Meet the Team at Poway Animal Hospital

Meet our exceptional team at Poway Animal Hospital in Poway, CA! For years, we’ve cared for generations of pet families in Poway, Scripps Ranch, and Rancho Bernardo. Proud to call this community home, we look forward to many more years of serving and cherishing its diverse inhabitants. Please feel free to learn more about us below.

Get To Know Us

Get to Know Our Poway, CA Veterinary Team

Veterinarians

Dr. Tracy H. Smith

Dr. Tracy H. Smith

Veterinarian

I graduated from Colorado State University School of Veterinary Medicine in the same class as my wife Patricia.

I enjoy skiing, golf, hiking, and my work. Our family has always cherished our multitude of pets throughout the years. The majority of our pets have been rescued. Our two grown sons, both of whom still live in San Diego, complete our active family.

I was honored to serve as our veterinary class president. I was chairman of the San Diego County VMA Ethics Committee, served as the SDCVMA Delegate for the California State VMA, and was awarded Director of the Year by the Poway Chamber of Commerce.

I have been practicing in Poway since 1979. I have a special interest in medicine, dermatology, surgery, dentistry, and advanced laser surgery procedures.

I am extremely proud of our staff at Poway Animal Hospital and want to thank our clients and friends for the support throughout the years. My promise is to treat each patient as if it was my own family member.

Dr. George K. Shinzaki

Dr. George K. Shinzaki

Veterinarian

I do not remember a time I did not aspire to be a veterinarian. My academic loves are science, biology, and medicine, and I did my best to explore every facet of Veterinary medicine through my school years.

My undergraduate degree is a BA with Honors from Revelle College at UCSD. My Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree is from the University of California, Davis.

I am still fascinated and excited about medical research, scientific developments, and their clinical applications. I consider myself to be a “medical nerd,” so I got what I wished for in life.

I am very appreciative of the trust people place in us, and I take that responsibility very seriously. Our pets are our family members, and they deserve to be treated accordingly. I strive to live up to that trust.

It is an honor to be able to contribute to their care and to serve society.

Thank you for your trust.

Dr. Tasha Del Rosario

Dr. Tasha Del Rosario

Veterinarian

I was born in Olongapo, Philippines, and was fortunate enough to grow up surrounded by countless chickens, dogs, cats, pigs, a plethora of aquatic animals, and even water buffalos. I always had a special bond with animals and knew that my passion was to work with them from an early age. I moved to Georgia at the age of 6 and lived there until I started veterinary school. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Kennesaw State University and got my Master’s in Management at Davenport University. I earned my veterinary degree from St. Matthew’s University. I completed my clinical year at the University of Illinois and developed a strong interest in anesthesia and surgery. I currently have two adopted dogs named Spot and Bella. In my free time, I enjoy painting, doing anything outdoors, and watching crime documentaries. I am elated to be part of the Poway Animal Hospital team and have a collaborative relationship with all my clients to provide the best care for their pets!

Dr. Cora Evans

Dr. Cora Evans

Veterinarian

I was born and raised in Raleigh, NC, where I grew up riding horses and caring for my family’s cats. At a very young age, I realized I wanted to spend my life caring for animals. I received my Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Spelman College in Georgia and my veterinary degree from Tufts University in Massachusetts. This is my first time venturing to the west coast, and I am excited to, and I am excited to explore southern California. I enjoy reading, horseback riding, and crocheting in my spare time. I also love to travel, and my love for animals has taken me across the world, from studying wildlife conservation in Tanzania to caring for infant chimpanzees in Sierra Leone. I am thrilled to be a part of the Poway Animal Hospital team and help you to ensure the health of your furry family members.

