Passion. Purpose. Calling.

Doctors

Why did I become a veterinarian? Well, I have always had a profound interest in and a special connection with animals. I’ve always also found myself striving to continue to challenge myself and push myself beyond my limitations, both physically and intellectually. Furthermore, I enjoy giving back to my community. Veterinary medicine is challenging and evolving constantly, it allows me to work with animals every day, and it allows me to give back to my community. This is what has led to a lifelong goal to pursue veterinary medicine and continue expanding my knowledge and understanding of anatomy, physiology, behavior, and medicine. I also have a special interest in acupuncture as an alternative and adjunctive treatment as well as exotic animal medicine (particularly small mammals). My favorite part of my day is interacting with my patients, while my favorite part of my career is when I can send home a healthy patient following treatment. Successful treatment means I get to see my patient go home feeling better. While veterinary medicine is a priority in my life, I also enjoy the outdoors, yoga, fitness, and spending time with friends and family.

What led you to become a Veterinarian? I originally wanted to be a pediatrician, but then decided that I didn’t like the sight of human blood. I have always loved animals and medicine!

What do you love most about your job? What I love most about my job is of course when I get to save an animal’s life! I also appreciate how important it is to relieve suffering.

What is your favorite part of your work day/what can you not wait to do when you are at work? Finding the answers to complicated cases.

Do you have any particular interests in veterinary medicine? I am very interested in oncology as well as emergency/critical care.

Do you have a code you live by (either career wise/or out of work)? Values/beliefs? “It doesn’t cost a penny to be kind”. I treat everyone the way I would want to be treated. And I treat my patients the way I’d want my own pets to be treated.

Are you passionate about anything outside of work? Hobbies/studies? My husband and I love to see live music, and I love working out and going out into nature. We love UCLA sports, Angels Baseball, and LA Kings Hockey. We have a little boy who is almost a year old, two cats, and one dog!

Primary Care Animal Hospital Bixby Knolls is excited to welcome our newest associate veterinarian, Dr. Daniela Gonzalez! Dr. Daniela was born and raised in the beautiful Mexico City where she initially studied and graduated with her doctorate in veterinary medicine. In 2022, Dr. Dani relocated to sunny southern California where she went on to complete her veterinarian internship alongside the guidance of Primary Care Bixby Knolls.

Dr. Dani has always been passionate about being a veterinarian; she grew up surrounded by pets and discovered this beloved compassion for animals at an early age by her parents. Her favorite veterinary interests include animal welfare, preventative medicine, and avian medicine. She believes the best part of being a veterinarian is not only the happiness she feels meeting patients who are just as excited to see her, but also watching her patients leave happy & healthy after being sick in need.

Outside of the clinic, you can find Dr. Dani spending time with her two cats, Pancho and Bruno. She also enjoys reading, biking, exercising, attending live music shows, and lounging under the sun at the beach! However, her favorite hobby includes anything that further challenges her – either physically or mentally.

Dr. Garcia was born and raised in Long Beach, California, where her love for animals began at a young age and has only deepened over the years. After relocating to Northern California to further her education, she never lost sight of her roots and has always been drawn back to the community she calls home. Driven by her passion to serve both people and their pets, Dr. Garcia’s journey with PCAH began as a veterinary technician before she pursued her dream of becoming a veterinarian.

She graduated from the Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine and is thrilled to return to PCAH in her new role. With a special interest in surgery, preventive medicine, and diagnostic imaging, Dr. Garcia is dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care for your cherished pets.

When she’s not caring for animals, Dr. Garcia enjoys long walks on the beach with her Black Labrador, Marley, spending quality time with her daughter, and visiting as many zoos as possible. She looks forward to meeting you and your furry companions at your next visit!