OUR PLAN

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Animal Companions of Las Cruces welcomed 5 new veterinarians to the community Saturday, July 19 at an event held at La Posta. Joining Animal Companions to celebrate their arrival were donors, volunteers and representatives of local veterinary practices. The new veterinarians and their practices are (from L to R) Nate Weaver, DVM(Animal Hospital of Las Cruces), Siena Buser, DVM(Zia Vet Clinic), Hailey Peck ,DVM(Calista Animal Hospital), Toni Bates,DVM(Jornada Veterinary Clinic), and Jacob Fillman, DVM(Jornada Veterinary Clinic). Join us as we continue our effort to recruit more veterinarians to the communities of southern New Mexico. 

Originally from Las Vegas, NV, I am a Las Crucen by way of Carlsbad. I love the sense of community, pace of life, and cultural richness of southern NM, and am thrilled to offer my medical and surgical skills to the clients of Animal Hospital of Las Cruces 

In 2024, I was the first extern Animal Companions of Las Cruces brought to southern New Mexico. They took care of my travel and housing, which allowed me to focus on getting the best experience from my externship at Zia Vet Clinic. The entire staff and vets at Zia were patient, kind and challenging. I loved it so much that I accepted a full-time position at upon graduation. I am also honored to be the first recipient of the organization's $10,000 employment bonus!  

I was born and raised in Las Cruces and am very aware of the significant demand for veterinarians. I have a strong calling to give back to this area, so I am delighted to return home and offer my professional skills to the clients of Calista Animal Hospital.

 As a Las Cruces pet owner, I have had first-hand knowledge of how difficult it can be to get pet care here. Our veterinarians are short-staffed and overworked. I am excited to bring my skills to Jornada Veterinary Clinic, to offer reasonable and feasible treatment plans for our patients and their families.

I am from Bothell, WA and am delighted to be in Las Cruces with my 3 cats, my dog, a gecko and my fish! When I am not caring for them, I will be gaming or baking, unless I am taking care of the critters that come to Jornada Veterinary Clinic with their families.

“I am originally a South Texas native, but veterinary school brought me to the beautiful state of Arizona. While there, I met Animal Companions of Las Cruces, New Mexico who kindly introduced me to Calista Animal Hospital. I had such a wonderful experience that I accepted a full-time position. I’m looking forward to beginning this new chapter serving the pets and families of Las Cruces.”