Growing up on a farm in Southern Iowa, Dr. Mendez is all too familiar with animals of all sizes and has been involved in the field of veterinarian medicine since the minute she could get her foot in the door of a clinic at the age of 15. It is her love for helping people and animals that drew her to the profession. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and graduated Cum Laude from Kansas State University with her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. Meeting her husband at Cal Poly, Larry (a fifth generation Lompocian), they naturally settled in the Lompoc Valley to raise their family. They purchased Animal Care Hospital in January 2008, and she quickly emerged herself in the community becoming involved in many local organizations. Dr. Mendez spends her free time with her husband, two children, Lawson and Emery Rose. As a family, they enjoy spending time water skiing, snow skiing, and camping with friends. Her pets include 2 dogs, Izzy and Oliver; 2 cats, Deuce and Tiger; 2 horses, Gunner and Woody; and many cows.