Staff

Dr. Mike Kavanagh

DVM

Dr. Kavanagh has worked at Saddleback for over 10 years! In the process he has been here as a technician, hospital manager and now the owner and Veterinarian. He loves seeing all the familiar faces as well as the new ones coming in to meet us for the first time! Dr. Kavanagh has a real passion for animal care. He has been involved with animals his whole life! He started by sharing his matchbox cars with the families litter of newborn kittens to the displeasure of their frantic mother! He was involved in FFA throughout high school raising sheep and beef. He went to Mt San Antonio College as a technician and eventually finished his prerequisites for Veterinary School at Cal Poly Pomona. He was part of the inaugural class at Western University College of Veterinary Medicine in Pomona California and graduated in 2007. He began working at Saddleback shortly thereafter as a veterinarian and proceeded to purchase the hospital from longtime friend and mentor Dr. Tim Metzger. Dr. Kavanagh loves to see all pets! A typical day could include dogs, cats, pigs, goats and a hamster or two! Not only does Dr. Kavanagh treat the pets here at Saddleback, but he is also involved with the Orange County Fair, Centennial Farms and local high school FFA chapters.

Dr. Kavanagh is a husband of 11 years to his wife Melinda and a proud daddy to three beautiful girls Reagan, Kaitlyn and Natalie. His family is frequently at the hospital either visiting or working. Melinda started working at Saddleback in 1996 and still works as a technician!

Dr. Michelle Striegler

DVM

Bio coming soon!

Dr. Patrick Campbell

DVM

Dr. Patrick Campbell’s passion for veterinary medicine began as a teen when he worked as a veterinary assistant here at Saddleback. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Colorado State University, working as a veterinary technician during that time, then obtained his DVM from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. While in veterinary school, he served indigenous communities through the Student Initiative for Reservation Veterinary Services (SIRVS) and worked in the emergency and ICU departments as an assistant.

Dr. Campbell is particularly interested in gastrointestinal issues, dentistry, and palliative care.

Dr. Campbell lives with his partner and their Corgi in the Orange County. They enjoy hiking, running, bouldering, and are passionate foodies. Dr. Campbell also loves reading and baking French pastries.

Dr. Christopher Eich

DVM

Dr. Christopher Eich, Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons

Dr. Christopher Eich received his DVM from the University of Florida in 1992. He went on to complete a surgical internship and residency at The Animal Medical Center in New York City, after which he became a board-certified veterinary surge.

Gilbert Velasquez

Practice Manager

Gilbert started as Saddleback's Practice manager in 2019. He has over 30 years of experience as a veterinary technician and practice manager. Gilbert enjoys spending time with his wife, Melanie and 10 children.

Jennifer R.

Receptionist

Jennifer has been working at Saddleback since 2002. She enjoys spending time with her husband and 2 children, Katie and Jonathan.

Veronica

Veronica has been working at Saddleback since 2017.

Katlynn B

​​​​​​​Katlynn has been working at Saddleback since 2016. She is an active FFA member and enjoys going with Dr. Kavanagh on all of his large animal exams.

Lacey Y

Lacey started with Saddleback in 2023. Like Katlynn and Dr. Kavanagh, Lacey participated in FFA during high school, raising and caring for a lamb. This is when she knew a job in the veterinary field was her future. Since then, she has almost 20 years working as a Veterinary Technician and would not trade one day of it away. She really enjoys working with all animals and loves the patient diversity offered at Saddleback. She has been enjoying life with her husband for 8 years, including raising their 2, now high school-aged children. In her free time, Lacey prefers quality family time, gardening, and thrift store shopping.