Call or text: (650)380-4372
Affordable, mobile veterinary technician services in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties.
Affordable, mobile veterinary technician services in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties.
Compassionate Care for Pets and their People
Mission
To provide high-quality, affordable, and accessible care and education to pet owners, ensuring the health and well-being of their animals.
I offer a variety of mobile, in-home, and virtual services that support pet owners, honor the human-animal bond, and enhance animal welfare while adhering to state regulations within my scope of practice as a Registered Veterinary Technician in the state of California.
About Me
I am a lifelong animal advocate and caretaker. I grew up surrounded by pets, including cats, dogs, birds, rats, hamsters, guinea pigs, and fish. I developed an interest in animal health at an early age, checking out textbooks from the library on feline anatomy and physiology at eight years old. At thirteen, I started volunteering as an a
I am a lifelong animal advocate and caretaker. I grew up surrounded by pets, including cats, dogs, birds, rats, hamsters, guinea pigs, and fish. I developed an interest in animal health at an early age, checking out textbooks from the library on feline anatomy and physiology at eight years old. At thirteen, I started volunteering as an assistant at a small wildlife rehabilitation center, providing care and husbandry to local wildlife, including squirrels, songbirds, and the occasional fawn.
After achieving my bachelor's degree from UC Santa Cruz, I began my career working with companion animals as a veterinary assistant in 2008, and have primarily worked at large specialty and emergency clinics over the years. My areas of interest have included emergency and critical care, internal medicine, anesthetic monitoring, preventative care, and client education. After 17 years in the field of veterinary medicine, I have found that I love cultivating relationships of trust with pet owners, providing vital education on animal health and wellness, caring for geriatric pets, and minimizing stress for patients.
I am Fear Free-certified, having completed special training on low-stress handling techniques for dogs and cats. I have also completed intensive training through the RECOVER Initiative to become certified in basic and advanced life support for dogs and cats. I am passionate about providing pet health education, and honoring the human-animal bond by creating access to high-quality, affordable veterinary care, especially as the veterinary industry struggles to meet the ever-growing demand. I feel privileged to be able to serve the community of pet owners in the counties of Santa Cruz and Monterey.
Description of Services
Pet Health Services
A variety of basic health-related services for dogs and cats. All services include a general assessment of your pet's physical condition, as well as any recommendations for follow up with your regular vet, as needed.
Anal gland expression (dog)
For dogs that require frequent anal gland expression, in-home services can provide a lower-stress alternative to the clinic environment.
Anal gland expression (cat)
It is less common for cats to need their anal glands expressed, but it can be necessary for some of them, especially cats who have a history of anal gland issues. If your veterinarian has recommended this treatment for your cat, an in-home expression can help reduce stress and fear.
Medication administration
Administration of medications as prescribed by your veterinarian. Types of medication administration: Oral (by mouth), injectable (using needle +/- syringe), topical (on the skin), ocular (eye), aural (ear), subcutaneous (under the skin, such as fluids).
Ear cleaning
Maintenance cleanings, or assistance with medicated cleanings, as recommended by your veterinarian.
Specimen collection
Assistance collecting a fecal or urine sample to bring to your veterinarian.
Tick removal
Tick removal service includes counseling on parasite prevention and tick-borne diseases.
Subcutaneous Fluid administration
Administration of subcutaneous (under-the-skin) fluids, as prescribed by your pet's veterinarian.
Bandaging & Wound Care
variable
Removal of old bandaging, application of new bandages, and any necessary wound wound care, as recommended by your veterinarian.
Grooming Services
Basic grooming services for dogs and cats. All services include a general assessment of your pet's physical condition, as well as any recommendations for follow up with your regular vet, as needed.
Nail trim (large dog)
Nail trim, including dewclaws (if present).
Nail trim (small dog)
Nail trim, including dewclaws (if present).
Nail trim (cat)
Low-stress nail trim for felines.
Sanitary trim (complex)
Clip and clean the fur around the back end, butt, and legs. This service is intended for pets who have significant matting, which can require more time and careful handling.
Sanitary trim (simple)
Clip and clean the fur around the back end, butt, and legs. This service is intended for long-haired pets who's health can benefit from having their fur trimmed around their hind end, to prevent matting, urine staining, and stuck feces.
Coat care
A thorough brush-out for long haired cats and dogs. Includes a full-body tick and foxtail check.
Dematting
Careful shaving and removal of matted fur. (**Note: Some mats are too severe, or a pet's temperament is not conducive to safe removal without veterinarian-prescribed sedatives. This can be determined at the time of your appointment.**)
Bath
Basic bath and blow-dry for your dog, using a hypoallergenic dog shampoo. (*Note: Bathing area, such as a bathtub or sink, must be available in-home for this service.)
Medical Guidance & Education
Is your pet experiencing chronic symptoms for which you would like some advice or guidance? Do you want to learn more about your pet's nutritional needs, dental health, or to learn how to administer first-aid at home? Explore some educational resources below. (**Important note: These services are not intended for serious, life-threatening emergencies. Please call, or go to the nearest emergency veterinary clinic if your pet is experiencing an emergency.**)
First-Aid for Pets
Hands-on tutorial on how to administer first aid to your cat or dog. Includes an animal first aid kit, and a tutorial on how to identify and respond to the most common medical emergencies for your pet's species/breed.
Nutritional Advice
Information and guidance about your pet's specific nutrition. Includes detailed discussion about your pet's health history, environment, behavior, and pertinent medical information.
Ask A Vet Tech: "Nurse" Advice
Ask non-urgent questions about your pet's health. We will discuss a thorough history of your pet's health, symptoms, and behaviors, including any medications or supplements your pet takes.
Quality of Life Assessment
It can be difficult to asses a pet's quality of life, especially when they suffer from one or more chronic illnesses. It can be helpful to have an in-depth discussion with an empathetic veterinary professional, who can also provide resources to inform end-of-life care for your beloved pet.
Tech Tutorial: Subcutaneous Fluids
A hands-on demonstration and tutorial on how to administer subcutaneous ("under-the-skin") fluids to your pet. Includes one follow-up call for any additional questions or assistance.
Tech Tutorial: Insulin Administration
In-person tutorial on how to administer subcutaneous ("under-the-skin") insulin injections. Includes information on how to properly store and handle your pet's specific type of insulin, how to identify and respond to signs/symptoms of low blood sugar levels in your pet, and how to identify whether your diabetic pet may be experiencing an emergency.
Tech Tutorial: Anal gland expression
Learn how to express your pet's anal glands with a hands-on tutorial.
Gianna Matthews is a licensed veterinary technician in the State of California, RVT #15549.
Additional Resources
Grief Support
Support for Veterinary Professionals
Support for Veterinary Professionals
Our pets are like family members, and losing them can be devastating. The Birchbark foundation, a non-profit organization based in Santa Cruz County, offers pet loss and grief support services for pet owners. Click here to be redirected to their website for more information.
Support for Veterinary Professionals
Support for Veterinary Professionals
Support for Veterinary Professionals
It is known that there is a high rate of burnout, compassion fatigue, and suicidality among veterinary workers. I welcome the opportunity to support my colleagues however I am able. If you are a veterinary practitioner, and want or need someone to talk to, debrief with, or otherwise connect, please reach out via call, text, or email. I am not afraid to walk with you in the darkness.
If you are struggling, it's ok to talk about it. There is also help available by dialing 988 to reach the suicide and crisis hotline, available 24/7, in both English and Spanish.