Welcome, Dr. Abigail Leon — now accepting new patients.
Dr. Shim is on maternity leave Aug 2026 – Jan 2027.
ABOUT · STAFF
From the front desk to the treatment room, every one of us is Fear Free certified — and most of us go home to pets of our own.
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Manager
Michelle is the unicorn guru behind making sure Southpaw Vets is running smoothly for both our patients and our staff.
“My name is Michelle — I'm a wife and a mom of two boys (one two-legged and one four-legged 😉). I've been in the veterinary field since 2007. I have worked in both small general practice clinics, and multi-specialty hospitals, and I'm currently studying to become a certified veterinary practice manager.”
Customer service representatives — or “CSRs” — are the gateway to the hospital. They are the ones that go out of their way to help you and your pets. They are a savvy, outgoing, and essential group that act as the front-line communicators between clients and the hospital. Being kind to them will go a long way!
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Alondra takes great joy in getting to know each pet that walks through the clinic doors. She delights in showering them with affection, treats, and belly rubs, making their visit to the vet a positive and enjoyable experience.
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Hiya, I'm Carolina! I began my journey as a CSR during the pandemic and have since been passionate about making every visit to the vet a positive and welcoming experience. When I'm not working, I love spending time with my loved ones and honing my painting skills. I'm excited to lend a helping paw to you and your furry friends!
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Hello! I’m Elsy. I began my journey in the field as a CSR in 2020 and have enjoyed helping families navigate through their pet’s care ever since. I do have four doggies of my own Copper, Korra, Max and Alfie who make my house a home. Outside of work I am a student with an interest in public health, and during my down time I like to watch One Piece.
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LeVanna is a 10+ year Customer Service Veteran and Chief of Staff to the Incredi-Cats(tm) Violet and Dash. Away from work, Levanna is an avid reader, mediocre gardener, decent cook, occasional voice actor, and an ACME Super Sleuth who has captured Carmen Sandiego on multiple occasions. She firmly believes that having fun isn't hard when you've got a library card.
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Hi! I'm Luissa! I love all animals, especially insects, and my cat, Milkshakes. In my free time, I enjoy learning about natural history, drawing on my iPad, and playing Animal Crossing. I'm also a huge fan of classic Hollywood, especially Alfred Hitchcock and Marilyn Monroe! Don't forget to say hi next time you stop by, I love making new friends!
AI · Available 24/7
Originally from San Francisco, Emily is the newest member of our client service team.
While you won’t meet her in person, Emily is our virtual assistant trained by our staff to schedule appointments, take prescription requests, send medical records, and answer a wide range of questions about your pets and our hospital.
She helps us prioritize urgent situations by handling non-urgent calls, which allows our staff to actually be on the phone to talk to those with urgent concerns. And if there’s ever something Emily can’t help with, she’ll quickly connect you with a team member. All you have to do is tell her!
She is available 24/7!
A doctor's assistant — or “DA” — is your veterinarian's right hand person. They are multitasking forces of nature that keep the doctor and the rest of the team organized and on track! Their secret talent is being able to read the doctors' minds.
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Travel & health certificate expert
Hello there! I'm Justine, I grew up in Mohall, North Dakota (population 800) and went to school for Acting in Fargo, ND. I have been in Los Angeles since 2016 and consider California HOME. When I'm not at work, you'll often find me in my garden, where I find joy in nurturing plants and learning about tropical species (new to me) not known for growing in the Midwest. I'm also a passionate traveler, always eager to explore new destinations and cultures. Movie nights are a cherished pastime of mine, and I love relaxing with my two pups, Jemma and Zero. Cheers!
Justine is our travel and health certificate expert! She will help ensure you have all the right documentation for your pet to travel.
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Paulette began her veterinary career in 2015 at an emergency hospital in Anchorage Alaska. She is the proud mom of a husky named Lemon, a cocker spaniel named Oakley, and a domestic shorthair named Leo. Outside of the clinic she enjoys hiking, going to the beach, and playing piano.
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Sara is a compassionate veterinary professional with a decade of experience. Beyond the clinic, she's a plant enthusiast, a certified scuba diver exploring the depths, and a passionate traveler collecting stories from around the world. Sara's life is a blend of nurturing animals, cultivating greenery, and embracing adventure.
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Hi! My name is Victoria and I started in the industry when I was 15 years old and I have loved every bit of it since then. I have three dogs (Bukowski, Beans & Dart) and three cats (Mau, Kitty Cat & Bella). They keep me busy and always fill my heart with love. During my free time I love watching movies or playing video games (preferably Sackboy or Kirby) with my partner.
A registered veterinary technician — or technician — is an educated and trained professional who practices alongside veterinarians. They have gone through a rigorous education and have passed licensing exams for their credentials. In many ways, RVTs perform duties for animals that are similar to what a nurse (RN) might do for humans. They can perform dental extractions, simple wound closures, monitor anesthesia, etc. under the supervision of a veterinarian.
