by Boehringer Ingelheim / January 26,2026

For Kaylee Montone, DVM, horses have always been more than her profession — they’ve been her purpose.

Growing up in Tampa Bay, Florida, Dr. Montone spent her childhood in the saddle, showing hunter/jumpers and working at local barns. But even then, it wasn’t just the competition that captured her attention — it was the care. “Whenever the vet, farrier or acupuncturist came by, I was always right there helping,” she recalls. “I loved learning how to make horses feel their best.” 

Dr. Montone’s early curiosity set the stage for what would ultimately become her career. After moving to Alabama to attend Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Montone found herself inspired by every aspect of equine health. It was during her final year — while completing a clinical rotation with a mobile veterinarian in Wyoming — that her future came into focus. 

“I realized I wanted that same hands-on connection with horses and their owners,” she says. “To be able to go where I’m needed, help in emergencies, and be a consistent presence in their care.” 

In recognition of her longtime interest in and commitment to caring for horses, Dr. Montone was recently recognized as a special caregiver through the Boehringer Ingelheim Share the Care program, which celebrates everyday caregivers who help keep horses happy and healthy. More than 300 nominations from across the country have been submitted. 

Part of what makes her story unique is that following her graduation from veterinary school in 2022, Dr. Montone did something few new veterinarians do: she started her own business, Double M Veterinarian Large Animal Ambulatory Service. She returned to Valley, Alabama, where she saw a clear need for reliable mobile care. 

Her decision made a difference immediately. 

“She built Double M for our area when it was desperately needed,” says Michele Aultman, one of Dr. Montone’s clients who nominated her for the Share the Care program. “We had received letters of discontinued mobile services from other veterinarians, and she stepped in when our community needed her most.” 

From emergency consults to routine wellness exams, Dr. Montone travels from farm to farm, providing expert care — often sacrificing personal time to ensure her patients are seen. Her dedication goes beyond medical treatment. She also hosts educational clinics to help horse owners better understand their animals’ physical, nutritional and behavioral needs. 

“She’s always ready to take a call and talk through a concern,” asserts Michele. “She loves what she does, and it shows. She’s compassionate, knowledgeable and committed to helping owners learn alongside her.” 

Sarah Happel, U.S. Head of Marketing, Equine, Boehringer Ingelheim, points out that Dr. Montone is just the type of person the Share the Care program was designed to recognize. “We are really honored to make Dr. Montone one of our first Share the Care award recipients. With more than 300 submissions, we had a very difficult time choosing people to recognize, but her dedication to filling a gap and going where she felt she could do the most good got our attention.” 

For Dr. Montone, the long days and late-night calls are all part of a life she feels lucky to live. 

“At the end of the day, this work is what I want to be exhausted from,” she says with a smile. “I can’t imagine ever doing anything else.” 

Her story reflects exactly what the Boehringer Ingelheim Share the Care program celebrates — individuals who go above and beyond to care for horses and the people who love them. 

On the roads of rural Alabama, with her mobile unit packed full of supplies and her heart full of purpose, Dr. Montone continues to do just that — one visit, one horse, one caring moment at a time.