About US
Otay Pet Vets is a Premier Service veterinary hospital; Doctor Anderson, owner and medical director brings decades of experience to this magnificent facility. We aspire to provide superior service for your pet's health care and to exceed your expectations. Our approach is simple, we partner with you for the well-being of your pet.
Our core values are to provide the best patient and client centered care, rising above client expectations, with a revolutionary approach to customer service, abiding by the highest level of ethical and professional AAHA practice standards.
Doctors
Meet our talented and compassionate Veterinarians
Consultants
Cecily Bonadio
DVM, DACVIM (SAIM)
Kevin Render
DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology)
Administration
Steve Culver
BS, RVT, CTE
Practice Manager
. Steve is a native San Diegan with a passion for animals. As a child, he would be exposed to the art of falconry and bird husbandry through his father's hobby. Later, Steve would start his animal career at a small animal practice in Ramona. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in 1994 and his Registered Veterinary Technician license in 1995. In 1999, Steve would start a lengthy career at the San Diego Zoo’s Harter Veterinary Hospital. During his 16-year tenure, he obtained his teaching credential and mentored students on the topic of veterinary medicine. He published two books on the subject; one on companion medicine and the other relating to exotics. Steve would eventually leave the Zoo and begin his passion for teaching the subject that he spent so many years performing clinically. Teaching led him to PIMA Medical Institute and eventually to hospital management. Steve spent several years managing and mentoring veterinary teams in busy specialty hospitals until he found Otay Pet Vets to call his home. Steve spends his free time surfing and taking his white boxer “Boss” to the beach or on hikes with his partner Adriana.
Monique
Office Manager
. Monique grew up in Chula Vista. She has wanted to work in the veterinary field since she was young. When the opportunity arose, Monique started as a CSR & moved her way up to management. She is now the Office Manager of our hospital. Monique has a 15-year-old miniature poodle named Sammie. During her free time, Monique likes to read books, take walks around the lake to feed ducks/turtles, and spend time with her boyfriend and 10-year-old daughter. She loves Italian food and loves to try new cooking recipes.
Chloe
Administrative Assistant
. Chloe was born in Baja California, Mexico, and moved to San Diego, CA during her early adolescence. She’s a team player with a love for organizational and care work. When she’s not at the hospital, you might find her eating tacos on the beach, steadily hiking at a local trail, or reading our OPV book club’s latest pick while drinking coffee. Chloe is an avid board game player and often opts for the pink or yellow player pieces.
Client Services Team
Alondra
. Alondra is a San Diego native who is fluent in both english and spanish. She received her bachelor's degree from San Francisco State University and is continuing her veterinary technician education. Alondra is currently working as both a CSR and a VA for Team OPV. She has had pets all throughout her life including dogs, cats, chickens, and goats and has always been very passionate about animals since a very young age.
Cassie
. Cassie grew up in San Diego and has lived in the same house her whole life. She has two dogs; a Belgian Malinois named Koda and a French bulldog named Appa. They are her best friends. She also has 3 horses! Cassie’s love for all animals led her to start working at OPV. She is currently enrolled at Southwestern College and her major is nursing. On her days off she likes to hang out with her dogs, play pickleball, go on hikes, and go shopping. She grew up with 5 older brothers and no sisters! Cassie dreams of going to Portugal or Vietnam because her family is from there.
Karen
. Karen was born in San Diego but has lived in Baja California her entire life. Her family and friends are the most important people in her life. She loves trying new things with them together. Karen has three cats named Meli, Zel, and Tails; and a black betta fish named Geto. Karen is currently finishing college with a major in Industrial Design Engineering. She enjoys going to music events and movie theaters with family and friends. Karen enjoys drawing in her free time and collects CDs and vinyl records of her favorite music.
Amy
. Amy was born and raised in Oklahoma, and moved to California just five years ago. The most important people in her life are her family, her dogs (Boats and Bolillo) and her cat Tina. Amy has been in the medical field for seven years. She has a passion for fashion design and is currently in the works of going to marketing school. Her favorite color is emerald green.
Denisse
. Denisse was born and raised in San Diego, CA. The most important people in her life are her husband and bonus daughter. She has two corgis, Papi and Lexi. She is currently enrolled in both Southwestern College and San Diego Mesa College while working as a Client Service Representative. In her free time, Denisse loves going to Disneyland, exploring San Diego, playing piano, and trying different coffee shops. She and her husband frequently travel and love to experience other cultures and foods. Her goal is to visit the Seven Wonders of the World.
