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

John Kim grew up in the San Fernando Valley. He received his bachelor's degree in Organismic Biology Ecology and Evolution from the University of California Los Angeles. He received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of California Davis and completed a one year rotating internship at Southern California Veterinary Referral Group.

He gained additional experience at VCA Sacramento Veterinary Referral Center working emergency, general practice, and ultimately gained the privilege to rotate for on call surgeries for the specialty center. He has been part of the training of over a dozen new veterinarians and also has gained the title of Preceptor for Western University of Health Sciences Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Kim moved back to Southern California to be closer to his wife's family. He assumed the role of day time emergency and criticalist at Advanced Critical Care Internal Medicine/Dedicated Veterinary Care/Orange County Veterinary Specialists. Due to hours and growing family, he transitioned back to general practice at Animal Hospital of Huntington Beach.

Dr. Kim had the privilege to work with and provide care for Seal Beach Animal Care Center, Basset Hound Rescue, Orange County Small Paws, Animal Assistance League, Orange County Animal League during his return to Southern California. In his career, he has worked with Greyhound Friends for Life, Greyhound Pets of America, Northern California Bulldog Rescue, Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue and Sanctuary, and others.

Professionally, Dr. Kim is trained in internal medicine, general and orthopedic surgery, emergency and critical care, ultrasonography, endoscopic foreign body removal, rhinoscopic foreign body removal (3mm rigid scopes). He will always offer multiple solutions and provide individualized treatment plans for the level of care that you and your pet need.

In his free time, he has none. He and his wife are busy running after two young children. He sincerely hopes he can enjoy fishing again - in possibly a decade. His two small fluffy hypoallergenic white dogs Max and Maya help clean the home by picking up food his children drop.

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 snowboarding, arts and crafts, and watching Netflix on the couch with her two dogs, Max and Monty.

Dr. Dominique Jette

Dominique Jette grew up in the Los Angeles area and earned her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from the University of California Davis. Following graduation, she spent two years working in the biotechnology industry and as a doctor’s assistant at South Orange County Animal Hospital. It was at South Orange County she adopted her two cats, Rori and Ryder, and became further inspired to pursue her career as a veterinarian. Dr. Jette received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Oklahoma State University (Go Pokes!). As a veterinary student, she worked on a team with traveling veterinarians to provide spays and neuters in underprivileged communities across the state of Oklahoma. Upon completion of her education, she returned back to California and to the place where her career in veterinary medicine first began. Dr. Jette is Fear Free certified and has research published in the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. Her professional interests include general medicine, exotics, and wildlife.

As a true Californian, Dr. Jette enjoys surfing, hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

We are so happy to have Dr. Jette back as part of the SOCAH family!

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.

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!

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

samantha

Samantha is another certified crazy cat lady. She has 4 cats and the number will only go up from here. She also has an indescribable love for large animals ever since she was a child. Despite having a bachelor’s degree in Business and Information systems, she's currently working towards her goal of being a veterinarian so she can care for her own cats and look after our large animal friends. During her free time, she likes to play with her cats, watch TV shows, and knit.

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.