#1 Veterinary Dentistry & Surgery Center
Now Offering Board Certified Soft-Tissue and Orthopedic Surgery
Same-Day Urgent Care available
Proud home to Veterinary Hospital Manager Association's Manager of the Year Bianca Alfonso
#1 Veterinary Dentistry & Oral Surgery Center
Founder, Chief of Staff
Dr. Garcia Founder and Chief of Staff, Green Dog Veterinary Center Dr. Garcia is the visionary Founder and Chief of Staff at Green Dog Veterinary Center, where his dedication to advanced veterinary medicine and compassionate care has established him as a leader in the field. Before pursuing a career in veterinary medicine, Dr. Garcia served as a firefighter and emergency medical technician, specializing in search and rescue operations. In 2003, his commitment to serving others led him to Massey University in New Zealand, where he earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) with a special interest in diagnostic imaging, dentistry, and orofacial surgery. Following his graduation, Dr. Garcia completed an 18-month advanced imaging internship at the prestigious Veterinary Imaging Center of San Diego. Building on this foundation, he launched a mobile veterinary practice that has since evolved into the renowned Green Dog Veterinary Center. Over the years, Dr. Garcia has gained recognition as one of Los Angeles’ top veterinarians, having performed over 5,000 complex dental and maxillofacial procedures. His repertoire includes advanced dental extractions, jaw fracture repairs, endodontic treatments, root canal therapies, and surgical oncology. Dr. Garcia is deeply committed to advancing his expertise and is currently pursuing two Master’s degrees—one in Dentistry and Maxillofacial Surgery from the University of Luxembourg, and another in Dentistry through the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (ANZVS). He also serves as a full-time faculty professor of Clinical Studies at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Western University of Health Sciences, mentoring senior veterinary students in dentistry and oral surgery. A staunch advocate for preventative medicine and client education, Dr. Garcia emphasizes the importance of disease prevention as the cornerstone of pet health and longevity. His passion for improving the quality of life for pets drives his commitment to innovation and excellence in veterinary care.
Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Michael Geist serves as the Chief Medical Officer for Green Dog Dental & Veterinary Center and is a board-certified internal medicine specialist and practitioner. His degrees include Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and Diplomate of the American College of Internal Medicine (DACVIM). He has worked in private practice since 2006, working at different multi-disciplinary emergency and specialty hospitals in New York City, San Diego, and Los Angeles. Dr. Geist has a love of medicine, science, and helping people with the healthcare needs of their pets.
Medical Director, Sherman Oaks
Dr. Heather Rally is the Medical Director of the Green Dog Dental & Veterinary Center in Sherman Oaks. Dr. Rally’s background spans companion-animal medicine, animal welfare science, wildlife and marine-mammal medicine, teaching, research, law, and advocacy. This breadth of experience informs her attention to pain, behavior, quality of life, and each animal’s individual needs. In addition to her work at Green Dog, Dr. Rally is the founder of Thrive Wild, where she provides welfare-focused veterinary consultation to nonprofit organizations, shelters, sanctuaries, and animal-protection initiatives. She also serves as adjunct faculty at Vermont Law and Graduate School, where she has taught animal welfare science, ethics, conservation, and animal protection. Her scholarship on animal welfare, conservation, and animal-protection law includes peer-reviewed publications in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior, Reviews in the Neurosciences, and PeerJ. She is also a co-author of the chapter “Animal Welfare and the Endangered Species Act” in the American Bar Association’s Endangered Species Act: Law, Policy, and Perspectives. Dr. Rally has specialized training and experience in marine-mammal medicine and welfare and advises international whale and dolphin sanctuary initiatives, including the Whale Sanctuary Project, the SEA LIFE Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary, and the Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary. Before joining Green Dog, Dr. Rally served as Senior Veterinarian for Captive Animal Law Enforcement at the Foundation to Support Animal Protection, where she led veterinary investigations and enforcement efforts involving abuse and neglect in captive settings. Today, her primary focus is caring for dogs and cats and leading Green Dog’s clinical team, combining strong medical standards with an individualized and compassionate approach to every patient and family. Dr. Rally’s favorite part of clinical practice is helping dogs and cats live longer, healthier, and more comfortable lives while strengthening the bond they share with their families. Her clinical interests include preventive and wellness care, with an emphasis on the connections among animal health, environment, behavior, and well-being. She takes a compassionate, collaborative approach to medicine, emphasizing client education and working with families throughout every stage of their pet’s life. She believes the best outcomes arise when veterinarians and clients work as a team, combining medical expertise with each family’s unique knowledge of their pet. Dr. Rally has a particular passion for dentistry and believes oral health is essential to a pet’s comfort, overall health, and longevity. She finds it especially rewarding to relieve previously unrecognized dental pain and see the improvement treatment can make in a patient’s quality of life. As Medical Director of Green Dog Dental & Veterinary Center, Dr. Rally works with the veterinary team to maintain high standards across dentistry, surgery, anesthesia, general medicine, urgent care and exotics departments. She is committed to evidence-based medicine that considers the needs of the whole patient.
