Veterinarian Overview
Lara Downs, DVM studied at Western University, the first veterinary school in the nation to provide a curriculum through problem based learning, nurturing and strengthening the investigative and communicative nature of veterinary professionals. Dr. Downs graduated as a member of the charter class from Western University in 2007, with Betty Whites blessing, as the keynote speaker! Shortly after graduation, Lara, her husband Dan, and their many fur & feathered animals moved to live, work and play in the Temecula Valley. Her fur and feather family now consists of two dogs Shay & Soleil, Crookshanks the cat, and one cheeky Senegal parrot named Buki! During four summers as a youth, Lara volunteered at the San Diego Zoo, and loved it! Even as she discovered and pursued varied interests in life, whether performing classical piano or various forms of dance, the care of animals had always been her strongest passion. Dr. Downs has been constantly and deeply involved in the care of animals since 1996. Dr. Downs is continually committed to her community through outreach programs, to benefit both humans and animals. She has run half marathons to benefit health organizations, performed ballets to raise funds for the Marines Wounded Warrior Project, has put much muscle and sweat in helping to build the Huntington Beach Wildlife Preserve, and often volunteers her medical care to various causes, such as Nurtured by Nature. Dr. D. is happy to have created a healthy practice, which embodies a positive, diligent, efficient and productive environment in which to care for our patients, and please their owners.
