Dr. Sheryl Eckstein
DVM
Dr. Eckstein is a proud Southern California native who has lived in Ladera Ranch since 2004. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and went on to receive her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1999. In 2012, she became the owner of Rancho Viejo Animal Hospital, where she is proud to serve the pets and families of the local community. Her veterinary career has included both general practice and shelter medicine, and she has a special passion for internal medicine and helping rescued animals find loving homes. Dr. Eckstein is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, California Veterinary Medical Association, and Southern California Veterinary Medical Association. Her love for animals extends well beyond the clinic. At home, she and her husband are raising their two children alongside a lively group of rescued pets—including two dogs, three cats, and even a mouse. The family also shares their lives with a sweet Morgan horse named Doc. When she’s not at the hospital, Dr. Eckstein enjoys spending time with her family, taking her dogs for walks, watching movies, listening to music, cheering on soccer matches, and caring for all her beloved animals—both large and small.
Dr. Elizabeth Edmunson
DVM
Dr. Elizabeth Edmunson is a Southern California native. She earned her bachelor’s degree at UC San Diego and her veterinary degree from UC Davis in 2008. Immediately out of veterinary school she went to work in a very busy practice in West Los Angeles and worked there for 6 years. It was there that she started doing a large number and variety of soft tissue surgical cases. She also started working for the non-profits SNP LA and Fixnation doing high quality/high volume/spay neuter during that time. Dr. Edmunson moved to Orange County in 2014 where she continued to do spay and neuter work as well as general practice relief work. In 2017, she was hired by a large private practice veterinary hospital to do all of their soft tissue surgical cases. She is very efficient in surgery and makes “key hole” incisions for spays which allow shorter anesthesia time and less discomfort during recovery. She has a passion for soft tissue surgery and while she isn’t a board-certified surgeon, she will tackle most soft tissue surgery cases.
In addition to spay and neuter surgeries, she also has vast experience and advanced training in many other types of soft tissue surgeries commonly recommended by general practice or emergency veterinarians. She is a member of AVMA, CVMA, and SCVMA, which provide access to high-quality continuing education and collaboration with colleagues. She serves our community by working with local rescue groups & Orange County Animal Control to help combat pet overpopulation and homelessness. She lives in Ladera Ranch with her husband, their daughters, and their 2 crazy Doodles. They enjoy outings as a family to all the playgrounds, parks, beaches, hikes, bike rides, and more that Southern California has to offer. She loves to read, bake, and macrame as well. Helping people and communities care for their pets to the best of their abilities brings her great fulfillment.
Tami, RVT
Head Registered Veterinary Technician
Tami has been working with animals her entire life and officially earned her RVT in 2007. As our Head Registered Veterinary Technician, she keeps the back of the hospital running smoothly with her experience, calm confidence, and unwavering dedication to patient care.
She shares her home with her beloved bulldog mix, Piggy, who keeps her entertained with endless personality. At work, she’s also known as Freddie’s best friend — the two have a special bond that everyone in the hospital recognizes. When she’s not caring for patients or leading the back‑of‑hospital team, Tami enjoys spending time with her family and her pets. Her passion for animals shines through in everything she does, making her an essential and deeply valued part of our hospital family.
Catherine
Veterinary Receptionist
Catherine is the heart of the front office and the first friendly face clients meet when they walk through our doors. She keeps the hospital running smoothly with a blend of organization, patience, and a sense of humor that’s essential while keeping up with the steady stream of wagging tails and curious noses
A lifelong animal lover, Catherine has worked in the animal industry for more than 20 years. Her passion for pets—and the people who love them—shines through in everything she does, from comforting nervous clients to managing the daily chaos with calm efficiency.
She lives in San Juan Capistrano with her husband, children, terrier mix Kylo, and her two kitties, Baboo and Kerberos. When she’s not at work, Catherine enjoys reading, anything Disney, going to the beach, watching her daughter play soccer, going to concerts, and spending time with her family. Whether she’s wrangling schedules, greeting patients, or keeping Freddie, Ringo, and Rigi out of trouble, Catherine is the steady, welcoming presence that helps make our hospital feel like home.
Amanda
Veterinary Receptionist / Veterinary Assistant
Coming soon!