Dr. Julie Murphy

Dr. Julie Murphy

Veterinarian

I was born and raised in southern California. I received a BA in linguistics and classics from UCLA, and in addition to languages and history, other interests include musical theater, archery, and exploring the outdoors. I grew up with dogs and other small pets, all of whom sparked an enduring love and appreciation of animals, which drove me to the veterinary field. I earned my veterinary degree from Ross University and then completed an emergency, surgery, and medicine internship in Arizona. My family and I moved to California after several years in Arizona and New Mexico practicing both general and emergency small animal medicine. I have developed a deep appreciation for the bond that develops between pets and their families. I believe that the best medicine and most fulfilling pet lives develop when tailored recommendations are made in partnership with pet families. I am excited to join the Poway Animal Hospital team and Poway community.

Leadership

Becky

Becky

Hospital Manager

I have always loved animals and thought it would be fulfilling to work with them. I originally joined the team at Poway Animal Hospital as a receptionist in 1990. After moving to Bend, Oregon for a year in 2011, my husband and I realized that San Diego was our home, and I was very fortunate to again find a place at Poway Animal Hospital. The most rewarding part of my job is greeting clients, caring for pets, and working with the Poway Animal Hospital staff. In my spare time, I enjoy hiking, the beach, working in my garden, and, of course, spending time with my cocker spaniel Jenna.

Chris

Chris

Office Manager

I started at Poway Animal Hospital in 2002. It has been such an amazing experience. The doctors, staff, clients, and patients are all great to work with! I am a native of Poway and am very active with my family, which is growing by the minute.

Technicians

Jameson

Jameson

Registered Veterinary Technician

I find that being around animals has a cathartic effect that brings a sense of peace to my life.  At home, I have pets that keep me company, namely, my 3 cats and 2 dogs and 4 fish. I love spending time playing with them and watching them go about their lives. Some of my hobbies are video games, building/ painting plastic miniatures, gardening, hiking with my dogs, fishing, sailing and kayaking. I graduated from the Pima Medical Institute San Marcos, Veterinary Technician program with an associates degree in December of 2022. I passed the Veterinary Technician National Exam in April of 2023. I joined Poway Animal Hospital in May of 2023

Emily

Emily

Technician

I’ve been working at Poway Animal Hospital since 2013, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated every experience here. In my spare time, I’m studying, assisting research for a laboratory studying animal behavior, or trapping feral cats to be spayed and vaccinated.

Shelly

Shelly

Technician

I relocated to southern California in August 2005. In 2006, I attended Pima Medical Institute, where I graduated from the Veterinary Assistant Program. I have been working in the veterinary field ever since. In my spare time, I love hiking, reading, traveling, and spending time with my family, which includes my pug Jiro. I joined Poway Animal Hospital in June 2016. I am so happy to be a part of this amazing team!

Sarah

Sarah

Technician

I was born and raised in Massachusetts and earned a B.S. in Pre-Veterinary Science at UMass Amherst in May 2021. After graduating, I moved to San Diego in search of more experience in the veterinary field and to grow my passion for animals. In my spare time I love hiking, horseback riding, photography, playing guitar, and snuggling up with my cat at home.
Jessica

Jessica

Technician

I have been a member of the Poway Animal Hospital team since 2013. A San Diego native, I have been in the veterinary field for over 15 years. I absolutely love caring for animals, and I have five furry critters at home to keep me busy! In my free time, I am an avid yoga practitioner and instructor, and I enjoy spending time with my family outdoors.

Callie

Callie

Technician

Animals save our lives more than when we save theirs. They aren’t just pets, they are part of the family. I’ve always believed this. I try to give my all when taking care of someone’s baby as if they were my own. I am a huge fan of cats, even the spicy ones! I have my own named Harvey. He is my everything, my son! Being here at Poway Animal Hospital I hope to gain more knowledge and apply more care towards my patients and hopefully change someone’s life for the better.
Tina

Tina

Technician

I grew up in Temecula and studied Biology in college at CSUSM. I’ve always loved animals and have had a special bond with them. I started out volunteering at the Humane Society and Wild Wonders. I’ve been working in the veterinary field for over 10 years now and I absolutely love it. When I’m not working you can find me hiking or at dog beach with my dog, Nico, reading, playing video games or at the beach. I love what I do and feel truly lucky to be able to work in a field I’m passionate about. 

