The Service That Gives Pets More Time
Tracy Allen came into veterinary medicine looking for something that would keep her engaged — but found far more than she expected.
Now a Registered Veterinary Technician in the nephrology, urology, and extracorporeal therapies service at UC Veterinary Medical Center, San Diego, Tracy has built a career at the intersection of two things she loves most: animals and learning.
"I wanted a job that would keep me engaged. I found veterinary medicine to be interesting and very fulfilling. I love to learn and so I found something that involved my love for animals and learning."
That curiosity serves her well in one of the most technically demanding specialties in veterinary medicine. The nephrology, urology, and extracorporeal therapies including dialysis and plasma exchange service is still relatively uncommon in the veterinary field, and the complexity of what the team offers makes every day genuinely different.
"Each day is different. Some days are heavily focused on client communication, education, and guiding pet owners through the various illnesses and conditions affecting their pets. On other days, we perform advanced procedures such as dialysis and plasma exchange. A day may begin calmly and then quickly shift into a fast-paced, high-pressure environment with little warning. I enjoy the variety and the fact that no two days are the same, as it keeps the work engaging and rewarding."
For Tracy, the value of what the clinic offers goes well beyond the procedures themselves. She sees the impact of the service not just in the outcomes for patients, but in the difference it makes for the families navigating some of the most difficult moments of pet ownership.
"We provide a specialized service that is still relatively uncommon in the veterinary field. Through this care, we are able to offer clients not only additional quality time with their pets but also valuable education about their pet's condition, treatment options, and ongoing care. Supporting both our patients and their owners during these challenging times is one of the most rewarding aspects of our work."
That commitment to both patient and family is something Tracy carries into how she thinks about the expansion ahead. The move to the Janice K. Hobbs UC Davis Veterinary Medical Center Southern California represents, for her, a meaningful step forward in what the team will be able to offer the region.
I believe this will provide clients throughout Southern California with greater access to specialized resources and advanced treatment options, ensuring their pets receive the care they need when they need it most."
Philanthropy has played a central role in making that level of care possible and Tracy has seen its impact first hand.
"With the support of our donors, we are able to provide state-of-the-art care to our patients. Their generous contributions help fund the specialized equipment and resources needed to perform advanced treatments, allowing us to offer services that would otherwise be unavailable to many pets and their families."
And for pet owners who want to do their part? Tracy has two pieces of advice, delivered with the quiet authority of someone who has seen what can happen when they go unheeded.
"Please keep your medications locked up, and no grapes."