Rigi (Short for Rigatoni)
Meet the newest Office Dog
Rigi is Dr. Eckstein’s newest rescued sidekick, discovered wandering the streets of San Bernardino. When no one came to claim him, the shelter, his foster family, and a rescue teamed up to find him a forever home—and he landed exactly where he belonged. Since joining the family, Rigi has been neutered, vaccinated, and is working hard on his manners & training (with steady progress… unless something delicious or chewable distracts him). He comes to work with Dr. Eckstein every day, proudly taking on his role as the office’s enthusiastic greeter. Rigi can be a little barky and might seem intimidating at first, but it’s all an act. The moment he feels safe, he flops over and offers his belly like it’s his full‑time job. He loves walks, loves snacks even more, and believes anything within reach is a potential chew toy—or meal. Underneath the tough is a sweet, goofy dog who’s just thrilled to be loved, safe, and part of the team.
Freddie & Ringo
Our Office Cat Duo
Freddie Mercury and Ringo Star are our resident one‑year‑old siblings, rescued by Dr. Eckstein after they were unable to find homes. When no perfect family came along, these two decided the hospital would do just fine—and they now live here full‑time while still hoping for a forever home together. They’re a bonded pair and separating them is simply not an option. Freddie is the outgoing, gregarious sister who believes every human is her new best friend. Ringo is her shy, sweet brother who prefers to observe the world quietly before deciding it’s safe to ask for affection. Together, they balance each other perfectly. They are also, unfortunately, very guilty of breaking into dog and cat food bags with the enthusiasm of tiny, furry burglars. Due to their impressive snack‑theft skills, they are no longer allowed in the front of the office—strict orders from management. Despite their mischief, Freddie and Ringo bring endless entertainment, comfort, and charm to the hospital. And while they love their life here, they’re still waiting for the perfect family who can give them a real home—one with room for both of them, of course.
Enzo
The Office Dog (2014–2025)
Enzo joined Dr. Eckstein’s family in 2015 and came to work every single day, quickly becoming a beloved part of the office. His routine centered around long naps and the occasional theft of the doctor’s breakfast or lunch whenever someone looked away. After one technician covered him with a blanket because he “looked cold,” Enzo decided this was a new workplace policy—he would loudly insist on being tucked in before settling down. He loved the dog park, rolling in the grass, and greeting his friends. Enzo also lived with food allergies and eosinophilic meningitis, and later in life experienced declining neurological abilities that were managed with great care. Through every challenge, he remained gentle, social, and full of charm. He had a few memorable fears—Albertson’s delivery trucks, mop buckets, and especially wet or non‑carpeted floors. The team often built him a “towel bridge” so he could walk out safely, a small but heartfelt accommodation for a dog who meant the world to everyone around him. Enzo passed away in 2025, leaving behind years of comfort, laughter, and companionship. His sweet spirit, quirks, and mischievous personality will always be remembered with love.
Biscuit
The Office Matriarch (1999–2019)
Biscuit joined our office family in 2018 at the remarkable age of 19, and she made an impression from day one. Tough, charming, and unapologetically feisty, she carried the battle scars of a life well‑lived — including the loss of one eye to a coyote years earlier, which only seemed to sharpen her personality. Despite her age, Biscuit settled into her “retirement” with style. Aside from a mild hairball issue, she remained in surprisingly good health and spent her days supervising the team, demanding attention on her terms, and reminding everyone who really ran the office. Biscuit passed away in 2019, but her legacy lives on. She remains one of our most memorable office pets — a resilient, one‑eyed queen who brought character, comfort, and a bit of attitude to our workplace.
Max
Our First Office Cat (2000–2016)
Max joined our office in 2015 when his previous owner could no longer manage his medical and behavioral needs. They entrusted him to us for continued care, and from the moment he arrived, he settled in beautifully and quickly became the heart of our office. Max wandered the hospital with confidence, greeted staff and clients with quiet charm, and never minded the company of dogs. He even shared a cozy office bed with Enzo (Dr. Eckstein’s Great Dane), proving just how easygoing he truly was. Max passed away in 2016 at the age of 16, leaving behind a legacy of calm, comfort, and countless smiles. We were grateful to give him the loving retirement he deserved, and he will always be remembered as our very first — and unforgettable — office cat.