Here at Animal Hospital of SLO, we are proud to provide a team of friendly, experienced veterinarians and support staff to care for your pet. Our doctors, technicians, and office staff strive to provide the best care available, and each member of our team has a history of caring, compassionate service.
Explore our staff biographies to learn where we’re from, how we came to veterinary medicine, and why we love the work we do!
Dr. Cody Lewis, DVM – Practice Owner/Medical Director
Dr. Cody Lewis grew up in Northern California, where his father was a farrier (horseshoer) and raised livestock. After being raised around animals and inspired by his father’s love for them, he was driven to pursue a career as a veterinarian. He attended Cal Poly for his undergraduate studies in biochemistry and instantly fell in love with the Central Coast. He then went on to complete his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University.
As the owner of Animal Hospital of San Luis Obispo, Dr. Lewis works with small animals and practices strict guidelines issued by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). At AHSLO and our sister hospital, Primary Care Animal Hospital in Arroyo Grande, Dr. Lewis and his team hold themselves to the highest standards in veterinary medicine and strive to deliver excellent care to every pet. Why? Because pets deserve nothing less!
Dr. Kelley Zucker, DVM – Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Kelley Zucker grew up in southern California before attending Cal Poly SLO for her undergraduate degree. She attended Veterinary school at St. George’s University in Grenada, then completed a one year medical/surgical internship in Brooklyn, New York. Dr. Zucker practiced in Massachusetts and New York for 10 years before she finally had enough of the long cold winters and returned to San Luis Obispo in 2020. She now lives in SLO with her husband and two kids, their dogs Terry and Penny, and cats Bruce and Bunny. When not at work she enjoys exploring SLO County with her family, DIY home improvements and furniture rehab, and watching Bravo.
Dr. Chelsea Dauer, DVM
Dr. Dauer grew up in Los Osos and received her Bachelor of Science degree from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in 2011. She graduated from St. George’s University in January 2017 with a doctorate degree in Veterinary Medicine. She attended Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech, for her clinical year. Dr. Dauer has been working as a small animal veterinarian on the Central Coast since 2017.
Outside of practicing veterinary medicine, Dr. Dauer enjoys riding her horses, hiking with her dogs, wakeboarding at the lake, and playing soccer. Locally, Dr. Dauer also volunteers with Coast Mounted Assistance in Montana de Oro and the Horse Emergency Evacuation Team.
Kim
RVT – Registered Veterinary Technician
Kim grew up in San Bernardino County and moved to San Luis Obispo County in 2014 to pursue her bachelor’s degree in Animal Science at Cal Poly. After graduation in 2019, Kim continued her professional development by obtaining her license as a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT). From a young age, Kim knew she wanted to work animals and never considered an alternate career path. In her spare time, Kim can be found walking on the beach or hiking with her two dogs: Ashley and Charley.
Cassidy
Supervisor/Lead Vet Technician
Cassidy is a military brat, who grew up all over the United States. She has been in San Luis Obispo for over 6 years now, and is getting her bachelor’s degree online in Health Sciences. She has over 5 years experience in the vet field. She has one pug/Boston terrier mix Cochina, and two cats, Pippa and Quinn. In her spare time, you will find her reading, playing roller derby, or watching trash TV.
Miley
Veterinary Assistant
Miley grew up in Stockton, CA and came to SLO to study Animal Science at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She graduated from Cal Poly on the Pre-veterinary tract with a minor in biology. Miley is taking a gap year before applying to Veterinary schools. In addition to working with dogs and cats here at the clinic, she works with exotics and wildlife at a rescue zoo in Paso Robles. When not at work or school, Miley’s free time is spent with her dog Pismo at the beach, hiking, or doing artsy projects.
Marissa
Veterinary Assistant
Marissa moved to the area almost eight years ago to study at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where she graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science in 2020. She joined our team in early 2024, after working at a pet ER for over four years. In Marissa’s free time you can usually find her at home with her animals: a German Shepherd mix Bucky, and five cats, Paisley, Natasha, Sylvie, Stark, and Domino. She also enjoys rewatching old tv shows, and taking her dog to the beach.
Gwen
Veterinary Assistant
Gwen is originally from San Diego, and moved to SLO to study Animal Science. She recently graduated with a bachelor’s of Animal Science with a concentration in Pre-veterinary medicine. Gwen has grown up working with a variety of animals, both small and large. When she isn’t at the clinic she enjoys riding her horse Spartan, with her dog Sunny running right behind.
Trinity
Veterinary Assistant
Trinity was born in Redding and moved around a lot growing up. She spent a few years in mexico helping street dogs and horses. She started college at Cuesta College for Biology in order to pursue animal science and large animal veterinary medicine. She has been working with animals for years, from small to large she loves them all! She spends her free time hiking, working at shelters, traveling, riding horses, and listening to music. She has always wanted to pursue a career in veterinary medicine since she was little and can’t wait to see what the future holds!
Emily
Veterinary Assistant
Emily grew up in Los Angeles, CA, and moved to San Luis Obispo to pursue a degree in Animal Science at Cal Poly, SLO. She graduated in 2023 and is now working toward her master’s degree in Animal Science at Cal Poly. Her master’s thesis focuses on alternative poultry diets to enhance broiler production. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her two cats, Wednesday and Bambi, hanging out with friends, and watching reality TV shows.
Heather
Practice Administrator
Heather wears many hats for Animal Hospital of San Luis Obispo and Primary Care Animal Hospital, including managing the central business office and financial operations of both clinics. When she is not in the office, you will find Heather enjoying her time with husband Cody and son Noa. She loves to involve their beloved dogs Wyatt Earp, Skylar, and Cali in their outings, especially taking the whole family to the beach. Heather is thankful for the opportunity to be part of the wonderful pet-friendly and family-oriented community AHSLO supports!
Anita
Accountant
Bio coming soon!
Zoe
Client Relations Supervisor
Zoe was born and raised in San Luis Obispo County. She has three cats, Bagheera, Betty and Cheeseburger, and three chickens. She began working in the veterinary field in 2021, and is currently working towards a degree in English at Allan Hancock College. In her free time, Zoe enjoys board games, and hanging out with friends.
Katie
Front Desk/Client Relations
Katie grew up in Arroyo Grande, CA, just thirty minutes from SLO. She is currently going to school for Farm Culinary, but has worked with animals her whole life on her property, or a ranch. Her free time is either spent with her three Dogs, Lincoln, Louie, and Nala (photographed), or listening to music, riding a horse, or somewhere painting!
