Born and raised in Southern California, Dr. Lauren Padilla’s love for animals stemmed from childhood, growing up with multiple cats, dogs, rabbits, snakes, lizards, a guinea pig and a chinchilla. Her dream to become a veterinarian began with Max, a beautiful fluffy orange tabby. He was her childhood best friend and the two were inseparable. As Max got older, he became ill and it was difficult to afford the veterinary care he needed. Dr. Padilla made a promise to Max that she would become a veterinarian so she could help save the lives of future pets even in difficult times.
After graduating from the California Academy of Math and Science, Dr. Padilla went on to pursue a bachelors in Animal Science with a Specialization in Equine Science from the University of California Davis. After graduation she moved back to Southern California where she began work as a veterinary technician. She would go on to work for six years as a technician, earning her Registered Veterinary Technician license two years in. Her experience spans emergency medicine, neurology, and mixed animal general practice.
Dr. Padilla moved to Flagstaff, Arizona where she planned to return to school as her dream to become a veterinarian never faded. She graduated as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine, a unique year round three year program.
During school, Dr. Padilla moved to Mesa, AZ where she has decided to practice, focusing on small animals. She and her fiancé enjoy going to the gym, riding road bikes and hiking together. They also enjoy music festivals and traveling. Dr. Padilla and her fiancé have three pets; a scruffy terrier named Latte, a golden husky mutt named Aspen and a tuxedo cat named Vino.