Eastridge Animal Hospital is now Feathers and Fur Animal Hospital!
Godzilla is a 30+ year old female Yellow Naped Amazon parrot, serving as the unofficial mascot of Feathers and Fur Animal Hospital. She was adopted by Dr. G when she was working at a different veterinary hospital in San Diego many years ago. Godzilla had a previous spinal cord injury, rendering her legs unable to perch or walk. She enjoys snacking on edamame and banana and listening to opera music. She says “Hi Godzilla” but mostly makes nonsensical babbling noises. Godzilla is Dr. G’s personal reminder that even against all odds, medical miracles are possible, and that despite severe physical disabilities, a positive attitude can set the tone for a great quality of life.
Dr. Athena Gianopoulos (Dr. G for short) is the founder and owner of Feathers and Fur Animal Hospital. Born and raised in the Bay Area, she grew up dreaming of becoming a veterinarian. Dr. G received her Bachelor’s degree with honors in Psychology from UC Berkeley and went on to earn her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2016. Upon graduating from veterinary school, Dr. G moved to San Diego to work in small animal and exotics general practice. It was during this time she decided to pursue dedicated training in avian medicine and completed a two-year intensive working residency at the The Medical Center For Birds in the Bay Area, under the mentorship of avian specialist Dr. Brian Speer. She intends to pursue board-certification in Avian Medicine in the near future. Because of her unique high-volume training with birds, Dr. G is the only veterinarian in San Diego who can perform advanced imaging diagnostics such as echocardiography and fluoroscopic studies in birds. By 2024, Dr. G plans on offering avian exclusive intensive care and hospitalization services.
One of the greatest joys in veterinary medicine for Dr. G is getting to be a part of the special human-animal bond that people have with their furry and feathered family members! She founded Feathers and Fur Animal Hospital in 2021 with the goal of providing high-quality, compassionate mobile veterinary services to companion animals in San Diego. Seeking to expand her knowledge base so that she could have “more tools in the toolbox” to help her patients, Dr. G studied Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine and Acupuncture at Chi University in Florida. She enjoys utilizing both Eastern and Western therapies to achieve the best possible outcomes for her patients.
In early 2023, Dr. G acquired Eastridge Animal Hospital in La Mesa, which is certified by the American Association of Feline Practitioner’s as Cat Friendly, and Fear Free.
Eastridge Animal Hospital has been a legacy veterinary clinic since 1970, originally built and owned by Dr. McKittrick, and then Dr. Reese who developed a canine physical rehabilitation center and cat-exclusive practice. Dr. G is grateful for the opportunity to continue the legacy of providing high quality, compassionate care for companion pets.
Dr. G shares her home with a geriatric teacup chihuahua named Little Dude, domestic pigeon Tofu, and three Amazon parrots, Arthur, Norton, and Pappy.
Aliyah Zavala, is currently working as our Kennel Attendant. Recently graduated from Bonita Vista High School, and is all about staying active. You’ll usually find her at the gym, hanging out at the beach, or playing sports. She just loves being outdoors and keeping busy. Her future career goals are in the medical field. Where she plans to become an x-ray technician, and down the road, hopefully study to become a radiologist. She’s excited to start this journey and work her way up, but for now, she’s learning as much as she can. Even though she is not yet doing the technical stuff that the other techs and VAs do,she’s always ready to help out wherever she is needed. One of the things she enjoys most at feathers and fur is working with the birds that come in. Their colorful personalities and different traits make them so interesting. When she’s not working or studying, she likes to relax by crocheting or watching Studio Ghibli movies. At home, she has a chihuahua puppy, Thiago, and cat, Fishy, who keeps her company and always makes life more fun.
Anna is a Client Care Representative with a deep-rooted passion for veterinary medicine. Since 2017, she has been working in the field, with a focus in emergency care. Anna thrives in high-pressure situations and finds fulfillment in helping save and improve the lives of pets.
Beyond her professional life, Anna enjoys hiking and spending time outdoors, particularly with her four dogs: Bo, Oliver, Oso, and Hans Solo. She also has a love for boba, always seeking out new flavors to indulge in.
With her dedication, empathy, and extensive experience in emergency medicine, Anna is an invaluable member of any veterinary team. Her genuine love for animals and commitment to their well-being ensure top-notch care for furry companions and their owners.
After taking a three-year hiatus working as a registered behavior technician , Cassandra is excited to return to the veterinary world. With experience as a veterinary assistant discovered her passion for working as an advocate for not only the fur babies but also for the clients, this is where she enjoys connecting with clients and caring for their furry family members.
Born and raised in sunny San Diego, Cassandra loves the vibrant lifestyle of her hometown. In her free time, she enjoys reaching her reading goals( this year 60) , traveling to new destinations, and camping with her partner Nicholas. She also takes pride in being the best “Titi” to her niece, Kaia Belle.
At home, she shares her life with two beloved cats, Lily Rose and Nipsey Hussle. Cassandra is eager to bring her warmth and dedication to our practice and help create a welcoming environment for both pets and their owners!
