Veronica Garcia (she/her)
Trainer & Behavior Consultant
Hi there!
You may notice some cute little old dogs around my meet the team page. I have provided behavior and medical support to a few dogs through their senior years. I suppose you could say it’s my specialty. I’m even working on a webinar for senior dog enrichment!
My background as a veterinary technician working in veterinary behavior has taught me that complex behavior and medical needs often go hand in hand. I understand firsthand the fatigue human caregivers can experience. A well-organized care team considers the wellbeing of both the pets and the humans in the household, and I’m always honored to be part of one.
Your Dog Deserves Care That Treats the Whole Picture
I grew up in the northern Chicago suburbs, and got into veterinary medicine in 2008 after moving to northern California. It was love from the start. Providing nursing care for sick animals was everything I never knew I wanted.
My first rescue dog, Toby, (maltipoo) had diabetes and a plethora of behavioral issues. He was the catalyst that started my journey into behavior and training as a pet parent.
After spending much of my veterinary career in emergency and critical care, I transitioned to veterinary behavior in 2021.
As a trainer, I am dedicated to enhancing the human-animal bond through enrichment and positive reinforcement. Let’s help your pet become their best self!
Veronica on the Enrichment for the Real World Podcast
Check out recent episodes of the podcast here!
Certifications & Credentials
- Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)
- Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP)
- Fear Free Certified Professional – Veterinary (FFCP)
- Bachelor of Science, Business Administration – University of Illinois
JUST FOR FUN
Q & A
Q: What’s one ordinary fact about you?
A: I thoroughly enjoy puns and dad jokes!
Q: We obviously need to know about your pets, give us the details!
A: Preston is going on 15 yrs. He’s some sort of terrier mix. I worked in a vet clinic in Santa Rosa, CA. One weekend he was brought in by a good Samaritan who found him as a stray. He looked terrified of life. After no one claimed him, we decided to keep him. I knew he was a sensitive soul from the start. He still is to this day. He has dementia, he’s losing muscle mass, and we’re still fighting his IBD. But he loves his sniffy adventures, his nap times, and any opportunity to shred!
Sprite is going on 10 or 11 years. She’s a Jack Russell terrier. We adopted her in 2018. She was a farm dog who wasn’t good at her job, so we took her in after her family decided they didn’t want her. She’s so smart and silly. She has big feelings about other dogs and some humans, so even on behavior meds we do lots of avoidance. She enjoys formal and informal nosework, adventure walks, morning cuddles, chewing on bones, and romping around our big backyard.
Q: What’s one super cool fact about you?
A: Every year for Christmas my family makes tamales. We all get together and pick a station: spreading masa, filling/stuffing, and cooking. It takes hours, but there’s nothing better than fresh-out-of-the-pot tamales!
Q: Do you have any hobbies? What do you do for fun?
A: I love to read and listen to audiobooks. I love running and strength training.
I also love to go on walks with friends, find vegan eateries, and take my dogs to new office complexes. I enjoy going to concerts, but I’m retired from the all day music festivals.