Kirsten
. Kirsten was born and raised in San Diego. She has a 15-year-old miniature poodle, Sammie, and she has had her since elementary school. Kirsten’s job as a Customer Service Representative at Otay Pet Vets is her very first. She’s been working here for about two years. She has also been a student at Southwestern College. Kirsten has always been in touch with her creative side. Some of her art pieces have even been showcased at the Del Mar Fair art gallery. Kirsten also used to have six hermit crabs and a crested gecko!
Ariana
. Ariana grew up for the first years of her life in Tijuana and then came here when she was about 7 years old. She has a 12-year-old pet named Sandy who has been with her since she moved here to the U.S.! Ariana recently received her associate's degree in Business Administration; and is currently on the path to receiving her bachelor's degree in Business Marketing. She enjoys visiting the beach to watch the sunset, hanging out with her friends and boyfriend, and painting at the park. Her favorite foods are pasta and enchiladas.
Lani
. Lani was born and raised in sunny San Diego! The most important people in her life are her family and her boyfriend. She has two huskies, Oakland (15) and Vegas (2). Lani’s love for animals is what led her here. She is currently attending Southwestern College with a major in Nursing! On her days off Lani spends time with her partner in crime/bf Aj. They love going to the beach and traveling around San Diego to find different hidden scenic spots! She’s been practicing Polynesian Dancing since the age of two. Lani was crowned Miss Hui O Hawaii O San Diego 2023-2024 and her favorite food is beans and chorizo with rice from Los Cuatros Milpas.
Nathalia
. Nathalia grew up in Tijuana and San Diego. She has one mini poodle, named Justin, and four cats. She is interested in becoming an exotics or zoo veterinarian, which led her to start working at Otay Pet Vets. She graduated from Cal Poly Pomona with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science with an emphasis on Pre-Veterinary Science. During her free time, she likes going to concerts and museums, thrifting, listening to music, reading books, and traveling. Nathalia has traveled to London and Paris. Her favorite foods are risotto and tacos.
Arielle
. Arielle has eight pets; Bruno, Nami, Annie, Kaepop, Peanut, Miko, Cashew, and Brownie. They are quite a cute bunch! Arielle attended San Diego Mesa College and obtained an Associate Degree in Science Biology - Allied Health Track. Her hobbies include nature walks, watching horror movies, trying new food places, and spending time with loved ones and pets. Some fun facts about Arielle are that she loves Sanrio characters, especially Rilakkuma and Miffy. Her favorite foods are hot pot, tacos, and baked goods.
Laura
. Laura grew up in San Diego. The most important people to her are her son, boyfriend, mom, siblings, and pets: Concha, Max, Charlie, and Milo. Laura has been in the vet field since 2016. She is currently working as both a CSR and a VA for Team OPV. Laura likes to hang out in her backyard drinking coffee and going on walks; but only after coffee. As long as she has coffee with her, she can go anywhere! Right now, her occupation is her one-year-old baby. He is her hobby, talent, prized possession, and all-day activity.
Registered Veterinary Technicians
Lisa RVT
Clinical Team Supervisor
. Lisa was born and raised in Chula Vista; after high school, she joined the military and served in the US Air Force until 2014. Her absolute favorite human beings in the world are her two daughters. Lisa graduated from Pima Medical Institute with her degree as a Veterinary Technician and is now the Clinical Team Supervisor for Team OPV. On her days off Lisa spends time with her two daughters exploring the city and trying new restaurants. She also loves to read in her spare time.
Krista RVT
. Krista grew up in Coronado, California. She had two pets her six year-old dog Norman and her eleven year-old cat Kora. Krista graduated from Pima Medical Institute in Chula Vista from the VA program in 2016 & the VT program in 2018. She has been a licensed RVT since January 2019. She's previously worked in General Practice in North Park (4 years) & a Specialty Ophthalmology Clinic (6 years). Krista is currently going to school to be a Certified Surgical Technician. On her days off you might find Krista playing beach volleyball, hiking/camping, trying out new restaurants, or spending time with her family & friends.
Joy RVT
. Joy grew up in Calantas, Calaca, Batangas, Philippines. She has lived in San Diego, CA from 2003 to the present. Her parents, husband, children, and siblings are the most important people in Joy’s life. She has two pets, Sammie and Kailo. Joy has earned a D.V.M. degree from De La Salle Araneta University and a California R.V.T. licensure. She loves singing with her fellow members of the CVCFC Adult Choir, window shopping, cooking, and eating out with her family. Joy’s favorite foods include Kare-Kare, seafood, and Japanese and Korean food.
