Dr. Sanchez is the owner and medical director of Companion Veterinary Clinic. Dr. Sanchez has worked at both small practices and large 24-hour specialty/emergency veterinary hospitals. She has been the veterinarian at the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary for the past 19 years. While attending UC Davis, she was involved with the Feline Medicine Club, giving her extensive experience with orphan kittens and feral cats.
Bachelor of Botany & Plant Sciences, University of California, Riverside Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis
Dr. Heidi is thrilled to join the CVC team as an Associate Veterinarian in August 2025. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Pacific Union College in 2000 and graduated with honors from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2007.
With a special interest in small animal wellness, internal medicine, dentistry, and the challenges of surgery, Dr. Heidi brings both experience and enthusiasm to her role. She shares her home with two dogs and four cats, and with a recent move to the countryside, she’s excited to expand her animal family even further.
Outside of work, Dr. Heidi enjoys hiking, camping, traveling, and reading, as well as spending quality time with her husband and two children.
Dr. Lauren La Rue has been practicing veterinary medicine since 1986. Dr. La Rue teaches at UC Davis Veterinary School in Community Surgery; her focus is to teach veterinary students the tools needed to succeed in private practice. She has vast surgical experience, as well as extensive knowledge in small animal and emergency medicine.Dr. La Rue consults with the team in complex surgical cases.
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis
Kaitlyn has been in the veterinary field for over 8 years. She enjoys everything related to anesthetic procedures; her knowledge of which has made her an excellent addition to our team. Most of her time outside of the clinic is spent with her many dogs, cats, horses, goats, and sheep.
Michelle, as our Kennel Technician, keeps things running smoothly behind the scenes throughout the hospital. She gives loving attention to all of our hospitalized patients, ensuring each is fed, walked, and cared for on a daily basis.
Gabriela has been a part of the veterinary field since 2000, with experience ranging from companion animals to wildlife. She enjoys helping animals and their owners in all stages of their lives. Her experience and kind and gentle nature make her an invaluable member of the team.
Kaitlyn is a veterinary assistant who is currently in college, working towards attending vet school. She has always grown up in a home full of many different pets, and has always connected deeply with animals. Her love for veterinary medicine began in an ROP animal science class in high school. From there, she began her career at an emergency hospital before joining the team at Companion Veterinary Clinic. Kaitlyn has a passion for animal rescue, particularly farm animals. She provides lifelong homes and care to her senior retired racehorse Rosie, 15 goats, 6 ducks, livestock guardian dogs Yukon and Juneau, barn cat Clementine, and 47 free ranging chickens at her farm in rural Lincoln. Her house pets include her 14 year old jack russell terrier Pixy, rabbits Lilo and Louie, guinea pig Wilbur, and parakeets Phoenix and Simon. She is happy to be a part of the team, helping animals and their loving owners!
