Veterinary TeamRancho San Carlos Pet Clinic
Your pet is more than just an animal that resides in your home. They are an integral part of the family.
Meet Our Veterinary Team
Meet Our Doctors
Dr. April Rodriguez
Veterinarian
Dr. Rodriguez is a home-grown Veterinarian from La Mesa. She grew up in Fletcher Hills and graduated at the top of her class from Grossmont High School. As a child, she was inspired to become a Veterinarian after seeing the family’s beloved labrador saved from snail bait poisoning. After high school, Dr. Rodriguez received both her Bachelor of Science in Genetics and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from UC Davis.
She returned to San Diego and has been in general practice working with dogs and cats ever since.
Dr. Rodriguez strongly believes in the bond between people and animals and feels that it is the doctor’s job, as a veterinary professional, to foster and enhance that bond through education and compassionate care. She has extensive training in fear-free methods to help your pet feel their best at the vet.
She is married, has two beautiful children, and continues to enjoy the local neighborhoods.
Dr. Jenna Fransioli
Veterinarian
Dr. Fransioli earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California, Davis, the top-ranked Veterinary Program in America, where she served as the Vice President of her graduating class.
She was selected for an elite rotating internship at the Veterinary Medical Surgical Group, where she refined her approach to clinical care ranging from general wellness to emergency trauma. As a life-long animal lover, her formative academic years were focused on excelling in Veterinary Medicine. Before obtaining her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine, she obtained a BS in Marine Biology and Chemistry at the University of Miami, Florida, and an MS in Physiology at San Diego State University.
Today Dr. Fransioli can be found hiking with her husband, daughter, and two dogs or curled up on the couch with a medical journal and her cat, O’ren.
Dr. Karen Perry
Veterinarian
Dr. Perry is a Southern California native who has always had a passion for nature and animals. As a veterinarian, she loves the hands-on interaction with cats and dogs and the aspect of being a medical detective for pets who cannot speak for themselves. She also enjoys developing true relationships with her clients and working with them to give their pets the best possible care and quality of life.
Dr. Perry received her undergraduate degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology at the University of California, Davis, and then returned to earn her Doctorate from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 1991. After veterinary school, she completed a one-year Medical and Speciality Internship with the Sacramento Animal Medical Group and later became a Diplomate with the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners Certified in Canine and Feline Practice from 1999 to 2009. Dr. Perry has been practicing in the San Deigo area for over 25 years and is currently a member of the AVMA and CVMA.
When she is not working, Dr. Perry enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her dogs (a labrador retriever and a chihuahua mix), as well as gardening, archery, hiking, kayaking, and photography.
Dr. Tracey Herman
Veterinarian
Dr. Herman was drawn to animals at a young age but was inspired to pursue Veterinary Medicine after watching a documentary with the message of “Do what you’ve always wanted to do, no regrets.” She immediately changed majors and dedicated her career to Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Herman received her undergraduate degree at the University of California, Davis, and her Doctorate from the University of Kansas School of Veterinary Medicine in 2010. After veterinary school, she completed a one-year intensive emergency and specialty internship at California Veterinary Specialists. This solidified her passion for small animal medicine, and she has been working with San Diego dogs and cats ever since. Her focus is on working with families to keep their pets happy and healthy, through sickness and in health, and in celebrating illness recoveries and milestones. She also has a soft spot for golden retrievers.
Dr. Herman is also certified in fear-free and brings this training into each patient experience. When not at work, Dr. Herman enjoys getting out with her golden retriever and human family.
Dr. Meredith Limber
Dr. Limber grew up outside Dallas, TX, and fell in love with veterinary medicine when her high school guidance counselor connected her with a job cleaning kennels at a local vet clinic. She first came to Southern California to earn a BA in Liberal Arts from Whittier College. She then moved back to Dallas to work as a technician before earning her DVM at Texas A&M University in 2011.
After completing her degree, Dr. Limber returned to California to begin a career in general practice in Ventura County. She later transitioned to overnight emergency medicine in the San Fernando Valley before moving to San Diego in 2018. Her special interests lie in soft tissue surgery, emergency medicine, and geriatrics. She believes the human-animal bond is profoundly important and is dedicated to honoring that bond while formulating diagnostic and treatment plans for every pet and their family.
