Meet the Team

About Us

Meet the Team

What Makes Us Different?

Animal Hospital of Irvine (AHI) is the culmination of an abiding friendship between two veterinarians who share a devotion for medical care that is compassionate, ethical, sound, and thorough. Dr. Lai received her Degree of Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis and after graduation practiced as an associate veterinarian in Irvine. The experience exposed her to an array of issues pertinent to pet care today and profoundly shaped her view of what constitutes quality medicine. In 2003 Dr. Lai founded the Animal Hospital of Irvine (AHI) to promote her vision of a clean, modern facility that melds up-to-date medical treatment with old-fashioned virtues of honesty, integrity, and compassion. Dr. Joanne Hwang kicked off her veterinary career at Animal Hospital of Irvine when she joined the AHI staff as a undergraduate in 2006. She gained valuable mentorship as a technician assistant and technician before pursuing further studies at UCLA and ultimately earning her veterinary degree at THE Ohio State University. Her journey came full circle when she returned to AHI as a doctor and now co-owner of the practice. Together Dr. Lai, Dr. Hwang, and the staff of AHI provide the community with consistent and quality veterinary care and maintain the excellence and fine traditions which have defined Animal Hospital of Irvine since 2003.

Our Veterinarians

<strong>Dr. Anne</strong> <strong>Lai</strong> photo

Dr. Anne Lai

Harvard University, B.A. Biology
UC Davis, D.V.M.
 
Anne Lai completed her undergraduate education (B.A., Biology) at Harvard University and received her degree of veterinary medicine from the University of California, Davis. Her professional interests include general surgery, internal medicine, dermatology, and preventive care. She is also actively involved in educational/mentoring programs for students of all ages. She enjoys spending time with her dog Zoe and is an avid reader, traveler, hiking/sports enthusiast, and music/art aficionado.

<strong>Dr. Joanne</strong> <strong>Hwang</strong> photo

Dr. Joanne Hwang

UC Irvine, B.A. Psychology 
UCLA, Master of Public Health
The Ohio State University, D.V.M.
 
Joanne Hwang completed her undergraduate degree at the University of California, Irvine and received her Degree of Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University. Her professional interests include dermatology, dentistry, and pain management. She is driven to treat her patients with the same kindness and compassion that she expects for her own family members, both two-legged and four-legged, and in her free time she enjoys reading, hiking, and being active
outdoors.

Our Staff

<strong>Debi</strong> photo

Debi

Debi has been a veterinary receptionist since 2004. She lives in Irvine with her husband of 26 years, their two children, her dog Finn, and her cat Montana. She is an active member of the local community and is particularly involved in her children's school programs.

<strong>Tammy</strong> photo

Tammy

Tammy has held a deep passion for animals from a young age, aspiring to be a veterinarian since the age of 8. She shared her childhood with several pets, including cats, dogs, guinea pigs, hamsters, fish and iguanas. She is now pursuing a degree as a Registered Veterinary Technician through Heritage College, while in her free time she enjoys movies, miniature golf and watching football with her fiance and family.

<strong>Wendy</strong> photo

Wendy

Wendy has been working as a technician assistant since 2002. She is a resident of Irvine but her roots are in a small farming community in Illinois where she spent many years working as a physical therapy assistant. She is a mother of three and an avid animal lover. She lives with her husband Dan and their cat Simon.

Veronica photo

Veronica

As a technician assistant Veronica lavishes the pets with TLC and loves all their quirks. She is continuing her education towards veterinary school and takes care of cranky cat Tigger and hyper Chihuahua Tina at home. She also enjoys artwork, scary movies, and nature films.

Allison photo

Allison

Allison has been working in the veterinary field since 2000. Originally from St. Louis she now calls Irvine home. She shares her life with her husband of 20 years and their cat Iggy.

<strong>Alexis</strong> photo

Alexis

Alexis is a registered veterinary technician (RVT) who obtained her Bachelor’s of Science in Animal Health Science from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. She shares her heart and home with her Golden Retriever, Maggie, and enjoys spending her free time watching movies, attending concerts, and having a blast at Disneyland!

<strong>Heather</strong> photo

Heather

Heather has been working in the veterinary field since 2005 and is currently working towards a degree in Biology. Heather loves all animals including reptiles, amphibians, fish, and “creepy crawlies.” In her free time she enjoys drawing, sewing, and watching movies.

Sean photo

Sean

Sean has been working with veterinary patients since 2010 and is currently pursuing her studies to become a Registered Veterinary Technician. During her free time she enjoys hiking, spending time at the beach, visiting the tide pools, and simply being out in nature. She shares her home with her cat "Pumpkin," dog "Basil," and tortoise "Edamame."

About Us

What our Clients have to say.

The best animal hospital ever! Love Drs. Bauman and Lai and the staff! It was a second home to both my Pugs, they loved going there for boarding, grooming, day care and treatment. I highly recommend this hospital it is the best!

Jackie F.
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Animal Hospital of Irvine

4200 Trabuco Road Ste 160
Irvine, California, 92620


Phone: 949-559-9988 Fax: 949-559-5868

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Hours

Monday 7:00am - 7:00pm

Tuesday 7:00am - 7:00pm

Wednesday 7:00am - 7:00pm

Thursday 7:00am - 7:00pm

Friday 7:00am - 7:00pm

Saturday 8:00am - 4:00pm

Sunday 9:00am - 4:00pm

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