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Dr. Ryan Smith grew up loving animals his entire life, desiring to be a veterinarian since the age of 6. The care and treatment of animals was further fostered in him a few years later when as a boy, he was able to watch his neighborhood veterinarian treat his family dog’s injuries it sustained in a car accident. These are the roots of Dr. Smith’s passion for understanding and protecting the bond between humans and their pets. He believes that animals and humans don’t just coexist but also rely on one another in our lives together.
Dr. Smith studied veterinary medicine at Western University, and after earning his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine continued on to obtain a Master’s in Public Health at the University of Minnesota. He then completed a rotating internship in Los Angeles before beginning his career in private practice in the Southern California area, working in a busy general small animal and emergency practice for 14 years.
Dr. Smith has completed advanced training in minimally invasive surgical techniques as well as endoscopic procedures. His particular interests include soft tissue surgery, internal medicine, and infectious disease and prevention. “This hospital emerged organically through shared values and standards of excellence. We built a home where providers and patients together can celebrate our four pillars, which are based in our shared responsibility to be stewards to those in our care and to treat one another like we would treat our own family — pets, their owners, and our staff.”
A native of Orange County, Dr. Smith is excited to be working back near the ocean. When not at Love, he enjoys surfing, playing and listening to music, beekeeping, reading, camping, and spending time with his wife and son. His family also includes two rescue cats – (Guapo and Fiona), a Cavalier King Charles (Toad), and a hamster (Herbie).
Rick Zuniga is a North Hollywood native. He was raised in Southern California as well as Northern California in Shasta county. He has been in the veterinary industry for over 12 years starting as a customer service representative and working his way up into management.
He received his degree in physical geography from Cal State Northridge. He is a certified California naturalist and is also a biologist helping with oak tree restoration in southern California. He obtained his CVPM credentials in 2023. Rick enjoys continuing to learn about the veterinary industry as a whole as well as the nuances of veterinary administration.
In his free time he enjoys racing motorcycles, fishing, surfing, and exploring the wildernesses of California.
Dr. Reid Forman always felt that he was meant to be a veterinarian. While growing up in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, he dreamed of a future where he could combine his love for animals and his fascination with science. But the road towards this dream wasn’t a straight one. Dr. Forman started college in New Orleans, transferred to UNLV, and graduated with a degree in Hotel Administration.
For the next several years, Dr. Forman worked in a different field, gaining various skills before returning to school to pursue his childhood dream. Dr. Forman credits his passion, respect, and appreciation for veterinary medicine to the unique path that led him to his career.
After graduating from Western University of Health Sciences in 2010, Dr. Forman has gained vast experience while working at very busy practices in both Las Vegas and Southern California. He has strong interest in emergency medicine and surgery, but also loves to practice general medicine and preventative care. Dr. Forman’s commitment to excellence ensures that every furry friend he meets receives the highest quality care. He values hard work from himself and his team at Love, and guarantees honesty with his clients.
When not at the office, Dr. Forman enjoys exercising at the gym, watching sports (particularly football), and spending time with his three dogs and his family, especially his son Pierce.
Brittany is our Referral Coordinator at Love Animal Hospital. She grew up in California and moved to Colorado for a year. She started off in the veterinary industry as a Client Service Representative then transitioned to a Referral Coordinator role and has continued her love of helping pets for over 10 years. Brittany grew up loving animals and always wanted to work closely with them. She loves to spend her time with her Siberian Husky named Dakota and her 7 silkie chickens named: Parm, Nugget, Karen, KJ, Quiche, Pancake, and Waffle.
Ally is one of our lead technicians at Love. She was born and raised in Orange County where she started her career in veterinary medicine and met her now husband. They moved to Portland for 3 years, where she graduated with her Veterinary Technology Degree. Ally’s passion is emergency veterinary medicine. She enjoys creating bonds with the patients and having a hand in their healing. When she’s not working, she’s at the gym, camping or hanging out with her dog Waffle and her newest rescues- Penny and Cooper.
Stephanie grew up in Los ANgeles. She has a tuxedo cat named Memow, a miniature dachshund named Remi, and an indian star tortoise named Norman. Stephanie is currently working towards obtaining her RVT license. In her free time, she enjoys going hiking and exploring national parks.
Michelle grew up in Artesia, California. She is currently going to school to become an RVT. She has one shepherd mix named Zeppelin, and a cat named Oreo. She very much enjoys working in small animal veterinary medicine.
Orlando was born and raised in Pico Rivera and got into this field right after high school and went to Professional Veterinary Assistant School. He has a dog named Maude and a cat named Roll. He enjoys cinema, anime, bike rides, rainy days and moderate walks on the beach while listening to arbitrary music.
What it do world, my Name is Joel James Ruiz I was born and raised in Long Beach, California. My journey started back in high school where I took “Animal Care” and had the opportunity to volunteer at an animal hospital and I never looked back. I’ve been in the field for about 10 years now and I love helping the “little homies” (pets) get back on their 4 feet and back to 100%. On my days off I’m usually grilling with family, making tiki drinks and hanging with my cat “Ceviche” and French bulldog “Harley”.
I grew up dreaming I wanted to become a Veterinarian then my plans changed in college and I went for registered veterinary technician instead. I enjoy challenging myself by running, and spending my free time outdoors or hanging out with my dog Odin and my cat Parker at home. My daughter keeps my husband and I very busy these days and we love taking her to the Aquarium of the Pacific, teaching her to be kind to the environment.
Victor was born in California, moved to South America when he was 6 and went to high school in Alaska before returning to LA for college. He has always had a passion for animals, and has handled, cared for, and worked with all kinds of different species of animals throughout his life. He currently has two cats, a snake and various kinds of lizards and frogs. He loves adventuring and spending time with his son who is in TK. When not working, he enjoys exploring the outdoors, fishing, watching and playing sports, exercising and spending time with family and friends.
My name is Halley, I started veterinary medicine in 2007 at the age of 17 where I took a veterinary assistant class with my local trade school. When the program was over, I was sent to do an externship at a local high volume general practice who offered me a job at the end of my externship. I have been working my way through the different areas of vet med for the last 15+ years. I found I have a passion for emergency and critical care with a special interest in training and education. I received my RVT license in 2021. I was raised in the Inland Empire of California, where my spark for loving animals started. I grew up with a menagerie from a very young age including dogs, cats, rabbits, chickens, ducks, horses, and reptiles. When I am not with the pets I work with I enjoy spending time with my own two dogs; Chase, a 3 year old Yorkie mix, and Bean, a 3 year old French Bulldog. I also enjoy traveling, going to concerts, and trying new restaurants and coffee shops with my wife, Shelene who is also a veterinary technician.
Heather is a Huntington Beach local who lives with her 2 dogs, 2 cats, and a bearded dragon. She has always had a passion for animals and spent a lot of time volunteering at local zoos and rescues prior to starting her career in veterinary medicine in 2016. Though she enjoys working with all animals, she has a special interest in exotics. In her free time, she enjoys paddleboarding, camping, off-roading, and going to concerts.
