OUR TEAM

South Orange County Animal Hospital is a full-service hospital providing medical, surgical and dental care for your four-legged family members.  We are locally owned and operated and are excited to be a part of this community.  Our clinic is dedicated to providing high quality service, educating clients on how best to care for their loved ones, and working with local rescues to help homeless animals find families of their own.

Dr. Keun "John" Kim

Dr.Kim grew up in the San Fernando Valley.  He received his bacherlor's degree from University of California Los Angeles and his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from University of California Davis.  After completing his internship at Southern California Veterinary Referral Group, he obtained a position at VCA Sacramento Veterinary Referral Center.  

After moving back to Southern California to be closer to his wife's family, ultimately - Dr. Tani and Dr. Kim were able to start South Orange County Animal Hospital over a decade ago.  The hospital was able to survive and grow through tumultuous times with the support made by relationships with our owners, the community, and rescue organizations.

After 20 years in practice, his skill set has grown with internal medicine, general and orthopedic procedures, emergency and critical care, ultrasonography, endoscopic foreign body retrieval, rhinoscopic foreign body retrieval, and being able to enjoy actually speaking with owners and how they are doing.  His style is to offer multiple options and individual plans to tackle the problem.

In his free time - he "enjoys" chauffeuring his kids to a variety of practices including art camp, rowing crew - sweeping and sculling, TKD.  When there is a window of freedom, you can find him bobbing in the ocean on his 30 year old boat chasing after fish.  Incidentally, 30 year old boats, water version of AAA, and a walkie talkie has been invaluable.  He just wishes his dog  (Sanity Support Animal) didn't get sea sick so he can drag him along.  

Dr. Alyson Tani

Alyson Tani is an Orange County native, and received her bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.  She later received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Western University of Health Sciences.  After graduating from veterinary school, she went on to complete a small animal rotating internship at VCA Sacramento Veterinary Referral Center.  There she trained with multiple board-certified specialists for cardiology, internal medicine, surgery, emergency and critical care, ophthalmology, dermatology, and neurology.  After completing her one-year internship, she moved back to southern California to work at a private practice in Monrovia.

Dr. Tani was then fortunate enough to work with spcaLA finding homes for animals, caring for sick pets, and participating at vaccine clinics for the local communities.  She enjoys working with rescue organizations that are dedicated to helping animals in need, and has even fostered animals while they wait for their “forever homes”. 

In her free time she enjoys arts and crafts and eating snacks while watching Netflix on the couch with her dogs.   

Dr. Derek Vuong

Dr. Derek Vuong was born and raised in the San Gabriel Valley.  He received his bachelor’s degree from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona and later received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from University of California, Davis.  Shortly after graduation, he went on to complete a small animal rotating internship at the Pet Emergency and Specialty Center in San Diego and has been practicing in Southern California since.

In his free time, he enjoys hiking, photography, cooking and taking care of his mini zoo at home (his dog, cat, rabbit, and shrimps).

Receptionists

Josie

Josie has always had a huge love for animals and has had pets for as long as she can remember. While she has her Associates Degree in business, she has always wanted to work with animals and has plans to pursue the veterinary field. She also has a 2 year old Pomeranian named Kielbasa who drives her crazy at home but she loves to death. In her down time she enjoys going to the beach, visiting flower shops, painting, and going to Disneyland with our other receptionist, Zoe. She hopes to one day become a veterinary technician which is where her passion truly lies.

Taryn

Taryn is a kennel assistant at South Orange County Animal Hospital.  She is new to the veterinary medical field, but has volunteered at various animal rescue organizations for the last 2 years such as Found Animals Adopt and Shop.  Taryn is also studying at Mount San Antonio College to obtain a degree in animal technology.  She has two dogs at home that she cares for deeply.

ANNEL

Annel grew up in SoCal and always imagined herself being in the veterinary field. As a kid she would find many strays and help them find homes through family friends. Also, she would volunteer at Petsmart to help take care of the adoptable cats. Annel now has 3 cats and 1 dog named Tim, Eevee, Panda and Lucky. In her free time she loves going to the beach, shopping or staying in with all her pets.  

