. Jake says, “I’ve gained purpose by helping animals be healthy, happy, and live as long as possible.”

From early mornings on the farm to late nights in the clinic, and every hardship in between, Dr. Jake’s story is one of perseverance, partnership, and purpose—and he continues to inspire through his books, podcast, and public lectures.