A New Era of Specialty Veterinary Care for Southern California Begins
The new Janice K. Hobbs UC Davis Veterinary Medical Center Southern California opens.
More than 200 supporters, clinicians, staff and university leaders gathered on October 1 to celebrate the dedication of the new Janice K. Hobbs UC Davis Veterinary Medical Center Southern California. The program featured remarks from Janice K. Hobbs, City of San Diego and university leaders, and grateful clients whose experiences inspired them to give back.
The celebration honored the work of the dedicated clinicians, specialists, and staff who have provided care to more than 4,000 animals per year to the Southern California region. The former center, known as the UC Veterinary Medical Center, San Diego, was located just a few miles from the new center. It was at this center that Dr. Larry Cowgill and other specialists in nephrology, cardiology, and clinical pharmacy treated animals for more than 25 years.
“UC Davis has been caring for animals and families in Southern California for more than 25 years,” said Michael Mison, DVM, DACVS, Associate Dean for Veterinary Medical Center Operations and Chief Veterinary Medical Officer (CVMO) of the William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. “Today, we celebrate that history, but even more importantly, we celebrate what comes next…The Janice K. Hobbs UC Davis Veterinary Medical Center allows us to bring more of that expertise and quality of care to Southern California, build stronger partnerships with the veterinary community, and create a new model for how we deliver clinical care and train the next generation. And ultimately, it all comes back to the animals and families who trust us with their care.”
A Center for Pets, and People Who Love Them
The new UC Davis Hobbs Veterinary Center features 23,000 square feet of space, approximately seven times larger than the previous facility, and features advanced technology and equipment designed to support complex specialty and emergency care.
Two grateful clients shared their deeply personal stories of the lifesaving care their beloved animals received at UC Davis.
Susan Walker shared her story of the lifesaving care that her dog Ella received after accidentally ingesting a bottle of Ibuprofen. Inspired by the care Ella received, Susan made generous gifts supporting the new Hemodialysis, Urology, and Nephrology Suite, as well as equipment and compassionate care funds and for animals and families in need.
Dennice Wilson, joined on stage by Choon Neo Siow and their miniature Schnauzer Harper, shared Harper’s journey back to walking after a frightening health scare. Harper has received care from specialists in both San Diego and Davis. Through their generous gift, Dennice and Choon Neo have helped create a warm, welcoming lobby for clients and their beloved companion animals.
Advancing the Mission
Chancellor May shared his support for the new center, and the school’s important role in the university’s mission to serve Californians and communities beyond. “I am proud that we are extending the service of the number one veterinary school even further,” he said. “We are advancing UC Davis’ mission and bringing specialized veterinary care closer to the animals and families who need us.”
UC Davis Provost Mary Croughan shared her enthusiasm for the center’s potential to continue collaborative, transdisciplinary work. “The UC Davis Hobbs Veterinary Center offers specialized expertise, advanced technology, and even more opportunities for collaboration with veterinarians throughout the state,” she said. “The center will help us to prepare future veterinarians using the latest tools and training while helping to meet our state’s workforce needs.”
Kent Lee, San Diego City Council President Pro Tem, welcomed the audience, and the center, as a place that will serve San Diego and Southern California. “The city has valued our partnership with UC Davis for the past 25 years,” he said. “We are delighted to now have even greater specialty care from the nation’s top-ranked veterinary school. Collaborations like this one with a world-class university make our city stronger.”
Gratitude to Center Benefactor, Janice K. Hobbs
The center was made possible in part through a naming gift from Janice K. Hobbs and many philanthropic partners. Jan’s naming gift helped accelerate the school’s plan to expand its presence in San Diego, turning a long-held vision into a center poised to serve thousands more animals and families.
Continued philanthropic partnership will bring advanced equipment and technology to the center, provide compassionate care for animals who families need financial assistance, and open doors for clinical innovation, education and research. As the center grows, generosity will help ensure that more animals and families have access to exceptional care.
Mark Stetter, DVM, DACZM, shared his gratitude to Jan Hobbs and the other philanthropic partners who contributed to the center.
Jan, your wonderful gift made it possible for us to take this vision and turn it into the center you see today. Your name will forever be connected to the animals whose lives are saved here, the families who find hope here, and the clinicians and future veterinary specialists whose work will be made possible here. We are deeply grateful.”
That promise of helping more animals is thanks to philanthropy, he said. “Thank you to everyone who believed in this vision and helped realize it.”
A Vision Realized
The featured speaker at the celebration was the center’s benefactor, Janice K. Hobbs. Looking to the 200+ crowd gathered in front of the center, she shared her belief in veterinary medicine and the difference it can make through a story that has remained with her about the power of veterinary medicine, telling a story about the center’s cardiology specialist Dr. Joao Orvalho, located in San Diego. Dr. Orvalho collaborated with the San Diego Zoo to care for a California Condor, a bird that was near extinction at the time. “Since that time, there are now 600 of those birds that have now been released to the wild,” she said.
Hobbs spoke to the audience about how much meaning the celebration held for her, and how the hospital celebration was the fruition of many moments combined to become a space with potential to help countless animals.
Anything really special, I have learned, takes a lot of time, a lot of treasure, and a lot of talent,” said Hobbs.
“All of you here – you are giving your time...I see so many friends here, and I want to thank you for that. We have several of our donors here as well, and I want to thank you for sharing some of your treasure with our new project here. And as far as talent? That would be all of these wonderful veterinarians, and other doctors, and the support staff, and everyone who will be working here…Thanks to all of you.”
Guests rose in a standing ovation to honor Hobbs. A ribbon cutting and tours of the new center followed.
Center Opens
The UC Davis Hobbs Veterinary Center is open! Current clients of the center’s original three specialties are being seen starting October 7, with a rollout of specialty services occurring over the next several weeks. Additional specialties are planned in the coming years with the goal of becoming the leading tertiary referral center in Southern California. With the growth, the center is expected to increase capacity from approximately 4,200 patients to as many as 20,000 annually.
Dr. Fred Pike, DVM, DACVS (SA), the center’s medical director, shared his vision for the future of the center at the celebration on October 1.
“We could not be more excited for what comes next,” he said.
Other links:
Learn about opportunities to name a space at the new center.
Support other animals through the center’s Gratitude in Action program.
Stay tuned for the latest center news at hobbs.vetmed.ucdavis.edu.