In her free time, Dr. Limber enjoys hiking the Azalea Glen trail in Rancho Cuyamaca State Park, singing karaoke, and visiting playgrounds with her toddler. They share their home with her husband and their spicy orange cat, Admiral Ackbar.
Dr. Denise Gonzalez
Veterinarian
Dr. Denise Gonzalez is a San Diego native who has been surrounded by animals her entire life, growing up in a veterinary family. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of California, Los Angeles, followed by a combined Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (2015) and Ph.D. (2016) at the University of California, Davis.
Inspired by her own senior dogs, Reno and Kali, Dr. Gonzalez pursued further studies to help pets experiencing chronic pain and mobility issues. She attended the prestigious Chi University, where she became a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) for both small animals and horses. To provide even more comprehensive care, Dr. Gonzalez expanded her skills with certifications in Veterinary Medical Manipulation (VMM) and Canine Rehabilitation.
With a strong belief in an integrative approach to veterinary care, Dr. Gonzalez combines the best of both holistic (eastern) and traditional (western) medicine to offer her patients a well-rounded path to improved health and quality of life. Her dedication helps enhance the bond between pets and their families, ensuring that her patients receive the care they need to thrive at every stage of life.
Dr. Lindsey Hackett
Veterinarian
Dr. Linsey Hackett has been practicing Veterinary Medicine in the San Diego area since 2007. Dr. Hackett grew up in Colorado surrounded by dogs, cats, bunnies, and a box turtle she rescued after it was run over by a tractor. She dreamed of being a Veterinarian as a young girl. Now that she realized this dream, she understands the human-animal bond and focuses her efforts on optimizing her patients’ health and quality of life. Dr. Hackett has special interests in preventative care, surgery, dentistry, urgent care, and internal medicine (especially diabetes).
After graduating from her prestigious Colorado State University, Dr. Hackett moved to San Diego to fulfill an internship with VCA Emergency Animal Hospital and Referral Center. At this state-of-the-art specialty hospital, she gained vital experience in emergency medicine, soft tissue surgery, and internal medicine, which she has used every day in general practice to care for her patients.
Dr. Hackett joined our team at Rancho San Carlos Pet Clinic because she saw an opportunity to be a part of something unique and exceptional. She’s amazed by how the whole team at Rancho San Carlos Pet Clinic supports one another to work towards a common goal of providing loving, high-quality veterinary care to your families. Dr. Hackett loves the outdoors, when she’s not surrounded by animals, she’s in the ocean, the trails, or in the mountains. She’s also incredibly attached to her cat Nelson (pictured here).
Dr. Marguerite Basso
Veterinarian
Dr. Basso is originally from the Bay area. She went to undergraduate school at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where she studied Animal Science before attending the University of California, Davis, to earn her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. After graduating, Dr. basso moved to San Diego and completed a 1-year internship in Small Animal Emergency and Speciality Medicine. Next, she moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, where she spent several years practicing in Emergency Medicine.
Dr. Basso was extremely happy to get the opportunity to move back to San Diego. Dr. Basso really enjoys connecting with pets and their people and takes great pride in being a part of promoting long and happy lives.
Her special interests include Ophthalmology, Preventative Medicine, and Hospice Care.
Dr. Basso loves to spend her free time with her husband, who is also a veterinarian, their three dogs, Sebastian, Gwen, and Nimbus, and their cat, Ginny. Dr. Basso also enjoys traveling, running, reading, hiking, camping, spending time with her family, and anything to do with the ocean.
Dr. Laura Halsey
Veterinarian
Dr. Laura Halsey grew up in San Diego and was inspired to become a veterinarian as a way to combine her love of animals and science with her passion for wanting to create positive change. After graduating from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2010, she returned to San Diego to complete a rigorous internship in emergency and specialty medicine. Dr. Halsey proceeded to general practice to help pets during their time in need and also to help enough maintain health and wellness through preventative care. During these years, it became apparent that traditional medicine was not always enough to help her patients, so Dr. Halsey spent a year becoming trained and certified in veterinary acupuncture and has incorporated this into her general practice. Dr. Halsey seeks to evaluate the patient as a whole and has a special interest in surgery, dentistry, pain management, ultrasonography, and behavior.