Director of Veterinary Education
Hi, I'm Dr. André de Mattos Faro, Director of Veterinary Education at Green Dog Veterinary Hospital. My passion for veterinary medicine was ignited at the age of 14 when I saved a severely injured dog, suturing its wounds despite being alone in a remote area. That moment solidified my calling to pursue a career in veterinary care. I graduated from Santo Amaro University, in São Paulo, Brazil, in 2001. Shortly after, I had the privilege of working under Dr. Carlos Roberto Daleck, a renowned veterinary oncologist and researcher, who became a key mentor in shaping my career. In 2003, I began my Master’s in Veterinary Surgery at São Paulo State University, and by 2005, I transitioned directly into pursuing my PhD at the same institution, which I completed in 2008. During my doctoral studies, I gained practical experience through my work at several veterinary hospitals and began teaching in Minas Gerais. In 2013, I established the Veterinary Surgery Department at the Federal Institute of Technology in Santa Catarina State. My teaching and research efforts expanded across Brazil, and I became widely recognized for my expertise in veterinary surgery and oncology. In 2018, I completed a postdoctoral fellowship at São Paulo State University, after which I continued to teach, publish research, and collaborate with top veterinary specialists. My career took an international turn in 2022 when I was invited to the United States, marking the start of new global partnerships. As a veterinary educator, I've dedicated myself to advancing the field of veterinary medicine and training the next generation of veterinarians. Throughout my career, I’ve received numerous accolades for my contributions to veterinary medicine, including awards from the Brazilian Military and Fire Department for life-saving surgeries and other related veterinary work. I’ve also authored papers and book chapters and regularly serve as a reviewer for several veterinary journals, contributing to my goal of pushing veterinary medicine forward. My areas of focus include soft tissue surgery, oncologic and reconstructive surgeries, and teaching. I’m deeply passionate about advancing surgical techniques and helping colleagues and students develop their skills. Each experience in the operating room and classroom contributes to my ongoing growth as a professional. Outside of the office, I enjoy spending time in the outdoors, sailboating and fishing, as well as traveling and exploring gastronomy and local cuisines.
Board-Certified Veterinary Surgeon
Dr. Kelsey Arrufat is a board-certified veterinary surgeon specializing in small-animal surgery. Dr. Arrufat graduated with honors from North Carolina State University, earning dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Zoology and Poultry Science. She continued her education at North Carolina State University, where she earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2016. Following graduation, Dr. Arrufat completed a rotating internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, followed by a specialty internship in surgery and a three-year residency in Small Animal Surgery at Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center. She later became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in Small Animal Surgery. Dr. Arrufat brings extensive specialty training and surgical experience to the care of Green Dog patients. She works collaboratively with our veterinary team to provide thoughtful, coordinated care tailored to each patient’s individual needs. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Arrufat has contributed to veterinary research. She co-authored a peer-reviewed study examining the use of a bipolar vessel-sealing device in canine limb amputations, published in the Canadian Veterinary Journal in 2024.
