She's an "exotic" one, our Dr. Zunino. She's even gone international to pursue her exotic passion.
No, we don't mean "exotic" in the sense of coming from exotic shores. She was born and raised right here on the Peninsula. We mean that her interest in small animals extends beyond dogs and cats to include what veterinary medicine calls "exotics" (i.e. rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, reptiles, etc.). Of course, this is in addition to her passion for dogs and cats.
Veterinary medicine has been a calling since about second grade. Dr. Zunino was always drawn to a career with animals. Since high school, every internship, externship, volunteer gig, summer job and gap-year job has been geared toward veterinary medicine.
If she seems familiar to you, perhaps it's because one of her summer jobs was right here at Mid-Peninsula Animal Hospital; then, she came back the following summer to work as a veterinary assistant. We weren't the only animal hospital she worked with during her college years at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, or during veterinary school at the University of California at Davis. So, you can imagine, we're thrilled and honored that once she earned her DVM, and officially became Dr. Zunino, she chose to come back here to work with us!
What may not be familiar to you is how much, and how far, she's traveled getting her hands-on experience treating animals. She moved to Denver for a time to work with the renowned Dr. Jon Geller, DVM, founder of the Street Dog Coalition. Dr. Geller's organization sets up pop-up clinics staffed with volunteer veterinary professionals to care for the animals of folks at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness. Dr. Geller explains, "We’re committed to protecting the human-animal bond and caring for the lives on both ends of the leash."
Dr. Zunino also moved for a time to work down under, in Sydney and near Brisbane, Australia (with a side trip to Melbourne, a fav). The team at Sydney Exotics and Rabbit Vets (SERV) published research into how to make medicine better for exotics, especially rabbits and guinea pigs. Up near Brisbane, the work done at the University of Queensland Gatton campus included more wildlife and involved more Bearded Dragons as pets. It's an Aussie thing.
But there's no place like home. We asked Dr. Zunino why she chose Mid-Peninsula Animal Hospital, she immediately pointed out we are AAHA accredited. We put a lot of work into the AAHA accreditation, and we know clients appreciate it, so it's gratifying to hear that makes a difference to our professionals as well. Another big draw mentioned is our multiple doctor, collaborative environment.
Dr. Zunino explained, "I could tell Mid-Pen has a collaborative environment, and I think medicine is best when you put multiple heads together." In addition, as an independent hospital, doctors can consider more tailored approaches, including the latest, greatest medical advances.
Her advice to new animal guardians? She says that getting insurance is a good idea. But the most important thing is: once a client is established with her, don't be afraid to ask questions. She advises to reach out if you're ever not sure about something, and she can let you know if it requires an office visit, or is concerning, but the most important thing is to ask those questions.
When she's not all about the small animals and exotics, Dr. Zenino loves to cook. It's in her blood. She learned how to cook from her mother. Plus exploring farmer's markets is one of her absolute joys. This makes her cooking style is "farmer's market to table, with Italian influences."
Speaking of style, she's a Studio Ghibli fan (and yes, she's been to the Studio Ghibli museum in Japan). Her other creative outlet is clay work, creating ceramics. There's also nothing more relaxing than watching TV on the couch with her rabbits, Freckles and Colonel Dax.
When you get a chance, please welcome—or we should say "please welcome BACK"—Dr. Olivia Zunino.
