About Us

Dr. Sunil Kakarla, an experienced and compassionate veterinarian in Cary, NC, grew up in India. After graduating from the College of Veterinary Medicine in India, he practiced as a companion animal veterinarian for five years in a metropolitan city in India. He moved to the United States in 2005 with a passion for practicing high-quality veterinary medicine in an advanced setting. During that process, he pursued his MS and Ph.D. in a renowned lab at Marshall University in West Virginia.

As a graduate student, Dr. Kakarla performed cutting-edge research and had several high impact publications to his credit. While pursuing graduate studies, he simultaneously completed the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE) in 2010.

Soon after this accomplishment, he began volunteering at several local animal hospitals. He completed his clinical experience program and obtained his license to practice in the US the same year.

In 2011, after graduating with a doctoral degree, he joined a small animal practice in Durham/RTP where he established a huge clientele and treated about 6000 to 7000 pets per year.

With his continued passion to provide the best quality veterinary care, he joined the state-of-the-art Walnut Street Animal Hospital in June 2016. As a veterinarian in the RTP area of NC, he strongly believes in quality care for pets and in being available to his patients when needed.

Sunil Kakarla is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and has special interests in dermatology and soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, as well as emergency medicine. Dr. Kakarla is married and has a son and a daughter. He enjoys spending quality time with his family, including his 1-year-old Golden-Doodle, Brownie, and a 4-year-old Poodle, Milky. He enjoys serving his community by actively helping rescue groups and shelter pets, and in his free time, he plays volleyball.

Dr. Brennan completed both his undergrad studies and veterinary school at Virginia Tech. After graduation, he practiced in North Carolina before deciding to join us here in California. Dr. Brennan loves hiking, golfing, kayaking, and going to live music events. He owns a pit bull named Trixie and a small cat named Darwin. He can’t wait to take care of all the dogs and cats that live here in Pacific Beach!

Bio coming soon!

I had always hoped to grow up to be like Davy Crockett or Daniel Boone who were my heroes in the 50’s and 60’s – eons ago. Instead of making friends with Native Americans like they did, I try to make friends with animals and help them when they need it. I grew up in Miami, Florida with lots of wildlife around. I loved alligators, crabs, turtle, snakes… you name it, I would watch it! School was always fun for me, as was ballet, tennis, orchestra, Honor Guard, French club, and various other activities and sports in high school. I attended college at Florida Institute of Technology to study Oceanography with plans to be like Jacques Cousteau with my own 2-man submarine and TV show.

After moving to California, I switched to pre-veterinary studies at SDSU upon the realization that I could combine my two interests of nature and medicine into my career. Then, after graduating from UC Davis in 1983, I worked in emergency for 10 years before purchasing Grand Animal Hospital. I spend my free time with my animals and enjoy swimming and hiking with my husband of 16 years. I appreciate all my wonderful clients and their furry families, who are the best part of my busy days. Thank you. If you would like to find out more about my background, please ask!

Sarah is an NC State graduate with double majors in Animal Science and Applied Nutrition. She has lived with animals her entire life and has always had a special place in her heart for them. She has been with the company since 2019, and she loves her job. Not only does she have the opportunity to meet new people and pets on a daily basis, but she also gets to help those fur babies stay happy and healthy with their families. Her favorite things to do outside of work include spending time with her furry kiddos; two dogs named Ochi and Denali, and two cats named Juniper and George. When she’s not at work, you can find her hiking with her dog, or taking part in any other activities in which she can include them.

Hello! My name is Caitlin, and I have been with Walnut Street Animal Hospital since 2017. I started out as a receptionist and after being with this practice for a year, I was promoted to Manager and transferred to our sister location, Capital Boulevard Animal Hospital. I absolutely loved the experience of opening a new clinic and getting acquainted with all of the rescues. I am excited to start my new role as Client Coordinator with the company. I have always loved working with clients and making sure the owner and furbaby have a positive experience. In my free time, I am with my 2 human kiddos as well as my own furbabies.

Kylie graduated from college and moved to San Diego in 2021. She has been a registered veterinary technician with Grand Animal Hospital since 2023. When she is not working she enjoys spending time with her Australian Shepherd Audie and three cats Stella, Martini, and Guinness.

