VCA Pacific Petcare Animal Hospital

Bios

• Geoff Ball

  DVM

  Dr. Ball has always loved working with animals. At 15, he started his first job at an animal hospital outside of Chicago, while also volunteering at a shelter, working with feral cats. After graduating from St. George's University in 2005, Dr. Ball did clinical studies at the University of Illinois, and then went back to St. George's to work with students at the Teaching Hospital, until 2007. As a practicing veterinarian, he continued to volunteer at shelters, while also taking on a Visiting Professor position in clinical skills at his Alma Mater. Geoff specializes in dentistry and has developed lectures on the subjects, as well as laboratory criteria on dentistry for veterinary students. We are extremely happy to have Dr. Ball join our team as he is very friendly, patients like him, and he knows his medicine. When not at VCA Pacific Petcare, he likes to spend time with his three dogs at the beach, hiking, running, playing music and learning how to surf. Dr. Ball is always available to answer questions and meet your furry friends when he is here. Stop in and meet Dr. Ball. Don't forget your precious kitty or doggy.

• Karen Soares

  DVM

  Dr. Soares graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida- Gainesville. Following graduation, Dr Soares completed a 1-year rotating Internship focusing in Internal Medicine, Surgery, Critical Care and Emergency Medicine at VCA Emergency and Referral Center in San Diego where she was intern of the year!. Since then Dr. Soares has worked as an emergency clinician at a Specialty Referral/Emergency Hospital and as a general practitioner at a busy general veterinary practice. Outside of her veterinary work, Dr. Soares enjoys yoga and plays organized soccer. Her family includes 3 cats, Ani, Ellie and Lily and an Old English Bulldog named "Brindle-Lynn". She has a big spot in her heart for kitties of all ages, sizes and attitudes!. Dr. Soares puts her considerable experience into solving and preventing many health concerns. Dr. Soares understands that pet owners want the best for their dogs and cats and does her best to make the four-legged patients feel welcome and comfortable. VCA Pacific Petcare is proud to have Dr. Soares on our team. Stop in and meet Dr. Soares and you will see what a wonderful veterinarian she is.

• Leah Smith

  DVM

  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 University. 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 practicing the highest quality medicine at VCA Pacific Petcare. She continues to serve in the Army Reserves at the Camp Pendleton Veterinary Treatment Facility. . 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 physical rehabilitation and promoting preventive care for both animals and their human companions. Dr. Smith is a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist, and is pursuing board certification in veterinary public health and certification in animal acupuncture. 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 coaching her volleyball team, husband Ryan, and their 4 animal family members - Jeffrey, Justin, Joey and Kitty (aka Slider). Her hobbies include volleyball, running, boating, and karaoke when the occasion fits. .