Dr. Jorge Ruiz
DVM
With over 30 years of dedicated service to the Glendale community, Dr. Ruiz has become a trusted name in veterinary care for countless families and their beloved pets.
A graduate of a respected veterinary school in Colombia, Dr. Ruiz continued his professional training at the prestigious University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. There, he completed the qualifications required to obtain his veterinary licenses in both the United States and Canada.
His lifelong commitment to small animal medicine has provided him with extensive experience in general medicine, surgery, and preventive care. After serving nearly eight years as Medical Director within a prominent veterinary corporation, Dr. Ruiz returned to private practice, bringing with him a renewed dedication to personalized, compassionate care. In partnership with his long-time colleague, Dr. Villicaña, he proudly reopened his clinic with a clear mission: to offer high-quality veterinary services at affordable prices.
Dr. Ruiz understands the importance of accessible care and the deep bond between pets and their families. From the same location that has served the community for over 40 years, his practice continues to provide a warm, professional environment where every pet is treated like family.
On a personal note, Dr. Ruiz has been happily married for over 30 years to his lovely wife, Luz Amparo—a psychologist and teacher—who has played a vital role in his growth both as a veterinarian and as a person. Together, they share their home with two adorable cats, Lolita and Moose, who bring joy and inspiration to their daily lives.
Dr. Rafael Villicana
DVM
Dr. Rafael Villicana founded what is now Griffith Pet Hospital more than 50 years ago with a simple mission: to care for pets with the same love and respect as family. Over the decades, he built deep, multigenerational bonds within the Glendale community, becoming a trusted source of comfort and honesty for countless families.
Although the practice briefly shifted to corporate ownership, it has since returned to its roots, restored by Dr. Villicana and Dr. Ruiz with the same values of compassion, integrity, and community. Many longtime staff members—including Dr. Villicana’s own family—continue to uphold his legacy, creating a true family-centered environment. Today, Dr. Villicana remains the heart of the hospital, dedicated to providing trusted, compassionate care that honors its past while serving future generations.
Jose Alberto Arroyo
Jose Alberto Arroyo, affectionately known as Beto, began his career in veterinary medicine shortly after completing his studies. He joined our team soon after and, for more than 20 years, has been a cornerstone of our veterinary staff.
Beto currently serves as a highly skilled veterinary technician, specializing in radiology and dentistry. Throughout his career, he has developed extensive expertise in diagnostic imaging and dental care, allowing him to assist in complex procedures and provide critical insights that support patient treatment. His steady hands, attention to detail, and commitment to patient care have earned him the trust of colleagues and clients alike. He is widely respected for his professionalism and calm, methodical approach.
Beyond his technical abilities, Beto is passionate about mentoring the next generation of veterinarians and veterinary technicians. He takes pride in sharing his knowledge, teaching advanced techniques, and guiding younger professionals as they build the confidence and skill required to deliver excellent animal care. His influence has helped shape many successful careers in veterinary medicine.
Nancy
Nancy has been an integral part of the team alongside Dr. Ruiz and Dr. Villicana for more than 23 years. At Griffith Pet Hospital, she manages the hospital’s billing operations and payroll, helping ensure that both clients and employees receive the support they need.
A lifelong creative, Nancy has been passionate about photography and graphic design since her teenage years. She combines these talents with her love for animals by contributing to the hospital’s website design and capturing many of the photos and videos that showcase the people, pets, and experiences that make Griffith Pet Hospital special.
Nancy’s dedication to animals extends far beyond the workplace. She has rescued every pet she has ever owned and often jokes that cats seem to find their way to her doorstep wherever she lives. An avid animal lover, she enjoys traveling to observe wildlife in their natural habitats and is always inspired by the beauty and diversity of the animal world.
Val
I have several years of experience in customer service, and joining the veterinary field has been an exciting new chapter in my career. Every day brings new opportunities to learn, and I truly enjoy expanding my knowledge while helping care for our patients and supporting their families.
I am currently working toward becoming a Veterinary Technician, with the long-term goal of becoming a veterinarian. Being part of a team with so much experience and dedication has been incredibly inspiring. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from such knowledgeable professionals who are passionate about providing the highest quality care to every pet.
What I enjoy most about working at Griffith Pet Hospital is the compassion and commitment shared by the entire team. It is rewarding to be part of a group that treats every patient with kindness and every client like family. I look forward to continuing to grow in this profession and helping improve the lives of pets and the people who love them.
Jenny
I have been surrounded by pets for most of my life, and my love for animals inspired me to begin a career in veterinary medicine. Before joining the veterinary field, I gained valuable experience working in customer service and accounting in human healthcare, where I developed strong communication, organizational, and client care skills.
Over the past year, transitioning into veterinary medicine has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Helping pets and supporting their families during important moments has strengthened my passion for this profession. Every day is an opportunity to learn something new and grow both personally and professionally.
I am committed to continuing my education and expanding my knowledge so I can become an even more valuable member of the Griffith Pet Hospital team while providing the best possible experience for our clients and their beloved pets.
Yessi
I have over four years of experience working in a veterinary office, where I’ve developed a strong passion for animal care and client service. Every day brings an opportunity to learn something new, and I enjoy expanding my knowledge and skills in veterinary medicine.
I am currently working toward returning to school to become a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT). I love working with animals—especially spending time with dogs—and I take pride in providing compassionate care to every patient. I truly enjoy my job and look forward to continuing my career in the veterinary field while growing both personally and professionally.
Iker
Iker is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree at California State University, Northridge, where he is dedicated to building a strong foundation for a career in the veterinary profession. With a lifelong passion for animal health and welfare, he is committed to expanding his knowledge and developing the skills necessary to provide compassionate, high-quality care to animals.
Before joining Griffith Pet Hospital, Iker volunteered at the West Valley Animal Shelter, where he played an active role in improving the lives of shelter animals. He assisted with the daily care and enrichment of dogs and cats, helping ensure they received the attention, exercise, and compassion they needed while awaiting permanent homes. This experience reinforced his commitment to animal welfare and inspired him to continue pursuing a career dedicated to helping animals in need.
As a member of the team at Griffith Pet Hospital, Iker has gained valuable hands-on experience working alongside veterinary professionals in a fast-paced clinical environment. His time at the hospital has allowed him to strengthen his technical abilities, deepen his understanding of patient care, and grow both personally and professionally. Through this experience, he has developed a greater appreciation for teamwork, client communication, and the importance of delivering exceptional veterinary care.
Jose
My name is Jose Blanco, and I am a 20-year-old Computer Science student with a passion for learning and personal growth. While I plan to build a career in technology, I also hope to pursue becoming a veterinary technician as a secondary career because of my strong interest in animal health and care. I especially love cats and find it incredibly fulfilling to be able to contribute to their care and well-being.
I currently work as a veterinary assistant at Griffith Pet Hospital, where I enjoy staying active and learning something new about the veterinary field every day. Working alongside experienced professionals has strengthened my teamwork and problem-solving skills while deepening my passion for helping animals.