Dr. Yvette Archie is an experienced exotic and companion animal veterinarian serving Van Nuys and the greater Los Angeles area. She provides thoughtful veterinary care for dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, small mammals, and other unique species. Dr. Archie knew from the age of seven that she wanted to become a veterinarian. Inspired by her father’s love of animals and her mother’s passion for medicine, she earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Her diverse background spans companion animal medicine, exotic pet care, small ruminant medicine, and zoo animal care. Early in her career, Dr. Archie worked emergency shifts at a 24-hour animal hospital, where she helped pioneer its veterinary ambulance service. She later worked as a keeper, nurse, and relief veterinarian at Woodland Park Zoo and assisted the veterinary team at Lion Country Safari. Throughout her career, Dr. Archie has cared for an extraordinary range of animals, including dogs, cats, goats, pigs, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, rodents, and other pocket pets. Her avian experience includes pet birds, hawks, and chickens, while her reptile experience includes snakes, iguanas, skinks, and geckos. Her adventures in veterinary medicine have included being chased by a buffalo, having a memorable encounter with a monkey, and getting a little too close to an elephant. Dr. Archie combines traditional veterinary medicine with a thoughtful, whole-patient approach. Her clinical interests include preventive and wellness care, internal medicine, veterinary dentistry, soft-tissue surgery, and the medical care of exotic animals. Giving back has always been an important part of her life. Dr. Archie has volunteered with UCLA’s animal cancer research program, the Donner Clinic, wildlife affected by oil spills, and programs supporting pet owners with limited financial resources. She also helped develop Science to Save Wildlife, an educational program designed to inspire children from underrepresented and at-risk communities to pursue math and science through their interest in animals. Dr. Archie is excited to bring her broad clinical experience and lifelong passion for animals to Green Dog Dental & Veterinary Center. She provides veterinary care for exotic pets and companion animals at Green Dog’s veterinary hospital in Van Nuys. Outside the hospital, Dr. Archie enjoys spending time outdoors, staying active, and fitting in a good day of shopping whenever she can.
Chief Communications Officer
Gladys Juliette serves as the Chief Communications Officer for Green Dog Veterinary Center. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from UCLA. She is passionate about effective communication, problem solving, and great leadership. Before fully pivoting to the veterinary industry in 2012, Gladys was casting and producing reality TV and documentaries for over 15 years. Her veterinary experience includes small business development, improving operational efficiency, raising client engagement, online marketing, improving employee productivity, and staff advancement and recruitment. Gladys has a deep love for animals and her desire to improve the veterinary practice customer service experience prompted her to join forces with a visionary veterinarian and change the way humans and pets experience the vet.
Chief Operating Officer
Marc Mercury serves as the Chief Operating Officer for Green Dog Veterinary Center. Marc came to Green Dog with 15 combined years in management in the investment and animal care fields. His preference is the world of animal care. Originally from Boston, Marc has been a resident of the Santa Monica area for over 23 years. He studied business management at the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management and the USC Marshall School of Business. Marc is a lifelong dog lover, grew up with Great Danes, and can be heard baby-talking strangers' pets on the streets of Santa Monica. He leads with the idea that everything we build, manage, design, and produce is made by people and for people. Therefore, understanding and having empathy for people creates the communication necessary to accomplish anything. Marc believes that great animal care is the result of great human care.
Clinical Director
Deija Lighon serves as the Clinical Director for Green Dog Dental & Veterinary Center and is a licensed Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT). Deija has had a deep connection with animals since she was young and cherishes the opportunity to heal, comfort, and care for them alongside others who share the same purpose. Although animals cannot speak, she has always felt an innate ability to understand their needs. She feels incredibly fortunate to have the skills and opportunity to build a meaningful career in the veterinary profession. Deija brings 20 years of experience in the veterinary field. Throughout her career, she has developed extensive clinical knowledge while growing as a compassionate and dedicated leader. In 2026, she further expanded her professional expertise by earning her Veterinary Practice Management Certificate. Deija is passionate about supporting her team, strengthening clinical standards, and helping create an environment where veterinary professionals can continue learning, growing, and delivering exceptional patient care.
Administrative Director
Bianca Alfonso serves as the Administrative Director for Green Dog Dental & Veterinary Center. Since joining Green Dog in 2015, she has played an essential role in the organization’s continued growth and success. Bianca is grateful for the opportunities she has received throughout her journey and is proud to have accomplished more than she once thought possible. In 2026, Bianca was honored as Practice Manager of the Year recognizing her outstanding leadership, dedication to veterinary practice management, and commitment to supporting both her team and the clients Green Dog serves. Bianca is currently completing the Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) program offered by the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA). She is passionate about empowering clients through education and transparency while motivating her team to invest in their personal and professional growth. Through her leadership, Bianca strives to foster a culture rooted in support, compassion, accountability, and community.
Referral Coordinator
Laurence Marai serves as the Referral Coordinator for Green Dog Veterinary Center. With experience in entertainment finance and a decade-long journey in the veterinary field, Laurence's love for dogs and dedication to their care shine through. Originally from Mexico City and raised in Santa Monica, Laurence's childhood was influenced by his mother's teaching career and his father's involvement in the movie business. His transition to veterinary work came 12 years ago when he started managing Westside Pet Clinic. He then moved to the largest animal hospital in western America, where he gained valuable experience. Laurence's enthusiasm stems from his unwavering belief in the company's vital work. His commitment to sharing the organization's mission and values with the community is unwavering.
