Meet Our Team
Kris Harris, DVM
Diplomate ABVP (equine)
Dr. Kris Harris grew up in Russell, KS riding, showing and training horses with her father. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Kansas State College of Veterinary Medicine in 1993. Following her passion for horses, Dr. Harris continued her education beyond vet school becoming a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners specializing in equine. In addition, she is graduate of Options for Animals College for Animal Chiropractic and is certified through the International Chiropractic Veterinary Association. Dr. Harris is an active member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Kansas Veterinary Medical Association, and American Association of Equine Practitioners. In 2019, she received the Kansas Veterinary Medical Association Veterinarian of the Year Award.
Dr. Harris’ first position after graduation was as an associate veterinarian in a busy mixed animal practice in York, NE. After her first son was born, her family moved to Ness City, KS where she assisted in building a new mixed animal facility. Eventually she purchased that practice and started Western Edge Veterinary Center which served clientele from all of southwest Kansas. In 2018, Dr. Harris moved to Hays, KS and established her current exclusive equine practice, Western Prairie Equine Service.
In her spare time, Kris enjoys spending time with her family. She and her husband Jay have two grown sons, Kyle and Kade. Jay and Kris have two horses, Cash and Cinch, and a dog named Josie. Together they own a ranch in Ness County, ride horses, enjoy watching and playing sports, and are active in their local church.
'There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.' - Winston Churchill
Kate Pope
Veterinary/Barn Assistant
Kate grew up in Hays, KS. She is currently a Senior at Hays High School. She joined Dr. Harris' staff in the Spring of 2022. She helps out caring for the horses and helping with veterinary procedures. In her free time she enjoys riding horses, spending time with her family and friends, competing in rodeos, and being outside.
Jay Harris
Business Manager/Veterinarian Assistant
Jay grew up on a farm in Ransom, KS. He graduated from Kansas State University with a Masters degree in Agronomy. He works at Western Prairie Equine Service part-time as the business manager, takes care of the maintenance and provides after-hours veterinary assistance. Jay's full time career is working as the Cottonwood District Director for K-State Research and Extension. In his spare time, he enjoys riding horses, hunting, and sports.