Dr. Ryan Smith grew up loving animals his entire life, desiring to be a veterinarian since the age of 6. The care and treatment of animals was further fostered in him a few years later when as a boy, he was able to watch his neighborhood veterinarian treat his family dog’s injuries it sustained in a car accident. These are the roots of Dr. Smith’s passion for understanding and protecting the bond between humans and their pets. He believes that animals and humans don’t just coexist but also rely on one another in our lives together.
Dr. Smith studied veterinary medicine at Western University, and after earning his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine continued on to obtain a Master’s in Public Health at the University of Minnesota. He then completed a rotating internship in Los Angeles before beginning his career in private practice in the Southern California area, working in a busy general small animal and emergency practice for 14 years.
Dr. Smith has completed advanced training in minimally invasive surgical techniques as well as endoscopic procedures. His particular interests include soft tissue surgery, internal medicine, and infectious disease and prevention. “This hospital emerged organically through shared values and standards of excellence. We built a home where providers and patients together can celebrate our four pillars, which are based in our shared responsibility to be stewards to those in our care and to treat one another like we would treat our own family — pets, their owners, and our staff.”
A native of Orange County, Dr. Smith is excited to be working back near the ocean. When not at Love, he enjoys surfing, playing and listening to music, beekeeping, reading, camping, and spending time with his wife and son. His family also includes two rescue cats – (Guapo and Fiona), a Cavalier King Charles (Toad), and a hamster (Herbie).
Rick Zuniga is a North Hollywood native. He was raised in Southern California as well as Northern California in Shasta county. He has been in the veterinary industry for over 12 years starting as a customer service representative and working his way up into management.
He received his degree in physical geography from Cal State Northridge. He is a certified California naturalist and is also a biologist helping with oak tree restoration in southern California. He obtained his CVPM credentials in 2023. Rick enjoys continuing to learn about the veterinary industry as a whole as well as the nuances of veterinary administration.
In his free time he enjoys racing motorcycles, fishing, surfing, and exploring the wildernesses of California.
Dr. Reid Forman always felt that he was meant to be a veterinarian. While growing up in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, he dreamed of a future where he could combine his love for animals and his fascination with science. But the road towards this dream wasn’t a straight one. Dr. Forman started college in New Orleans, transferred to UNLV, and graduated with a degree in Hotel Administration.
For the next several years, Dr. Forman worked in a different field, gaining various skills before returning to school to pursue his childhood dream. Dr. Forman credits his passion, respect, and appreciation for veterinary medicine to the unique path that led him to his career.
After graduating from Western University of Health Sciences in 2010, Dr. Forman has gained vast experience while working at very busy practices in both Las Vegas and Southern California. He has strong interest in emergency medicine and surgery, but also loves to practice general medicine and preventative care. Dr. Forman’s commitment to excellence ensures that every furry friend he meets receives the highest quality care. He values hard work from himself and his team at Love, and guarantees honesty with his clients.
When not at the office, Dr. Forman enjoys exercising at the gym, watching sports (particularly football), and spending time with his three dogs and his family, especially his son Pierce.