We’re here for all stages of your pet’s life.
For years, our practice has known and cared for generations of pet families from Poway, Scripps Ranch, and Rancho Bernardo. Consequently, we’re proud to call this community our home, and we hope to spend many more years serving and cherishing its diverse inhabitants.
MEET THE DOCTORS!

Dr. Tracy H. Smith, DVM
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, DVM
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. Heather Baydian, DVM
Veterinarian
I received my Bachelor’s in Animal Science at California Polytechnic University, Pomona, and my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Ross University on St. Kitts. While at Ross, I was involved in VIDA, an outreach program that provided free veterinary care to the pets of St. Kitts. I completed my clinical year at Colorado State University, where I discovered my love for surgery, cardiology, and oncology.
I recently moved to San Diego with my husband and our island dog, Ivy, and island cat, TC. Being a Southern California native, I love spending time outdoors, hiking, horseback riding, and finding the best ice cream places around. It is an honor to be a part of Poway Animal Hospital and to serve the local community.

Dr. Tasha Del Rosario, DVM
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!
MEET THE STAFF!
Get acquainted with the talented veterinary staff who make our work at Poway Animal Hospital possible!

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
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.

Kat
RVT
I joined the Poway Animal Hospital team in 2019. I am originally from the east coast but moved to San Diego in May of 2017 after graduating from Becker College in Worcester, Massachusetts. I have been a licensed technician since June of 2018 after passing the VTNE and CRVT.
In my spare time I enjoy going to the gym, hiking, running, reading and spending time with my husband and our 3 dogs.

Mei
RVT
I am a NorCal native but moved to San Diego in 2020. After having worked several unfulfilling positions in retail, I decided to look into the Veterinary field as I have been an animal lover since birth and yearned for a career that I was passionate about. I attended Carrington College and graduated from the Registered Veterinary Technician Program in 2018 and I have never looked back since! In my spare time I am a digital artist and enjoy gardening, reading, gaming, and spending time with my animals; ‘Kiba’ the Alusky and ‘Jiji’ the black cat.

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
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
Technician

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.

Ashley
Veterinary Assistant

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 ❤!!

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
Receptionist

Sarah
Receptionist

Kiyomi
Kennel Technician
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.

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.
Come say hello!
Phone
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