Hi, my name is Jessica and I started at Grand Animal Hospital in 2005 as a Veterinary Assistant. I went back to school to become a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) and I am currently the Lead Technician. Although I love every aspect of being an RVT, I especially love Surgery and Dentistry. I am a native San Diegan. During my time off, I enjoy spending time with my family, animals, and friends.

Mitch graduated from Oregon State University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology. He spent several years working in wildlife rehabilitation and at animal sanctuaries before moving to San Diego in 2023. His special skill is reaching for things in high places.

Mark was born and raised in Vermont. He graduated from the University of Vermont in 2023 with a B.S. in Animal Sciences and is a recent transplant to the San Diego area. Back in his home state, he worked in emergency and private practices as a veterinary assistant. In his free time, he likes to surf, camp out of his truck, and explore the surrounding areas.

Hi! My name is Addie.  I grew up on a farm in a small town in North Carolina working alongside my grandparents with their many large animals. I have been working in vet medicine for 2 years and started as a pet nanny. I am currently studying to become an RVT at Penn Fosters online program. My hobbies outside of working with animals are volleyball, going to the beach, and working out.

I have been working in the veterinary field for 5 years. Originally I wanted to be a music teacher but then I started working at the zoo and realized my passion was with animals, seeing all the keepers and animal techs working with the animals really impressed me. I did my veterinary assistant and technician program through Pima Medical Institute. I started at Grand Animal Hospital shortly after finishing the assistant program, I originally wanted to go into the large animal field but loved working with cats and dogs in-clinic. I am currently working towards obtaining my RVT certification. I am a proud cat mom of Mama and Bean. When not working I am a full time cat sitter with Tabby Manor and I enjoy day trips to Disneyland to explore avengers campus and watch the shows and parades.

Born in LA and raised in San Diego Mikella (or Mickey for short) has had a passion for animals and veterinary medicine for as long as she can remember. During Covid in 2020, she enrolled and later graduated from PIMA with her certificate in Veterinary Assisting and has been working in general practices ever since. In Mickey’s spare time, she can be found at ReUnify Yoga Studio or on adventures with her Dalmatian, Hellboy Wolfgang Mozart DeVille.

Izzy moved to San Diego from Seattle, Washington in 2022 to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Biology at San Diego State University. She has always had a strong connection to animals and a passion for animal care leading her to obtain a Veterinary Assistant certificate and began working at Grand Animal Hospital. Outside of work and school, Izzy enjoys hiking, camping, and exploring different National Parks. She is excited to continue her journey in Veterinary Medicine to advocate and care for the furry friends in our community!

Hi! I'm Scarlette. I was born in San Diego and raised in Tijuana, B.C., Mexico. As a child, I would always spend time at my parent's ranch in El Alamo, where I had my first pet ever, a horse named Remi. I started falling in love with the vet field when I started working as a receptionist and assistant at my first clinic when I was 18. I'm currently studying to become an RVT at PIMA Medical Institute. When I'm not working or studying you can find me at the beach, hiking trails, or seeking for a new adventure with my French Bulldog Cruella.

Hey! My name is Kimberly, I was born & raised in Florida & moved to San Diego 11 years ago. I have been in the veterinary field for 6 years. I obtained my vet assistant certificate in 2018 & I'm currently in the process of obtaining my RVT License. I have a perfect 4lb long-haired chihuahua who is by my side 24/7 If you're lucky, you will catch a glimpse of him at GAH. In my spare time, I run my own small business selling kafecito around San Diego.

Hi, my name is Vanessa, and I was born and raised in San Diego. When I was little, I always said I wanted to work in the veterinary field. I’ve always been in love with animals. I was fortunate enough to start working at Grand and have been here for several years. I became a certified veterinary assistant in 2020 and right now I’m studying to become an RVT.
I have 2 beautiful cats, Sushi and Leo and I recently became a mom to a beautiful baby boy, so when I’m not working I go into full time mommy mode. 

Hi, I'm Brooke! I grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, and started my adventures in the Veterinary world in Kaneohe, Hawaii when I was 21. After 2 years of working as a Receptionist and an Assistant at my first Clinic, I decided it was time to move back to the mainland to be closer to family and friends. I couldn't get away from the beaches and mountains for long though, and I ended up here in San Diego. Outside of work, you can find me in a dance class, reading, or seeking a new hike location.

My name is Dee. I have been honored to serve this hospital since 2010. Serving your pets has brought me such joy. I take great pride in giving your pets the tender love and care they deserve.