Dr. Halsey is honored to follow in the footsteps of Dr. Jeff & Dr. Shannon as the owner of Rancho San Carlos Pet Clinic.
Dr. Halsey shares her home with her husband, two human children, and a rambunctious dog named Quila.
Dr. Jeff Reh
Veterinarian, Retired
Dr. Jeff and Dr. Shannon met at Washington State University in 1990 while attending veterinary school. They connected immediately over a shared love for animals. After graduating from the combined programs at Oregon State University & Washington State University, they moved to Phoenix, AZ, and began practice careers.
In 2003 Doctors Reh became the proud owners of Rancho San Carlos Pet Clinic, and they have passed that honor on to Doctor Halsey, so they may enjoy retirement.
Dr. Jeff & Dr. Shannon provided veterinary care for over 3500 families and over 4500 pets and Rancho San Carlos Pet Clinic over their 16 years. They are thankful every day for the opportunity to serve the clients and pets entrusted to them.
They currently share their home with Bradley, one of their many “furry children.” Bradley is a loving, loyal, and athletic black labrador retriever.
Dr. Shannon Reh
Veterinarian, Retired
Dr. Jeff and Dr. Shannon met at Washington State University in 1990 while attending veterinary school. They connected immediately over a shared love for animals. After graduating from the combined programs at Oregon State University & Washington State University, they moved to Phoenix, AZ, and began practice careers.
In 2003 Doctors Reh became the proud owners of Rancho San Carlos Pet Clinic, and they have passed that honor on to Doctor Halsey, so they may enjoy retirement.
Dr. Jeff & Dr. Shannon provided veterinary care for over 3500 families and over 4500 pets and Rancho San Carlos Pet Clinic over their 16 years. They are thankful every day for the opportunity to serve the clients and pets entrusted to them.
They currently share their home with Bradley, one of their many “furry children.” Bradley is a loving, loyal, and athletic black labrador retriever.
Meet Our Staff
Lisa
Our Client Service Supervisor
Lisa has been helping pets and their owners as a Client Service Representative for over 15 years. Lisa lived in Hawaii, Oregon, and San Diego as a child, and has spent time in Virginia. She is married, with a daughter and a son, and Finn (her Labrador Retriever). She enjoys her family time, traveling, music, and reading.
Sara
Client Service Representative
Sara is a native San Diegan and grew up loving animals. She is also a big fan of Disney and Soccer, both of which she shares with her beautiful family. Sara has been in the veterinary field for over 10 years and enjoys helping strengthen the bond between client and patient with each interaction.
Jocelyn
Client Service Representative & Veterinary Assistant
Jocelyn grew up in San Diego and loves to take in the town with a good hike. Veterinary medicine is her passion, and she is working toward becoming a veterinarian in the future. She is honored to work with you and your pet. Jocelyn also enjoys travel and a good movie when she is done with work and college homework.
Sam
Sam was born and raised in Michigan. She graduated in 1997 with a bachelor’s degree in Pre-Veterinary Medicine from the University of Findlay then obtained a degree in Veterinary Technology from the University of Michigan in 2002. Sam moved to San Diego in 2015 and has a special interest in feline health and well-being. As our resident “cat whisperer,” she will ensure that our feline patients have as stress-free of an experience as possible.
Sam and her partner share their home with their shy tabby cat, PorchCat or Mimi. When she is not at work, Sam spends her time watching and reading Sci Fi and Fantasy. She also enjoys the occasional craft project.
Ashley
RVT (Veterinary Technician)
Ashley joins us after moving from Long Beach. She has been in the veterinary profession for over 5 years and can be found dancing in the treatment area while caring for your pet. She shares her home with Asha, a beautiful grey cat, but loves treating dogs and cats alike. Her favorite foods include mango and hot Cheetos.
Heather
Heather is from Washington, D.C. but grew up in San Diego since she was 8 years old. She graduated from Mesa College in 2011 from the RVT program. Heather enjoys video games, hiking, going to the playground with her son, and watching scary movies when her son goes to sleep. She has a 4-year-old black and white cat named Strawberry who she adopted 3 months ago.
