About Us
At TLC Animal Hospital, we’re more than just a clinic—we’re a family dedicated to the health and happiness of your beloved pets. Since 1978, we’ve been serving the community with a commitment to excellence in veterinary care and truly superior customer service.
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A Legacy of Care
Our hospital was first established by Dr. Guy Johnsen and his wife, Kathy Johnsen, whose founding vision guides us to this day. That legacy of compassionate, high-quality care has been enthusiastically embraced by our current leadership team: Dr. Vicki Dashley and Dr. Alfredo Lara.
Drs. Dashley and Lara, along with our entire dedicated staff, are committed to providing the understanding, dedication, and expertise your pet deserves.
What We Do
At TLC Animal Hospital, our focus is on providing exceptional, Fear Free certified veterinary care for every pet who walks through our doors. From preventive exams and vaccinations to advanced diagnostics and surgical procedures, our team takes a personalized approach to your pet’s health and comfort.
We believe that great medicine begins with compassion. Our veterinarians take the time to understand your pet’s unique needs, easing anxiety with gentle handling, calming environments, and positive reinforcement.
Whether your companion needs a wellness visit, dental care, or urgent treatment, you can trust that we’ll combine medical expertise with genuine care to keep tails wagging and hearts happy.
Appointments & Walk-Ins
Appointments are encouraged so we can prepare for your pet’s visit and provide the dedicated attention they deserve. However, we also understand that pet care doesn’t always fit neatly into a schedule—that’s why walk-ins are welcome at any time. Whether it’s a quick concern or a last-minute visit, we’ll do our best to see your pet promptly. For anesthetic procedures and non-emergency surgeries, appointments are required to ensure the highest level of safety and comfort.
Meet Our Dedicated Team
Dr. Vicki Dashley
DVM
Born and raised in El Paso, Dr. Dashley graduated Magna Cum Laude from Texas A&M in 2010. She is a Fear Free Certified Professional, focusing on internal medicine, surgery, behavior, and providing quality, compassionate care. She has 5 dogs and 4 cats.
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Dr. Alfredo Lara
DVM
Dr. Lara moved to El Paso after practicing in Juarez, Mexico, and achieved his DVM certification through ECFVG. He has been with TLC Animal Hospital ever since. He enjoys photography, played basketball in college, and has a personal interest in the Bovine field. He has one cat named Charlie.
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Dr. Brenda Castorena
DVM
An El Paso native, Dr. Castorena received her DVM from Oklahoma State after working as a veterinary technician for three years. Her professional interests include internal medicine and soft tissue surgery. She dedicates her days off to volunteering for spays and neuters at El Paso Animal Services.
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Dr. Priscilla Garcia
DVM
Dr. Garcia graduated from Colorado State in 2006. She believes veterinary medicine is a unique profession that brings people together, and she remains dedicated to continuous learning. Her strong interests are internal and preventive medicine. She enjoys cooking and raising her twin daughters.
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Dr. Priscilla Rubio
DVM
Dr. Rubio has been part of the TLC Animal Hospital family since 2016, progressing from volunteer to doctor. She completed her DVM at Texas A&M. Her passion is driven by being the voice for the voiceless and fostering lasting relationships with both pets and clients.
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Dr. Cristina Ramirez
DVM
A proud El Paso native, Dr. Ramirez earned her DVM Cum Laude from Texas A&M in 2023. Inspired by her family's small business roots, she is passionate about making a lasting impact on her patients and the community. She gained hands-on experience as a veterinary technician.
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