Leah Smith, DVM, Medical Director
Dr. Smith
Biography
Dr. Leah Smith is a native San Diegan. She grew up in nearby Vista, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Loyola Marymount. She went on to teach high school chemistry, biology, and physical education in inner city Los Angeles. Dr. Smith decided to leave behind teaching in order to blend both teaching and her love of serving animals by becoming a veterinarian. She and her husband uprooted from sunny California to attend Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation, Dr. Smith was compelled to join the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps in order to serve military families and military working dogs. After serving on active duty, Dr. Smith entered private general practice, where she has been ever since. She loves the relationships she is able to form with clients and the practice the highest quality medicine at VCA Pacific Petcare. She continues to serve in the Army Reserves as deputy commander of her veterinary unit, and returned from a Middle East deployment last year. Dr. Smith is an active member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the California Veterinary Medical Association, and the San Diego Veterinary Medical Association. She has a special interest in veterinary dentistry and promoting preventive care for both animals and their human companions. Dr. Smith is pursuing board certification in veterinary public health as part of this interest. She has over a decade of experience as a veterinarian, including unique experiences working with dolphins and sea lions with the Navy in San Diego, and in public health/food safety capacities with the Army. When Dr. Smith isn’t at the hospital, she spends her time with her daughter Kira, husband Ryan, and their 3 animal family members – Jeffrey, Justin and Kitty (aka Slider). Her hobbies include volleyball, running, boating, and karaoke when the occasion fits.
