Canyon Hills Animal Hospital

Dr. Georgina Marquez continues to provide the level of care that our furry friends are accustomed to at Canyon Hills but with an added bonus: she is board certified in internal medicine (DACVIM, Diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine).

This enables her to provide services that would otherwise require pets being referred including ultrasounds, fiber optic exams of the intestinal and respiratory tracts, CT scans, bone marrow collection and tracheal stent placement.

Dr. Marquez' lifelong ambition was to care for animals. She moved to Orange County in 1994 after completing her residency at UC Davis, and has sharpened her internal medicine skills at some of the most advanced specialty hospitals in Southern California, treating thousands of pets with advanced health issues.

Dr. Smith is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. He specializes in complex orthopedic and soft tissue surgery. During Dr. Smith’s training he has been able to work with some of the best orthopedic surgeons in the country.

Zachery originated from Northern California and knew from a very young age that he would pursue veterinary medicine. He attended California Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo where he achieved Summa Cum Laude for his BS in Animal Science. He continued his education at the University of California, Davis where he graduated with Phi Zeta honors and achieved his doctorate in veterinary medicine. After graduating, Zachery completed a small animal internship at Animal Specialty Group (ASG) in Los Angeles before completing his training with a three-year surgical residency with Sage Centers for Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Care.  Zachery Smith was the medical director for Veterinary Medical and Surgical Goup-OC for two years.

When not in clinics, Dr. Smith can generally be found working at the family’s horse ranch or at jumping competitions with his children, wife and 5 horses, 2 dogs, 3 chickens and cat. ​

With over 50 years of experience in small animal medicine, Dr. Gene Hofacre has literally 'seen it all.' The former owner of Yolinda Animal Hospital in Placentia possesses a calm, friendly style as he helps our furry friends. A graduate of The Ohio State University, Dr. Hofacre remains a staunch Ohio sports fan & is also an avid skier.

Veterinary assistant Alex Symmes has been with CHAH since 2016. Alex is multi-talented, assisting both doctors & technicians, performing as a customer representative, being our go-to handy man, and entertaining staff with his subtle humor. Alex attended Santiago Canyon College. A true animal lover, Alex enjoys his friend Reggie, a Brittany Spaniel.

Veterinary assistant Chase's goal is to become a veterinarian. In pursuit of that goal, he is now majoring in biology at Santiago Canyon College and is gaining veterinary experience (here since 2020 & previously at Orange Canyon Pet Clinic). Chase enjoys skateboarding, skiing and relaxing with his pets: Leon, an English Mastiff, and Sophie the cat.

Lead customer service representative Norma Aleman is always willing to go that 'extra mile'. In addition to her daily duties as an informed & caring representative, team leader Norma also aids our technicians, doctors and kennel staff. She is attending the veterinary technician program at Mt. San Antonio College. In her limited spare time, she enjoys watching football & hockey, as well as Harry Potter & Star Wars films. Her pet family is comprised of three dogs: Fergus, Bailey, & April.

Jasmine, a member of our customer representative team since 2018, brings comfort to both patients and pets with her bright smile. She is currently attending Mt. San Antonio College's Veterinary Technology program, with a long term goal of becoming a veterinarian. Her pet family includes the three Z's: Zeus, a Maltese, and Zeke & Ziggy, both orange cats.