Doctors and Staff - Point Loma Veterinary Clinic

Dr. Valerie Cardeiro holding a cat

Dr. Valerie Cardeiro

Dr. Cardeiro knew from a young age that she had a strong interest in the welfare of pets. She first began working at an animal hospital while attending junior high school. A native of California, she attended U.C.S.D. and received her bachelors degree in Biology. Although academic achievements were taken seriously, she found time for extra-curricular activities including riding her horse over jumping courses, running along the shores of Del Mar beach, participating on the first women's intercollegiate rugby team in California, dominating in intramural water polo and cooking for fellow students.

Following graduation from U.C.S.D., Dr. Cardeiro was employed at the VA Hospital in La Jolla to help research artificial kidney dialysis. She attended veterinary school at U.C. Davis. She spent her summers in the kidney research laboratory and worked for the Dermatology and Pathology Departments at U.C. Davis. She entered small animal clinical practice in northern California and developed special strengths in surgery, radiology, dentistry and dermatology. Missing the southern California beaches and weather, Dr. Cardeiro moved back to San Diego. She was hired at an emergency clinic and was scheduled as a relief doctor for about 75 different practices over the next six years. She continued her interest in physical fitness by becoming involved in weight training. She traveled to Australia, New Zealand and several Caribbean sites to enjoy scuba diving. She attends many veterinary conferences on a regular basis to keep her medical and surgical knowledge advancing. Dr. Cardeiro continues to be a very dedicated veterinarian.

Dr. Cardeiro started her family in 1988. Her sons attended Sacred Heart Academy. Her older son, Manny, received his BA in 2014 in Visual and Performing Arts. He performed in multiple productions such as "Seussical" and "Beautiful Killers," and enjoyed some "lime light" at Mission Bay High School for his home movie comedies. He has made several YouTube videos. He is actively improving his golf game. He is certified as a fitness trainer. He also continues to play baseball in the San Diego Adult Baseball League on weekends. Her younger son, Jonathan, received his Bachelors of Science in Hospitality Management at California State Polytechnic University of Pomona in June 2015.

Dr. Cardeiro shares her home with three kitties whose names are "Cappuccino," "Hot Chocolate," & "Twinky,"; they were all acquired through their need for veterinary care at the Point Loma Vet Clinic or from rescues.

	Kaitlyn - Veterinary Assistant Hello! My name is Kaitlyn and I’m currently an undergraduate pre-vet student at UCSD and my goal is to continue gaining veterinary experience while applying to veterinary school. I’m very excited for the opportunity to work and learn in Point Loma Vet Clinic. I grew up surrounding many dogs and have always had a great passion toward animals and their health beings. During free times, I love exploring around San Diego, cooking new recipes, and volunteering at local cat shelters to give love to the cats there.
	Karen - Veterinary Assistant Hello! My name is Karen and I am a undergraduate pre-vet student from UCSD. I’m thrilled to be a veterinary assistant here at Point Loma Vet Clinic! I was born and raised in Shanghai, and relocated to the US at the age of 15. As a child growing up, I have always been drawn to animals, and passionate about pursuing a career in the field. I love to be around with animals! I adopted a chubby corgi “Tigger” at home during the pandemic, and I am now living with my roommate’s poodle “Mermer”. Aside from animals, I am a huge foodie, a skier, and a snowboard rider. Looking forward to meet you and your fur babies!
	Paulina - Veterinary Assistant Hi! My name is Paulina, and I work as a veterinary assistant at Point Loma Vet Clinic after attending Pima Medical Institute. I grew up surrounded by farm animals and my furry best friend since I was 10 years old. My dream has always been to work with animals, and now that I've accomplished my objective, I want to continue developing in the veterinary industry and to be a helping hand in your pets health.
	Mikaila - Veterinary Receptionist Hey there! My name is Mikaila, a passionate animal lover and dedicated veterinarian receptionist. With a heart full of love for our furry friends, I'm here to greet you and your pets with a warm smile and a helping hand. Whether it's scheduling appointments, answering questions, or providing a comforting presence, I strive to create a positive and welcoming experience for both pets and their humans. Together, let's make every visit to the clinic a tail-wagging, purr-fect one!
	Heaven - Veterinary Assistant Hello there! My name is Heaven, and these are my two dogs, Huggy and Floky. I unfortunately left them with my family in the Philippines when I moved here :(. Nonetheless, they are well-cared for and are very spoiled with all the good things in life! I am currently a student enrolled at Southwestern College, where I am completing prerequisite courses with the aim of advancing to a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program. I am striving hard in order to gain more opportunities that would significantly assist in expanding my experience and enhancing my knowledge in the field of veterinary science. I am eager to gain practical skills and insights that will prepare me comprehensively for my future professional pursuits. Your pet. Our passion.
	Maggie - Veterinary Receptionist Hi everyone! My name is Maggie and I’m super excited to be a receptionist here at PLVC! I am a Point Loma native and have practically grown up in the waters of San Diego. I’ve been an animal lover since childhood, but I knew I had a passion for them when I lived in Texas for 2 years and worked with plenty of farm animals and wildlife. I hope to continue my education in the veterinary field and finish the VT program at PIMA Medical Institute. I can’t wait to meet you and your pet!
	Andrew - Veterinary Assistant Hello, my name is Andrew and I’m currently an undergraduate pre-vet student at UCSD. My goal is to continue gaining veterinary experience before applying to veterinary school. I’m looking forward to working and learning at Point Loma Vet Clinic, as I see that it’s a great place to be at. I have always had a great passion toward animals and love being around them. In my free time, I love to go to the gym and play basketball. At PLVC, I intend to be the best I can be and give all our clients the best care possible.
	Jonathon - Veterinary Assistant Hi everyone! My name is Jonathon and I am greatly looking forward to helping all of your amazing pets at the Point Loma Veterinary Clinic. I grew up in Ocean Beach/Point Loma and I attended college at San Diego Mesa College and California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, where I received my Bachelors of Science Degree in Hospitality Management in 2015. My interest in the hospitality industry stemmed from dining out and going on vacations with my family. My work experience in the industry first began in Summer 2006 when I started working at SeaWorld San Diego in their Culinary Operations Department. I worked there in various areas and departments every summer up until 2014. I have also worked at the Disneyland Resort in multiple areas, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. in Anaheim, and OB Noodle House/Bar 1502, to name a few. I intend to bring the warmth and care of the great companies I once worked for to the PLVC. I hope you feel that same comfort and happiness any time you come by.