Stephanie RVT
. Born in New York; Stephanie has lived in San Diego for most of her life. The most important person in her life is her boyfriend of 10 years. They have a cat named Pixie and a dog named Rocko. Stephanie graduated from the vet tech program at Mesa College in May of 2022 and passed the VTNE in July of 2022. She is now an RVT. Stephanie loves going to concerts, collecting records, DJing, and playing bass. She also loves dancing and singing.
Veterinary Assistants
Yaya
Veterinary Assistant Lead
. Yael was born in Los Angeles and grew up in San Diego/Chula Vista. The most important people in her life are her boyfriend and their families. She has four fur babies; three dogs named Bunny, Señor, Dulce, and a cat named Potato. Yaya graduated from Pima Medical Institute and has thirteen years of experience in the Vet field. She loves living in San Diego and having the option to go to the beach any day of the year. Yaya loves taking stunning photos of people and pets, and models too. She also enjoys her time in front of a camera; she models as a hobby.
Gabriela
. Born and raised in Mexicali, Baja California; Gabriela has recently moved to San Diego as part of her school program. She loves spending time with her family, boyfriend, and friends. She has 3 pets: a horse named King Air and two dogs, Baxter and Willow. Gabriela will graduate this June with her D.V.M. degree in México from the Institute for Research in Veterinary Science. Her favorite hobbies are photography, digital design, horseback riding, traveling, and being a Taylor Swift fan. She loves Mexican and Korean food.
Lily
. Lilybeth grew up in Chula Vista and has lived in San Diego and Tijuana. Her mom, dad, and brother are the most important people in Lily’s life. She has two beagles Baloo and Lila. Lily is currently attending Pima Medical Institute. On her days off, Lily is often reading and dancing. She’s been dancing since she was two years old. Her favorite food is Italian.
Vania
. Vania moved to San Diego from Kansas City, Kansas in the beginning of 2019. She graduated as a Veterinary Technician with honors from PIMA Medical Institute. She has two senior cats, Leo & Catsby (Vania was a hardcore Leo DiCaprio fan) who know how to sit on command. Vania also has a dog named Sadie who loves going on adventures with her mom & her partner, Mike. When she is not at the clinic you might find Vania volunteering at environmental cleanups, camping, off roading in the desert, painting, and enjoying live music.
Angie
. Angie grew up in Imperial Valley, CA, and had lived there her whole life up until this year. The most important people in her life are her mom, sisters, and abuelitos. She has two dogs named Rexie and Shotzie, and two cats named Pancake and Fish. Angie has worked in the vet field for six years and has trained with various livestock such as cattle, sheep, goats, chickens, ducks, and rabbits since she was five years old. She likes to lift weights daily, hike the mountains, go to the beach with her dogs, and spend time with her family and friends in her free time.
Jazmin
. New Bio Coming Soon
Maya
. New Bio Coming Soon
Valerie
. Valerie has recently returned to Southern California after spending eleven years in the Pacific Northwest exploring her passion for the native wildlife, especially birds. Currently, she’s pursuing a bachelor’s degree in zoology in her free time she enjoys birdwatching, volunteer work, traveling, and spending time with her partner.
Arianna
. Arianna was born and raised in San Diego, CA. The most important people in her life are her family, her boyfriend of six years, and her fur/scally babies. A rottweiler named Marge, a chi-weenie named Leonardo, a leopard gecko named Merlin, and a bearded dragon named Max! Arianna always had a passion for animals as a kid and now continues to care for animals as a Veterinary Assistant. On her days off she likes to play volleyball, go to the beach, spend time with her dogs, go camping, and (her favorite) attend as many music festivals as she can.
Karen
. Karen is an SDSU student with aspirations to become a veterinarian someday. She has lived in both Tijuana and San Diego. Her compassion and love for animals, as well as a deep desire to learn and educate, are the factors that led her to start working at OPV. On her days off she enjoys spending time with her dogs, going to school, hitting the gym, spending time with her mom, and calling friends. A fun fact about her is that she loves baking healthy goods.
Michael
. Michael is our tallest Veterinary Assistant and the son of our hospital's owners, Dr. Kevin Anderson and Deborah Anderson. He has a labrador retriever named Leia who often vists our clinic to hangout and support the team. He is an avid Star Wars fan and his favorite season is football. On his days off, Michael loves to play golf.
Briana
. New Bio Coming Soon
Katelyn
. New Bio Coming Soon
Michelle
. Michelle was born and raised in New Jersey! The most important people in her life are her family. She has two pets, Mango and Mocha FS. Her love for animals and drive towards becoming an RVT led her to start working at Otay Pet Vets. Michelle enjoys listening to music, going to the beach, and spending time with her dogs and husband. Michelle is a proud Cuban and Salvadorian who loves to dance salsa, bachata, and merengue.