Dr. David J Shuman, DVM
President / Veterinarian
After graduating from UCSC in 1989 with a B.A. in Biology, Dr. Dave Shuman went on to earn his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis in 1993. He worked at other practices before opening his own practice, Santa Cruz Westside Animal Hospital, Inc., in 1999.
Dr. Dave is recognized as a successful local business owner and generous supporter of the Santa Cruz community. He is married to Hilary and they have two children, Quintin and Madeline.
Since opening his practice, Dr. Dave’s Westside Animal Hospital has grown into the big family it is today.
Dr. Kye Kable
Veterinarian
Dr. Kye Kable grew up outside of Baltimore, Maryland coming from a family of veterinarians including his grandfather, father, and brother. After pursuing undergraduate studies at Salisbury University in classical guitar and philosophy he strongly considered a career in music, however, good sense triumphed and he matriculated at Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine where he graduated in 2016. A rewarding three years were then spent in Maryland practicing alongside his father and brother. In 2019 Kye moved to Capitola, California to pursue his love for surfing. Here he met his future wife and developed a love for the greater Santa Cruz area for which he is proud to serve. He has particular interests in internal medicine, soft tissue surgery, and palliative care for senior pets but delights in all aspects of veterinary medicine. Dr. Kable loves labrador retrievers and has a white lab named “Poppy Lobster”. Dr Kable joined the Westside Team in March 2024.
Becky
Hospital Manager
Like just about everyone else on staff here, she enjoys spending time with her animals. Since the days of her first boxer, Damon, she loves all things Boxers. Among the lesser known facts about Becky is that she once owned a hairless guinea pig, hairless rats, birds and fish! She currently has 3 dogs; T, Ola a 10 yr old Boxer, Titus a 4 yr old Boxer, and Tut a 8 month old Boxer. All of which keep her very busy.
Rachel, RVT
Lead Veterinary Technician
Rachel has always had a love for animals and has worked in the veterinary business for over a decade. After studying Biology at UCSC and graduating in 2003 she moved to San Francisco and began her career in the Veterinary field. Beginning at the customer service end she quickly realized that her passion was working directly with her furry patients. So she began training as a technician assistant and used her on the job experience to advance her technician skills. In 2008 she sat for her state exams and became a RVT, Rachel enjoys the Santa Cruz lifestyle with her young son, taking advantage of local hiking trails, campling, and local shops and eateries. When not at work she can be found at home loving her 2 cats, Pretzel and Cheeto, or perhaps experimenting with a new recipe or reading a good book.
Emily, RVT
RVT Assistant Lead Tech
Emily joined the Tech World in 2002 while attending Cabrillo College’s nursing program and loved veterinary work so much she never left. She joined our team in 2016 and she fits right in. Santa Cruz is the right place for her with her love of camping, especially in Big Sur, racing dirt bikes and riding street bikes. She grew up close by in the Bay Area, however the Redwoods of Fall Creek and Loch Lomond call her name. She loves to hike with her sons Miles and Ellis, her husband Josh, and the family dogs Moxie This woman is all about the outdoors from fishing, off-road motocross, and camping
Stephanie, RVT
Technician
Stephanie became an RVT in 2024.
Stephanie joined the Westside family as a tech assistant in 2018 and has developed into a vital part of the team over the years. She is a cat lover through and through having 4 cats of her own. She is our resident baker and we love when she brings us treats.