Meet Our Team

Dr Neal
Dr. Neal is a native of Arizona. She graduated from UA in 1996 with a B.S. in Vet Science and a B.S. in Biology and then went to Colorado State University to receive her DVM degree in 2000. Her experience is in equine medicine, general practice, and in shelter medicine. A recipient of the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s 40 under 40 Award, Dr. Neal has also been recognized for her service to many other veterinary organizations during her career, such as the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association and the Association of Shelter Veterinarians. Dr. Neal left the Humane Society of Southern Arizona in 2012, after seven years of service, and purchased Santa Cruz Vet Clinic in 2013.
In 2014, Dr. Neal formed a 501(c)(3) (tax-exempt) non-profit organization, named Asavet Charities, in order to offer subsidized care to owners in need and in underserved areas of the Southwest, including several Native American Nations. A recent donation by the Bonnie Kay Trust Fund allowed Asavet Charities to purchase a mobile clinic in the summer of 2016, which is now actively performing clinics across the Southwest. Asavet’s emphasis is on spay/neuter and wellness and providing access to care to those who otherwise find veterinary support inaccessible for economic or geographic reasons.
Dr. Neal continues to travel to international locations with her highly trained team to provide volunteer spay and neuter services. The Asavet/Santa Cruz team continues to travel throughout the Caribbean, Central, and South America performing MASH-style surgical clinics for local communities. Dr. Neal also actively supports the development of the new veterinary school at the University of Arizona and will be involved in offering clinical training for veterinary students in the final stages of their training.
Dr. Neal and her husband, Charles, have a son and daughter and share their home with various rescue cats, many outdoor and indoor fish, and their trained diabetic-alert dog, Erik.
History
Tucson Pet Clinic – Santa Cruz Veterinary Clinic opened its doors in the Del Monte Center on 12th Avenue in 1981 by Dr. Roco Mele. Dr. Mele is still in practice on the East Side of Town and his practice now focuses on advanced dental care for pets. Dr. Dan Riley took over the practice in December 1986 and practiced successfully until 2013, he then announced intentions to retire and sold to Dr. Neal as of January 1, 2013.
Dr. Neal hopes to continue the tradition of affordable vet care and offering affordable surgical options. His passion is in affordable spay/neuter and basic wellness services to all animals and keeping Santa Cruz Vet Clinic as the best place to continue this tradition!