Technicians, Veterinary Assistants, and Doctor’s Assistants

Kelly Battistone, RVT

Kelly is a registered veterinary technician that has been working with animals for over 14 years.  She was the medical coordinator for a local prohumane feline shelter.  Kelly was the head of the kitten foster program for five years, helping place, treat, and provide medical care for  the fostered kittens.  To help curb the feral cat population, Kelly participates in “TNR” (trap/neuter/release).  In her spare time, Kelly enjoys climbing trees, hiking, and cuddling with her two cats, Lily and Winky.

Sydney, RVT

Sydney is an RVT and certified crazy cat lady. She fosters special needs kittens and always brings Dr. Tani interesting cases. On her days off she enjoys holding hands with her 5 cats and watching Netflix. She has 2 dogs, Captain (pictured) and an ancient chihuahua named Monster.

Kathryn, RVT

Kathryn has had a love for animals her entire life. Born and raised in Orange County, she grew up spending time in her Grandpa's pasture helping with the cattle. She received an Associates Degree in Math and Science from Santiago Canyon College and is currently applying to veterinary technician schools. She has two sweet dogs, Bella and Sadie, who love to play at the park and go on hikes. 

Kim, RVT

Kim lived on a farm in Nebraska until shortly after becoming a Registered Veterinary Technician in 1999.  She now lives in Southern California with her husband, two sons, and two mixed breed terriers.  She also has a beta fish and 3 hermit crabs!  She enjoys helping all types of animals, but especially loves scruffy terrier breeds.  In her spare time, she enjoys making memories with her boys, watching movies, and having lunch with friends. 

Maggie, RVT

Jocelyne

Jocelyne has always had a passion for being around animals since she was little. Working with the doctors and techs at South Orange County Animal Hospital has inspired her to become a registered veterinary technician. She is now working towards applying to veterinary technician schools. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family and being around her crazy pack of animals; she has 4 dogs and 2 cats!

Karina

Karina is a passionate animal lover currently pursuing a career in becoming a Registered Veterinary Technician. She graduated from UC Davis with a Bachelor's degree in Animal Science. When she's not studying or working with animals, you’ll find her relaxing with a good binge-worthy TV show or movie. Whether it’s in the clinic, on the couch, or on a family trip, she always soaking up every moment with animals, family, and a little bit of Disney magic!

Amanda

Amanda has always wanted to work with animals as a child. Right out of high school she started the RVT program at Mt San Antonio College. While in college, she had 2 beautiful daughters, but still is working to finish the RVT program. She also is a dog mom to 4 crazy dogs who run the house with her little girls. On her days off she enjoys spending time with her kids

Lyndsey

Lyndsey has always had a passion and love for animals ever since she was little. She is attending Saddleback College with plans to transfer to Cal Poly Pomona majoring in animal science in their Pre-Vet program.  She plans on going to veterinary school and becoming a veterinarian either in small animal, zoo medicine, or aquariums and wildlife conservation. She is very excited to start her career in the veterinary field at South Orange County Animal Hospital and loves every day she's here. When she is not studying or working, she loves going to the beach with her dog, hanging with her family and friends, and volunteering at the aquarium.

Kennel Attendants

abby

adrin

Adrin Lindsey has been passionate about animal care from a young age. At just ten years old, he began volunteering and riding horses, where he developed a deep sense of responsibility for caring for animals. Throughout his life, Adrin has shared his home with various pets, embracing his love for all furry friends without exception.

In addition to his commitment to animals, Adrin demonstrated his dedication to the community by creating and leading a volunteer program that helped traumatic brain injury survivors thrive and socialize. Before joining our team, he gained valuable hands-on experience as a veterinary assistant at Alicia Pacific Veterinary Center, where he built a strong foundation in veterinary medicine.

Adrin graduated as valedictorian of Dana Hills High School’s four-year Health and Medical Occupations Academy in May 2024. At the same time, he completed a two-year veterinary assistant program, further solidifying his skills and passion for animal care. Currently pursuing his undergraduate degree, Adrin plans to continue his education by earning a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine.

We are thrilled to welcome Adrin to our team as a dedicated kennel attendant and aspiring veterinarian.