Our Team
We are animal lovers to our core. Caring for your pet isn’t our profession. It’s our calling.
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 realized she wanted to specialize in avian medicine and completed a two-year intensive working residency at The Medical Center For Birds in the Bay Area. She intends to pursue board-certification in Avian Medicine in the near future. Because of her specialized 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.
One of the greatest joys in veterinary medicine for Dr. G is getting to be a part of the special 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. Dr. G shares her home with a geriatric tuxedo cat named Zephyr, and four older special needs Amazon parrots named Godzilla, Arthur, Norton, and Radar.
Cathy, born and raised in San Diego, has always had a passion for working with animals. She earned her Registered Veterinary Technician license in 2016 and has special interests in dentistry and exotic animal medicine. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies and spending time with her fur kids. Cathy’s family includes six dogs (Bella, Ozzy, Leo, Morty, Monroe, and Bebe), a precious kitty cat (Mosa), her mud turtle (Quazi), and several other reptile companions.
Hi my name is Zoë! I have always had a passion for animals and have spent my whole life surrounded by all kinds, from cats and dogs to chickens, rats, and reptiles. I am new to San Diego and so excited to be settled here. My own fur family consists of my dog Blue and my two cats Gracie and Boo!
Tracey is a highly experienced veterinary professional who has been dedicated to the field for over 30 years. Throughout her career, she has focused on providing exceptional care for small animals, avian and exotic species. Her passion for animal welfare has led her to work with some of the most prestigious organizations in the field, including the San Diego Zoo, where she spent almost 10 years as a hospital manager in the department of veterinary services.
In addition to her practical experience, Tracey has been an instructor of veterinary technology at San Diego Mesa College since 1995. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge and experience with the next generation of veterinary professionals and helping them develop the skills they need to excel in the field.
Tracey holds several professional certifications, including Registered Veterinary Technician, Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM), and Society for Human Resource Management – Certified Professional (SHRM-CP). She is also a subject matter expert for the American Association of State Boards, where she serves as an exam writer and reviewer, and regularly participates in speaker panels to advocate for the role of the RVT.
Tracey’s commitment to the field of veterinary medicine extends beyond the United States, as she has previously served as an international member of the South African Veterinary Council ensuring veterinary and para veterinary programs meet educational standards. Throughout her career, she has remained dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest research, techniques, and best practices in the field, and she is passionate about mentoring and guiding the next generation of veterinary professionals.
Alyssa is a San Diego native and is highly knowledgeable after years of experience in the veterinary field. She received her veterinary assistant certificate from Pima Medical Institute in 2014 and has been working with animals full-time ever since. After gaining invaluable technical skills working with dogs and cats (she loves drawing blood and placing catheters!), Alyssa has now set her sights on gaining experience working with birds as well. When not at work, she can be found with her nose in a book, watching movies, or dreaming of creating her own short film series. She shares her home with a miniature Dachshund named Potato and her cat Nelson.
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.