This article was originally printed in the May/June 2026 issue of the California Veterinarian magazine.

Dr. Kevin Terra serves on the CVMA’s Board of Governors, representing Butte, Colusa, Del Norte, Glenn, Humboldt, Lake, Lassen, Marin, Mendocino, Modoc, Nevada, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Sonoma, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity, and Yuba Counties. If you are in Dr. Terra’s district, you may relay your thoughts to him at kterra@cvma.net.

What kind of veterinary medicine do you practice, and where do you currently work?
I practice mixed animal medicine. Currently, I work at both Cottonwood Small Animal Clinic and Cottonwood Large Animal Clinic. On the large animal side, I focus more on production beef cow-calf, and on the small animal side, I focus mostly on companion animals.

What’s your favorite thing about where you grew up?
I grew up in the central valley of California, primarily the Turlock/Modesto area. As a kid, I loved how rural it was. I enjoyed being outside and tagging along after school with my dad, a retired dairy veterinarian, on farm calls. I spent a lot of time in my younger years fishing and camping.

Where did you graduate from?
I received a bachelor’s degree from University of California at Santa Barbara and my veterinary degree from Western University of Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine.

How did you first become interested in veterinary medicine?
It has been a “whole life” thing for me. My dad was in his second year of veterinary school when I was born, and I spent my life inundated with veterinary medicine.

What does your perfect day off look like?
I am a big proponent of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. I still very much enjoy a challenging day at work with a handful of interesting cases, but ultimately, I love the time I get to spend with my family. I spend most of my evenings at some kid-related extracurricular activity, which is amazing, and spend my weekends adventuring with my family and friends. Honestly, most days feel just about perfect.

Do you have any pets? If so, what are their names?
I have two dogs (Indiana and Rio), three cats (Basil, Pepper, and Chilli), and a lot of chickens!

Do you have a family?
Jeni and I have been together 10 years now, and we have three children (Georgia, Olivia, and Juniper). They are pretty amazing!

What’s your favorite television show or book?
I’m busy and don’t watch a lot of television. When I do, it’s usually sports (college basketball being my favorite). I drive a lot as an ambulatory vet and listen to a lot of audiobooks.

What do you like to listen to when you’re in the car?
Audiobooks, old country music, and 80s and 90s music.

What has surprised you most about being a veterinarian?
So many things, really. I think the biggest surprise is how my role has changed over the years. When I first started, I don’t think I ever envisioned myself transitioning into a mentor role, but I certainly have. The transition has been gradual and organic, but it was not where I saw myself heading 10 years ago. It has, and continues to be, a really fun journey.

What’s #1 on your bucket list?
I am hoping to travel more, especially with my kids as they get older. We have plans to go to Italy and Japan in the next few years.

What’s a random topic you could talk about for hours?
Waterfowl conservation and migration, probably. Overall, I am passionate about wildlife conservation.

What’s your biggest career accomplishment?
Passing the national boards, haha! I would also say purchasing the Cottonwood Clinic with my best friend Steve Loncosky, putting in the work and hours together to grow it into what it has become today. I am proud of what we have achieved and the amazing team that continues to propel the practice forward.

What area of veterinary medicine are you still interested in learning about?
I have been focusing more on small animal soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries.

Why did you get involved in organized veterinary medicine?
I felt compelled to give back what I could to the veterinary community. There continues to be an increasing amount of pressure on the profession as a whole from outside groups, which pulled me in this direction. I am lucky enough to have built a practice that allots me the time to step away and contribute to organized veterinary medicine, and I hope that I can help enact positive change.

What do you want people to know about the CVMA and organized veterinary medicine?
How essential it is that every veterinarian be a member of the CVMA. In addition to all the member benefits that come with being a member, the effort the CVMA puts toward the legislative front is essential to protecting our profession. This is true at the national level with the American Veterinary Medical Association. Without organized veterinary medicine, there would be no one effectively defending the profession from the onslaught of outside interests.