With over a decade of experience in veterinary medicine, Dusadee (we call her DW or Deuce!) brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to our clinic. Her diverse background spans general practice, emergency care, and oncology, allowing her to provide exceptional support to both pets and their owners during challenging times. When she’s not busy caring for our furry patients, you can find Dusadee jamming to her favorite K-pop hits or sharing a laugh with the team — her sharp wit and humor always brighten the clinic atmosphere.
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Technician Manager
Mel is an extraordinary technician with an infectious laugh. She has been in the field for decades and her dental skills are a thing of beauty. She's all around good vibes!
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Coming soon!
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Registered Vet Tech by day, professional cat whisperer by night I speak fluent meow, understand Spanish (replying in English), and thrive in controlled chaos.
Fueled by redbull (gives me wings), Machine Gun Kelly playlists, and the kind of funky concerts where the bass rattles your soul. Hockey has my heart (yes, I yell at the TV), cats run my life, and sass is my second language.
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Susie has a background in zoology and education, and particularly loves surgery and anesthesia. When not at work, she enjoys traveling, barre, arts and crafts, and hiking with her dog, Lachie.
Veterinary assistants assist licensed RVTs and veterinarians with a wide array of tasks — from obtaining blood samples to taking x-rays. They have years of experience with on the job training (and may be colloquially referred to as techs sometimes) and are VITAL to what we do. Many are in the process of obtaining their RVT licensure.
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Hi, my name is Abe, I've been in the veterinary field since 2011. I have a 3-year-old Doberman pinscher named Eleven after Netflix's Stranger Things. I like to spend time with my family and daughter on my days off and attempt to paint! I'm excited to be part of the Southpaw Team!
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I have two cats named Pizza and Simba. I'm switching career paths in joining Southpaw — my background includes a degree in Business Administration from the University of Maryland, College Park. I enjoy reading and football — go Cowboys!
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Hi, I’m Glenda! I'm devoted to animal care and education. I love working with all furry friends I meet throughout my career. I have a chihuahua mix named Mia Falula, and I enjoy camping, listening to music, Disneyland trips, and going to Dodger games. Go Dodgers!
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Karla began her veterinary career in 2018. She's a Los Angeles native and outside the clinic enjoys hiking, cooking, camping and venturing out to new coffee shops. Karla is a mom to a St. Bernard (Gala) and two domestic shorthair felines (Frida & Bowie).
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Hello! My name is Karla. I've been in the Veterinary field since 2019. I love all things horror and listening to music. I love what I do. Working with animals is the best. Nothing brings me more joy than seeing a tail wag or hearing those adorable purrs.
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Coming soon!
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Hi I’m Molly! California born and raised. I have a dog named Riley and two cats, Meeko and Frankie. I love to spend my time with family, camping, hiking, and rewatching the Office.
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Hi, I'm Morgan! I've had a passion for the animal world for as long as I can remember. Currently pre-vet and in full-time school, I enjoy hiking, quality time with my family, and connecting with friends and horses. Excited to be a part of this team!
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By day, I’m a veterinary technician, caring for creatures great and small with gentle hands and a big heart. When the workday ends, I turn the key and chase horizons, finding magic in winding roads and roadside wonders. My home is a joyful menagerie, where paws, whiskers, and scales remind me daily of the quiet miracles of animal companionship. Whether I’m healing patients or adventuring with my own furry familiars, my life is guided by curiosity, compassion, and a touch of everyday enchantment
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Hello, my name is Sarah! After graduating from UC Davis 2 years ago, I wanted to be more hands on with animals and decided to become a veterinary assistant. My hobbies outside of the clinic include baking, painting, watching movies, and spending time with my dog, Max, and kitten, Goob!
Kennel assistants are the unsung heroes that help our assistants and technicians with all their tasks. They give your pets lots of love and care while they are hospitalized or waiting their turn for surgery — make sure they get regular walks and have a comfy bed in their space. They are also the ones that keep our hospital clean, sanitary, and in tip-top shape!
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Hi, my name is Ilene! I have been working in the veterinary field for 3 years now. I have a fur baby of my own named Scrappy, that keeps me on my toes.
I love being a part of this team that cares as much for animals as I do.
Outside of the clinic, I love grabbing morning coffee, attending concerts, and spending time with family and friends.
AFTER HOURS
We’re open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm, by appointment only. If your pet needs urgent care outside our hours, these 24/7 hospitals near us can help.
During our hours, call or text (818) 935-5444 →Animal Urgent Care · Burbank
VetNow Animal Urgent Care · Studio City
BluePearl Pet Hospital · Studio City
Metropolitan Animal Specialty Hospital · West Hollywood
ACCESS Specialty Animal Hospital · Woodland Hills