Karen Yzeta de Avila, DVM - co-founder

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.  

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.