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.
Becky
Hospital Manager
Like just about everyone else on staff here, she enjoys spending time with her animals. Since the days of her first pug, Toby, she loves all things Pugs. Among the lesser known facts about Becky is that she once owned a hairless guinea pig, hairless rats, birds and fish! She currently has 4 dogs; Tobin a 12 yr old Boxer, Ola a 8 yr old Boxer, Titus a 2 yr old Boxer, and Sparky a 12 yr old Pom mix.
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