Our 1st Care Animal Health Clinic, started over ten years ago, serving Centinela Feed and Pet Supplies customers as well as some local organizations. We have been steadily growing ever since! Our team consists of highly skilled, licensed veterinarians, a veteriarian advisory board and caring and knowledgeable staff. We offer a full range of vaccination options as well as de-worming and micro-chipping.
You can rest assured when attending our clinics that your best friend will receive quality, loving care they deserve.
Meet the Team
Veterinary Advisory Board
Laura E. Cochrane, DVM - Managing Licensee
A native of Virginia, Dr. Cochrane graduated from veterinary school at Virginia Tech in 1997. After completing an internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at the University of Illinois, she worked in small animal private practice for several years, eventually making her way to Los Angeles. It was here that she began to realize the need for veterinarians to get out in the community and encourage responsible pet guardianship. Working at mobile clinics around the city has been an incredibly rewarding opportunity to do this, and Dr. Cochrane is always happy to provide information on animal adoption and spay/neuter. In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering for Best Friends Animal Society, working in her vegetable garden, and hanging out with her 3 rescued cats and dogs.
Rina Fernandez, DVM - Board Member
Dr. Fernandez graduated veterinary school at Cornell University in 2006 and was very active in environmental and wildlife field research. In 2002-2003, an oil spill occurred near the Cape and affected terns that live and breed on the islands. Dr. Fernandez trapped birds with spring net traps, measured then, drew blood samples and collected data. Her work assisted in a winning case that forced the responsible oil company to clean and repair the damage done. Dr. Fernandez also volunteered with the Ballona Wetlands Land Trust to gather important information on bird populations and migration by trapping birds, collecting data including weight, age and sex then releasing them back into the wild. Besides, raising her son, Dr. Fernandez’s passion is assistant animals. Her dream is to train animals to assist those with ADHD, autism and abuse victims. Currently her dog is registered with SPCALA as a therapy dog and looks forward to sharing the joy he provides. Dr. Fernandez enjoys improving the lives of so many pets by educating their guardians on proper animal care at mobile clinics and as a relief veterinarian. She feels that if humans realize how important animals are to our lives we, as a race, will treat these animals, and maybe the Earth, as they deserve. Dr. Fernandez is also the guardian of 2 cats and often volunteers for environmental issues. Her interests also include hiking and her book club.
Karla E. Hopper, DVM – Board Member
Dr. Hopper grew up in rural Lakeside California. During High School as a 4H member she was involved with the care and raising of animals and knew she wanted be involved working with animals the rest of her life. After attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo for undergrad, Dr. Hopper graduated from UC Davis Veterinary School in 1997 and worked as a small animal veterinarian in California for 5 years. Eventually she found herself in Europe practicing veterinary medicine for the US Army in Germany and Italy for 5 years while her husband was in the military. During that time Dr. Hopper became familiar with international rules on transport as well as the care of military working dogs. Since moving back to the States in 2007, she has been working with mobile clinics providing quality low cost vaccinations and education for owners in the Los Angeles area. Dr. Hopper currently lives in the South Bay with her husband, son, dog, two cats and a fish.
Administration and Clinic Staff
Susan Postert, Clinic Supervisor
Susan has been working with the clinic since 2006 as the Clinic Supervisor and loves the pace, the variety of people and most of all the animals. Her family includes a young daughter and son, an adopted Bulldog/Mastiff mix and Rottie mix, and a loving husband. Susan loves being outdoors, smelling the breeze and enjoying the sunshine with her spirited daughter, son and canine companions. Just out of high school, Susan worked at two Veterinary Hospitals in the area and a well known luxury boarding facility. She has been an avid squirrel and duck feeder at the local parks and has been a proud parent to several animals over the years, including dogs, cats, rats, ducks, hamsters, fish and a rescued crow. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from CSULB in May of 2009 and will be pursuing a graduate degree in the near future. Susan’s lifelong love will always be surrounding herself with the creatures that make our lives and hearts complete.
Melissa Pineda, Clinic Team Leader
Melissa has been a lifelong dog owner and is an Animal Science student at Cal Poly Pomona University. She started working at a pet supply store after high school while working with animals during her attendance at Cal Poly Pomona. From classes and internships, she has learned basic veterinary hospital procedures and has developed a confidence handling animals. Melissa has experience handling sheep, cattle, pigs, and other domesticated animals. She joined the clinic team in 2006 and enjoys assisting with the veterinary services needed for pets and their owners. Melissa strives to receive her Bachelors in Animal Science and become a Registered Veterinary Technician and possibly continuing her education beyond to become a veterinarian. Melissa is the guardian of a little Chihuahua named Freeway.
Donna Sanderson, Clinic Team Leader
Since the age of 6 Donna has enjoyed the learning curve of many facets of animal care. She has spent over half her life in an amazing career of veterinary work. Her experience includes veterinary management, research, breeding/genetics and experience with specialized technical and surgical procedures. But ultimately, Donna’s knowledge of animal care of one type or another, with many species (domestic and wild), and in working with a variety of veterinarians, has brought her to believe that: people and animals, are all closer to each other than people realize. Her experience with animal communications, emotional intelligence, interactions are so incredibly alike, she often says “it cannot never dismissed as ‘animals being less intelligent than us.’” Donna joined 1st Care in 2010 with the intent and commitment to share her life-long experience, technical skills and knowledge to provide the most dedicated service in caring for all animals. Donna is the proud guardian of two dogs, two talking parrots and a couple of cats.
Jose Reyes, Clinic Staff
Jose Reyes has always wanted to work and handle animals
since he can remember next to his other passion of becoming part of a k-9 unit
with law enforcement. His the proud owner of four amazing little rascals; Nemo
his wild and crazy dog who he rescued, Bonnie
his active bunny, and Speed and Meany his two angry turtles. Jose has
been attending Santa Monica college and is studying biology which will lead him
to study zoology and also music theory. He has and is still working at a pet
supply store for about three years now, which has given him a wide range of
experience and knowledge on pet nutrition and what costumers will need for
their pets well being. Around June 2012, Jose was given the honor and privilege
to become part of one of the most positive, informative and experienced team
when it comes to caring for your pets and their owners. He brings a large
amount of good energy, an even bigger heart and of course si habla espanol.
Delaisha Drye, Clinic Staff
Delaisha Drye Joined
1st Care team due to her love with animals. She chose the animal
care field at an early age and before she could drive, Delaisha was working at a
private pet sitting business and volunteering at a veterinary clinic in her
hometown of San Pedro. She knows that the needs of the animal come first, yet
is also extremely attentive to the wishes of the pet owner. Delaisha also has
extreme knowledge of pet nutrition and animal care. Delaisha herself has owned
a wide variety of animals, including dogs, birds, and small mammals and
reptiles. Delaisha is a second year student at Los Angeles Harbor College, and
intends to continue her education at UC Davis, studying Veterinary Medicine.
She considers it an honor and privilege to be care for you and your pets.