Meet the Team at Dr. Domotor's Animal House

I am from Silver Spring, Maryland. I started out as a wildlife biologist working mostly with waterfowl, but I have always had a passion for companion animals as well. I have treated all sorts of critters, from bald eagles to bobcats and penguins. Time and time again, I have witnessed the incredible gift of the human-animal bond. My goal is to give back to the animal community that has brought us so much joy, loyalty, and companionship. I have two dogs named Daisy and Naga, brother cats named Chester and Boba Cheddah, and a bearded dragon named Gizmo. My favorite food is Maryland blue crab cakes, and my hobbies are hiking/backpacking with my dogs, traveling, and yoga.

Dr. Samantha Hurtado, raised in the San Fernando Valley within a pet-loving family, currently shares her life with two dogs, a Golden Retriever and a Husky, alongside a cat and a rabbit. Her educational journey took her through Pierce College and Cal Poly Pomona for her undergraduate studies, followed by veterinary school at Western University of Health Sciences. Beyond her veterinary career, Samantha finds joy in outdoor activities like gardening, beach outings, hiking, and dog walks, all while nurturing her creative side through reading and artistry. Being a veterinarian has always been her lifelong aspiration, and she feels immensely fortunate to be part of this fulfilling field.

I was born in the Midwest and educated in the Southwest, West, and Midwest. I have been a small animal practitioner for over 25 years. I was trained in mixed animal medicine and enjoyed externships in both small animal, large animal, and zoo animal medicine. As a child, I wanted to save every animal. As an adult, I want to be an integral part of maintaining the health of my patients throughout their lives. I currently have two dogs. I like to read and cross-stitch in my downtime. I love eating sushi!

I grew up in Kentucky and moved to Los Angeles in 1988, where I worked as a police officer for the LAPD for 20 years. I currently live in San Dimas. I finished school at Mt. Sac in 2007 and received my RVT license in 2008. I have been working as a technician ever since. I have been at Animal House Veterinary since November 2017. I love caring for animals. There is a great sense of fulfillment and satisfaction when I am able to help animals that are sick or injured. I have dogs, cats, horses, goats, iguanas, snakes, birds, a donkey, a rabbit, a tortoise, and a koi pond. I have a great interest in reptiles and have done quite a bit of rescue and rehabilitation. I also train my own horses and do a lot of trail riding.

I am from Los Angeles. I am experienced in multiple areas of the veterinary field, from domestic to exotic animals to equine and farm. We are the voice of the animals; if we stay silent, they aren’t heard. They give us unconditional love and make this field very rewarding to be able to help them. I have four dogs, one cat, three horses, and many fish. I became SAG-AFTRA after falling into a Blackberry commercial I did with my rescue horse. I also have a metal business where I cut and make bracelet blanks from metal sheets, and clients stamp and sell them. I love gardening outdoors and am 100% devoted to my fur kids, who make it all worthwhile.

I am from South Pasadena. I worked in the vet field for about two years and prior to that I worked at a pet store for four years in high school and loved it. I have yet to work in exotics, but I would like to do so in the future. I grew up with pets and found a deep love and appreciation for them, and never want anyone’s pets to be in pain the way mine suffered from cancer in the end. The vet techs were so helpful when I was going through that, and it inspired me. I love being able to see a difference from when a pet comes in sick to when they leave happy and healthy. I have a husky named Ivy, two cats named Velvet and Raven, a chinchilla named Luke, and a ball python named Ursula. In my free time, I enjoy baking and cooking, taking naps with my fur babies, thrifting, and eating.

I was born in Pasadena and am currently living in West Covina. I interned at Inland Valley Shelter and now defunct Chino Hills Urgent Care Pet Clinic while in school for the RVT program from 2016-2022. I worked at Inland Shelter from 2022-2023 before being hired here. I became an RVT last November. I have been interested in animals since I was a young kid, but I really strove for the veterinary field after my pet rabbit, Joey, died in 2013. I currently have a cat named Shadow, a crested gecko named Papaya, and three spiders named Phil, Lil, and Tiny. In my free time, I like drawing dragons, sewing, and Five Nights at Freddy’s. I want to work with exotic pets one day.

I was born and raised in Glendora, California. I attended the veterinary technician program at Carrington College in Pomona and received my associate’s degree in Animal Science. I worked for a mobile veterinary clinic for four years and have been working at Animal House Veterinary for three years. I remember getting my first cat at the age of 3, and that was when I knew I wanted to be in the veterinary field. I have always felt a connection with animals, and I love being the voice for the voiceless. I get easily attached to my fur patients, and some days are emotionally harder than others, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. I currently have one cat named Elvis; he is six years old and the best cuddle buddy. I just recently got a puppy named Bubbles. I love attending concerts in my free time.

I was born and raised in Los Angeles. I have been in the vet field for three years, one year as a receptionist and two years as a technician assistant. I love learning how to help our fur babies and give them the best lives. I have a fun furry pack of seven dogs and one cat. I love the outdoors, so hiking and walks are always a great way to pass the time. If I’m not enjoying the outdoors, I enjoy cuddling in bed with the pups by my window with a good book and some music.

I am from Albany, Georgia. I’ve been in the veterinary field since 1999. My drive for working in the veterinary field is my love of animals. I like being able to help pets when they can’t help themselves. I have a guppy fish. In my free time, I enjoy going to estate sales on the weekends.

I was born in Tijuana, Mexico. I came here when I was six years old. I’ve been in animal care for over 22 years and have some grooming experience. My drive for working in the vet field is to keep people’s fur babies healthy and happy and to provide comfort to our clients, knowing their pet is in good hands. I will do my best to care for them as I would my own, going above and beyond what is expected of me. Our patients deserve that! Currently, I have two pets of my own: an orange and white tabby named Charlie and a domestic shorthair named Mia. I love to eat! Mexican is my favorite food, but I’m open to just about anything. I also love to read and do crossword puzzles. I walk to try and stay in shape.

I am from here in Monrovia. This is my first job as a veterinary technician assistant/kennel assistant. I love the animals here, and my fellow staff are kind and welcoming. My drive for working in the veterinary field is to learn more about the world of pets and how I can help them have a happy, healthy life. I also care for your fur babies with love and sympathy as if they were my own. I currently have two dogs: one is a white lab mix, and the other is a chocolate lab mix. They are such goofballs, and I love them so much. I love animals and drawing. During my free time, I enjoy going out with my friends, seeing concerts, and dancing.

I was born and raised right here in Monrovia and recently finished my bachelor’s degree at San Diego State University. I have worked as a veterinary receptionist for four years. I love working with animals and seeing their cute faces every day! I have two pet rats, Willow and Fig, my favorite little mischief-makers. In my free time, I love to go to the beach. I’m so excited to work at Animal House Veterinary and see your lovely fur babies!

I was raised here in California. I have been in the veterinary field for over ten years. I started in kennel, then moved up to tech assistant, became a room nurse, and now I am in client relations. I have two chihuahua mixes named Riley and Chula. On my day off, I love spending time with my family. I love how we can help pets who cannot speak for themselves and learn something new daily.

I am from Monrovia. This is my first time working in the vet field as a Client Service Representative. Growing up, I always loved animals, especially dogs and cats. Working at a veterinary hospital and seeing the veterinarians save animals from pain everyday makes me proud to be working in the vet field. I currently have one gray tabby cat named Miles (after Spider-Man’s Miles Morales). He was a stray that I rescued and he has been such a joy in my life ever since. In my free time I love to play video games!