Meet Our Team

Name: Rancho Niguel Animal Hospital
Address: 27981 Greenfield Dr. Ste B, Laguna Niguel, CA, 92677, US
Telephone: (949) 273-5010

Dr. Pat Echolds

Dr. Pat Echolds grew up in Yorba Linda, California and at a very young age he felt a personal calling to dedicate his life to helping animals and his community. This led him to pursue and achieve his bachelor's degree in biology and chemistry at University of San Diego. From there he attended veterinary school at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California. In 2007 he graduated with honors as a member of Phi Zeta, the honor society of veterinary medicine. Class of 2007 was the inaugural class of Western University's College of Veterinary Medicine, the newest and most contemporary veterinary college in the nation. After graduating, Dr. Echolds practiced veterinary medicine in San Clemente, California for nearly five years, managing a vast array of canine and feline medical and surgical cases. Over the years Dr. Echolds developed a vision of opening a progressive, state of the art veterinary practice founded on the principles of personalized care and ethical service. He also envisioned that the hospital would have what he calls a 'good, old fashioned family doctor practice' feel to it. This vision was realized in 2011 with the opening of Rancho Niguel Animal Hospital.
Dr. Tara

Dr. Tara Zamora continues her passion for veterinary medicine after 15 years of working virtually every position at various practices in S Orange County and Hawaii. Tara earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Hawaii Pacific University and an integral DVM and MSc degree from Ross University (Saint Kitts and Nevis, WI). Tara had the fortunate opportunity to complete her clinical studies at the esteemed The Royal Veterinary College (London, UK) while working alongside world renowned doctors and nurses. While studying medicine in the West Indies, Dr. Zamora also participated in and helped publish scientific research regarding the social dimensions of invasive species management. Tara has since developed specific passions for internal medicine, dermatology, dentistry, and “fear free” feline handling. Dr. Zamora and her husband live in San Clemente with their 15-year-old rescue dog, Taco, and their Boxer baby, Betty. In her downtime, Tara enjoys spending time with family, surfing, and playing the guitar.
Sarah

Practice Manager

Sarah was born and raised in SoCal and is currently going to school for nursing. She started here at RNAH in May of 2018 but has many years of experience working in the veterinary field and loves working with animals. Outside of the office, you will find Sarah spending time with her family and friends, going to the movies, the beach, on road trips, camping, or just reading a good book. Sarah is an avid traveler and loves getting away when she has time. Her family pets include: Duke, a tank of a yellow Lab and Cooper, a Dachshund that loves snuggling.
Summer

Veterinary Assistant

Summer is an Orange County native. Currently a double-major student at Saddleback in Biology and Chemistry, she’s also enrolled in a program to receive her Veterinary Technician degree. Her passion for animals coincides with her love for medicine, making her ultimate dream to become an Equine Veterinarian in Scotland. Hobbies she enjoys during her free time are reading and riding her Harley motorcycle. Summer is a natural with pet care and she is an amazing team player.
Tristan

Veterinary Assistant

Tristan was born and raised in Orange County and graduated from Brandeis University with a degree in Neuroscience, Psychology, and East Asian Studies. He is currently applying to veterinary schools and is interested in becoming an exotic and wildlife veterinarian. He has interned for the African hoofstock and Asian aviary teams at Zoo Miami, and has volunteered and worked at veterinary clinics since middle school. When he is not assisting with the care of animals, he is typically spending time with friends and family, reading manga, watching anime, participating in, or creating a ttRPG session, or playing video games. Our pet patients love his gentle countenance.
Ana

Veterinary Assistant

Ana was born in So-Cal but raised in Puerto Vallarta Mexico up until seven years old. Her passion for animals came from growing up with her dad and experiencing the ranch life. Ana has graduated from Platt College Anaheim in 2019 and has her associates degree in Veterinary technology. Soon she will be taking her VTNE. Ana loves to spend time with her pet dog Tice and also draws and paints in her free time. She’s a hard worker and she always makes sure your pets are well attended to.
Suzette

Veterinary Assistant

We have been blessed to have had Suzette on the team since 2019. She has years of experience and wisdom in the field. Suzette teaches dental X-ray techniques and procedures at our facility. Suzette shines with a consistently positive attitude despite what the day brings. She is a trusted team member and our go-to person for assisting in emergency care. If you get to see her during your visit with us, make sure to extend thanks to her for all the tireless time she puts in to keep your pets healthy and comfortable.
Amanda

Client Service Representative

Amanda was born and raised in SoCal and is currently going to school for her communications degree. She started working at RNAH in November 2019 and has years of experience volunteering with animals. When she is not working, she loves spending time with her two yorkies Otto and Roxy. She also enjoys riding her motorcycle and going to the beach.
Yuri

Veterinary Assistant

Yuri was born and raised in California and her passion for animals has always been a huge influence in her life. She graduated from the University of California, Riverside with a degree in Biology and Neurobiology and she is currently applying to veterinary school in hopes of becoming an exotic and companion animal veterinarian. In her free time, you may find her out swing dancing, playing games, learning a new instrument, or hiking with her dogs (jk...what is free time?)