About Us
Welcome to the heart of Turquoise Trail Veterinary Urgent Care, where compassionate care meets expertise, and every paw print tells a story of healing. Our journey began with a vision deeply rooted in the vibrant soil of Santa Fe, New Mexico, with a commitment to creating a haven for pets in times of urgency.
Who We Are
Established with a purpose, Turquoise Trail Vet was founded to address the unique healthcare needs of pets, bridging the gap between routine veterinary services and critical emergencies. From our early days, we envisioned a space where pet owners could find prompt, expert and compassionate care—creating a legacy that echoes in the barks, meows, and joyful footsteps that grace our halls.
Meet Our Team
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Dr. Avila grew up in Socorro, New Mexico. She has a BS in Biology from the University of New Mexico, and graduated from the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Karen loves all aspects of veterinary medicine, but her special career interests include internal medicine, surgery, and pain management. She has also received additional training in abdominal ultrasound. She is excited to offer her knowledge and experience to the community in our new locally-owned veterinary urgent care.
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Dr. Karen Avila's love for and fascination with animals took root during her childhood, growing up on a family farm. At a young age, she remembers raising calves, puppies, chickens and bunnies and helping her dad break in horses. At age 8, her life took a surprising twist when her family moved overseas to a military base named Kwajalein, located in the Marshall Islands. Though family pets and animals were not allowed on the island, she had the opportunity to explore the ocean’s rich biodiversity, which fueled her interest in nature and biology.
Many years later, she returned home to New Mexico where she rediscovered her love of animals and was drawn to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. After graduating from CSU, she spent her first several years of practice at Smith Veterinary Hospital in Santa Fe.
In her free time, Dr. Avila finds joy in exploring our beautiful planet. She takes every opportunity to play in the great outdoors, especially when it is with her dogs Leo and Jasmine and her wife, Roni. As a former merkid, she also enjoys swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. Over the last few years, she has developed a daily practice in the healing art of yoga, which keeps her centered. One of her other passions in life is music, a gift lovingly passed down from her mom. Her love of songwriting, piano and guitar rejuvenates her. She often sits on her back porch playing the guitar and singing to the moon. The coyotes join in from time to time.
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American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
New Mexico Veterinary Medical Association (NMVMA)
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Dr. Andrea Trujillo is from Las Vegas, NM, and went to vet school at Colorado State University. She returned to New Mexico after veterinary school and practiced at the same hospital in Santa Fe for just over 20 years. Since December of 2023 she has been a part of a practice in Rio Rancho that focuses on internal and regenerative medicine.
Dr. Trujillo loves the mystery of internal medicine and the fine art of soft tissue surgery. It is respect for the human animal bond and the support and development of her colleagues that keeps her passionate about veterinary medicine.
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Dr. Trujillo figured out early in life that she enjoyed using her plastic doctor toys on her stuffed animals rather than her dolls. When she was 9 years old, her allergist told her she’d never be a veterinarian because of severe allergies and asthma.
Many allergy injections, inhalers and antihistamines later, she graduated from Colorado State University as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.
During her time as a veterinarian she has had the privilege of being an associate, mentor, preceptor, manager and medical director. She is honored to add co- founder of Turquoise Trail Veterinary Urgent Care to her list of career roles.
In her spare time she enjoys reading novels, managing her husband’s art business and collecting houseplants. She also loves to spend time gathering her extended family and traveling with her husband and son. She has a single eyed “flug” (fluffy pug) named Dart.
Dr. Trujillo is proud to have been a part of the Veterinary Community in Santa Fe for the last 20 years. . She looks forward to returning to work with the people, pets and professionals of Santa Fe, Rio Rancho and Northern New Mexico.
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American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
New Mexico Veterinary Medical Association (NMVMA)
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Jared grew up in New England (Massachusetts and Vermont). He has a BA in liberal arts from St. John's College, Santa Fe.
He started working in veterinary medicine in 2008. He's been a veterinary assistant, veterinary practice manager, and veterinary hospital administrator in Albuquerque, NM, Los Angeles, CA, Santa Barbara, CA, and Santa Fe, NM.
Santa Fe is his adopted home, and he is thrilled to help bring veterinary urgent care to northern New Mexico.
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Jared and his wife share their home and their life with two dogs, and two cats, who in turn share approximately three brain cells and exactly six eyeballs. He enjoys exercise (though he misses being able to run the way he could when he was younger), the outdoors, reading, and cooking.
Values that guide us
We believe in the power of unity, both internally and externally. Our clinic thrives because of the compassionate hands that tend to our patients. We cherish and nurture our staff, providing them with a supportive environment that honors their expertise and encourages their growth.
Community is the Cornerstone
Value 1
We see ourselves as partners with pet owners on their pets' healthcare journey. Our relationship with clients is integral; through open communication and shared decision-making, we work together to provide the best possible care for our patients.
Power in Partnership
Value 2
Heart of Trust
Value 3
Professionalism is etched into every facet of our practice. With highly skilled and compassionate veterinary experts, we inspire trust and confidence in our patients and clients.
While growing responsibly, we remain committed to the essence that makes us Turquoise Trail Vet. Rooted in our values, our vision centers around enriching the lives of our patients, clients, employees, and the entire Santa Fe community.