Veterinary Assistants

Leah

Leah

Veterinary Assistant

I was born in Palm Desert, California but moved to Scottsdale, Arizona at a young age. I recently moved to San Diego and started working at Poway Animal Hospital. I have two Dogs named Whitney And Mia. Whitney is a 13 year old German Shepherd mix and Mia is an 8 year old Jindo mix. When I’m not working I’m hiking with my Mia and exploring San Diego. My passion has always been working with Animals especially My Senior Dogs!! Senior Pets have a special place in my Heart ❤!!

Kiyomi

Kiyomi

Veterinary Assistant

I’ve always loved animals and wanted to work with them.
After working for a trading company for more than 20 years, I’ve finally decided to move on to a new career and joined the team at Poway Animal Hospital. When I’m not working, I’m teaching the piano. I’ve also been a part of a chorus group for more than 7 years.

Client Service Representatives

Catalina

Catalina

Receptionist

I’m originally from Santa Barbara County. I’ve worked in animal hospitals for over four years and couldn’t be happier with my experiences. In my free time, I enjoy creating art and spending time at the beach. At home, I have one dog and two kitties that I care for.

Hannah

Hannah

Receptionist

I started working with animals at veterinary clinics in 2011, and I have enjoyed every minute of it since! I have lived in San Diego my whole life, and when not working I enjoy spending my time camping, gardening, and hiking. At home I have an array of dogs, cats, goats and birds, all of whom mean the world to me. Working with animals has been a very fulfilling experience for me, and I’m excited to continue that experience here at Poway Animal Hospital!
Tara

Tara

Receptionist

Growing up on a mini farm, I have had chickens, cows, pigs, horses, dogs, and cats my whole life. I am no stranger to the animal world, but this is my first in office experience working at a veterinary clinic, and I am absolutely loving it. I am excited to see how my future grows by joining such an amazing team here at Poway Animal Hospital. While not at work, you can find me hanging out with my family or on the road with my two girls, some horses, and my cattle dog,  going to rodeos, barrel races, ranch sortings, team pennings, and many other equine events.

Angie

Angie

Receptionist

My name is Angie Bagnas and I have 2 dogs, Maggie age 14 yrs. and Pumpkin age 20. I am a 39 year cancer survivor, completed the Regional Occupational veterinary assistant program through the Humane Society, earned a degree in Biology from UCSD, spent 5 years working in the biotech field, then spent the next 23 years as a stay at home mom. During that time, I founded a non-profit for women who have had cancer, and I led the organization for 10 years.

Now as a volunteer for the Red Cross, I give emergency preparedness presentations to community based organizations to help people with disabilities be better prepared for disasters and emergencies. Faith, family and fitness are very important aspects of my life and I enjoy running, spending time with my kids, creating greeting cards, helping people, and raising monarch butterflies.

Kennel Staff

Kira

Kira

Kennel Assistant

I am currently attending San Diego Miramar College, working towards enrolling in a Veterinary Technology program. Looking after many pets over the years, I appreciate every animal’s unique personality. At home, I currently care for my dog and my bearded dragon. In my free time, I like working on my art projects and enjoy teaching myself skills on different instruments. I am eager for this new learning experience and happy to be working with the team at Poway Animal Hospital!

Alice

Alice

Kennel Assistant

I came to Poway Animal Hospital in 2007. I enjoyed greeting clients and patients while hanging out in the reception area or begging for treats and food in the Dr’s office.

In Loving Memory of Alice ~ She joined us in 2007 and passed on 01/21/22.  She was the best kennel assistant ever.

Join Our Team

This isn’t just a job for us, it’s our way of life!

We’re always looking for outstanding people to join our team.

Send a message!

Address

12219 Poway Rd.
Poway, CA 92064

Weekdays

monday - friday: 7:15 am - 5:30 pm

saturday: 7:30 AM - 2:00 pm

sunday: closed