Kendra
RVT (Veterinary Technician)
Adriana
Adriana grew up in Mexico, where she completed her veterinary degree before moving to San Diego. She is going through the foreign veterinary program to obtain her DVM in the United States. Adriana loves wildlife, the ocean, and strives for kindness in all her actions.
Andrea
Veterinary Assistant
Andrea is one of the Veterinary Assistants at Rancho San Carlos Pet Clinic. She grew up in San Diego and graduated from PIMA. Andrea became a Certified Veterinary Assistant in 2019 and hopes to become an RVT in the future.
In her free time, she enjoys going to Disneyland, but if she is staying local, she enjoys going to the San Diego zoo, museums (the Natural History Museum), walks along the beach to catch the sunsets and photography. Andrea is a big music fan, so she also really enjoys seeing her favorite artists perform at local venues. At home, she has 2 sisters, and they all grew up exploring San Diego with their wonderful mother and father. Andrea has 3 cats, an adorable and awkward 2-year-old orange cat named Mango, a sweet but sassy 9-year-old named Cleo, and a mischievous but sweet 9 month old named Tino. Her favorite snacks include acai bowls, potato chips, dark chocolate, veggie pizza, iced coffee with hazelnut, and almond/oat milk.
Evelyn
Veterinary Assistant
Evelyn grew up in Tijuana, Mexico and Baja, California. She graduated as a veterinarian in 2018 from UABC, Mexico, and has been working as a veterinary assistant in the USA for over 5 years. She loves to dance, sing, work out, play the piano, and go to the beach. She enjoys going for walks with her dogs and her husband. Evelyn has three dogs (a golden retriever named Nani, a lab mix named Dina, an English Bulldog named Pepito), and one cat named Ludovico “Ludo.” All of Evelyn’s pets were adopted, and she loves them so much!
Melissa
Veterinary Assistant
Melissa grew up in San Diego. This is her first year as a Veterinary Assistant. She loves animals which is why she decided to choose a career that helps them. Outside of work, she loves to bake, go to the beach, hike with her dogs, spend time with her family, and watch movies. Her two dogs consist of, one named Daisy who enjoys hunting and rolling down windows during car rides, and Rose who loves to follow her sister everywhere.
Laura
Veterinary Assistant
Laura was born and rasied in San Diego. She was in retail management for 23 years but decided to go back to school to be in the veterinary field. Laura is currently married and has a teenage daughter. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and camping. Her pets at home include a dog, named Kippur, a long haired cat named George, and a grey tabby named Cosmo.
Lina C.
Hospital Manager
Lina joins us after moving from her hometown in Virginia. She has a history of working with TSA before following her passion for working with animals. She shares her home with two adorable dogs, Moses (pittie) and Ewok (shitzu/pug). In her spare time, she explores San Diego beaches and hiking areas.
Maris
Lauren
Lauren grew up in the Chicago suburbs of Lemont, Illinois. She is excited to transition to this field from retail. In her free time, Lauren enjoys hiking, biking, running, her favorite snacks (anything gluten-free), going to the beach, and anything outside. She also enjoys discovering music, art, and restaurants. In her family, she is the youngest of three girls and her parents raised her to love and respect animals.
Elayna
RVT (Veterinary Technician)
Elayna grew up in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, graduated from the veterinary assistant program at PIMA Medical Institute, and completed her externships at La Costa Animal Hospital. After completing her externship, she worked at Oceanside Veterinary Hospital. She is currently in the veterinary technician program at PIMA to fulfill her childhood dream of helping animals.
Her parents live in Minnesota with her dog, Tucker, and her brother attends college in Fargo, North Dakota. She also has a 12-year-old shepherd mix named Ruffi. Elayna rehomed him when he was surrendered at her vet’s office.
In her free time, she enjoys reading, painting, drawing, playing guitar and ukulele, and going on picnics with Ruffi. She loves any type of coffee, especially vanilla lattes and caramel macchiatos. She likes to be shown appreciation with verbal affirmations and sweet treats.
Elayna grew up with a plethora of animals since her grandparents lived and worked on a farm. She began caring for animals before she could walk. Her family had cows, chickens, horses, goats, pigs, bunnies, dogs, and cats.
