ABOUT ZACK

How long have you been with the Sacramento SPCA Board?
I joined the board in March 2015, I have been on the board for 6 years, serving as board president in 2019 and 2020.

Where do you live? 
I am a Sacramento native; I live in the Arden Park area of Sacramento, near where I grew up.

Tell us a little about your day, what do you do, what have you done?
I have more than 35 years of experience as a small animal vet, specializing in dogs and cats. In 1993, I started my own practice, El Camino Vet Hospital. In 2007, we became a 24-7 vet hospital, and in 2013, transitioned back to a day practice as two veterinarians left to go back to school. We now have 19 people on staff, including 2 full-time doctors. 

Are you currently participating in any other organizations or associations?
My current focus is the SSPCA.

Any past affiliations you would like to share?
Previously, I was on the board of the Sacramento Valley Veterinary Medical Association (SVVMA), and I served as president of the charitable giving committee for more than 8 years. This committee provided grants to other non-profit organizations in the Sacramento area, including the Mercer Clinic, which provides pet care for homeless people at Loaves and Fishes.  I was a volunteer DVM at the Mercer Clinic as well.

What unique talents and skills do you bring to the SSPCA board?
I bring the veterinary medicine and surgery perspective to the board. As the owner of my own practice, I understand the financials behind successfully running an animal care facility. My experience in remodeling the hospital at my practice was used when we built the new spay neuter facility in 2020.

We would love to hear about your family, starting with your pets…
I have a 9-year-old Golden Retriever, named Bonita. She is an unofficial board member, proud member of the Sacramento SPCA’s Love on Loan program and attends board meetings and other SSPCA events. The rest of my family resides in New York.

Finally, what excites you about being part of the SSPCA board of directors?
I absolutely love working with animals. Being part of the SSPCA is another way to help them.  The feral cat program of the SSPCA benefits the community by keeping the cat population under control. I am excited by the programs that help low-income families keep their pets, such as the Paw Pantry.  As a vet, it is nice to know that for families that cannot afford necessary surgeries for their pets, the SSPCA may be able to help.