Madison
Madison is a San Diego native who earned her degree in Animal Science from UC Davis. Since entering the veterinary field in 2017, she has gained valuable experience in emergency animal care, wellness, and rehabilitation. Madison aspires to further her education by attending veterinary school in the future.
In her free time, Madison enjoys reading, camping, and spending time at the barn with her horse, Quincy, whom she adopted from UC Davis upon graduating. She also cares for a diverse group of pets, including her lab mix, Ruby; her cat, Henry; her Goliath bird-eating tarantula, Kevin; and her ball python, Monty.
Alora
Client Service Representative
Alora grew up in El Cajon, California, before moving to Joshua Tree as a teen. She entered the veterinary field in late 2022 at a 24-hour emergency hospital in New Orleans. Alora is excited to expand her experience in veterinary medicine at Rancho San Carlos Pet Clinic.
Outside of work, Alora has a special passion for pigs and immersing herself in nature. Her furry family currently consists of her Pitbull/Labrador mix, Blaze, who she rescued from an abandoned house as a puppy in 2013.
Kayley
Kayley, a San Diego native, discovered her passion for veterinary medicine in 2023 and quickly found her place in the field. In 2024, she joined our team where her enthusiasm and dedication shine through in her work.
Outside of work, Kayley enjoys spending time at the beach and visiting theme parks like Disneyland and SeaWorld. She is a proud pet parent to five dachshunds—Leia, Lucy, Makani, Scarlett, and Snickers—as well as her cat, Goose.
Tess
Tess grew up in rural Jamul, California. She spent her childhood participating in the local chapter of the 4-H Horse and Pony club, participating in shows and competitions all over San Diego county. She graduated from UC San Diego with a bachelor’s degree in Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution before entering the veterinary field in 2020. Although she didn’t start her career in veterinary medicine, her experience in the field has ignited a strong passion for educating the public about the medical aspects of pet ownership.
Outside of work, Tess spends most of her time-making art, hitting the gym, and hanging out with friends and family. She is the proud mother of a Baja rescue pup named Franny as well as a 5 ft long ball python named Kronk.
Meet Our Specialists Partners
Dr. Demner
Veterinarian
David Demner, DVM, Diplomate, ACVS (Board certified veterinary surgeon), graduated from the National University of Colombia in 2003. Upon graduation, he joined their soft tissue surgery department for advanced training in surgery for two years and then became an assistant professor. David moved to California, and after a rotating internship, he completed his residency in surgery at a private practice in Southern California. He passed the certifying examination and became Board Certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, and after 5 years of working as a surgeon in private practice, he founded Veterinary Mobile Surgical Specialist – VMSS.
Dr. Demner’s vision is to offer excellent care to patients that need surgical care at a reasonable price. He enjoys all aspects of surgery, but his specific interests include orthopedic and soft tissue surgery.
Dr. Render
Veterinarian
Dr. Render grew up dreaming of becoming a zoo veterinarian at the San Diego Zoo. Cardiology pulled on his heartstrings after having the opportunity to work with great mentors, all of whom are cardiologists. The zoo and exotics veterinary field is still near and dear to his heart, as Dr. Render enjoys evaluating the hearts of all animals, big and small.
Dr. Render enjoys all aspects of small animal cardiology with particular interests in congenital defects and cardiac tumor evaluation. When not treating patients, Dr. Render enjoys watching sports and movies OR movies about sports, all things comedy, and cooking shows.
Dr. Frey
Veterinarian
Dr. Tracy Nicole Frey was born and raised in the Chicago suburbs and is a 2002 graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. She completed her surgical training in New York and New Jersey and has been practicing in Southern California since 2009 with an emphasis on soft tissue and emergency surgery. Dr. Frey is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.
She is the sole traveling surgeon and founder of SoftSurg Incorporated and has also been a relief surgeon for a number of specialty practices throughout California. Dr. Frey enjoys all aspects of soft tissue surgery, particularly gastrointestinal and oncologic procedures. She has a special interest in pain management and critical care and will work closely with owners and referring veterinarians to provide the utmost compassionate care for her patients.
Dr. Frey’s little princess is a gorgeous Pomeranian named “Pouf!” whose favorite hobbies are spinning in circles, playing fetch, and barking at all the cars on neighborhood walks in her pretty pink buggy!