The Motivation
A native of northern Louisiana, Sara Redding Ochoa, DVM knew at an early age she wanted to become a veterinarian.
Her childhood days were spent in the country alongside a variety of animals including dogs, cats, chickens, and turkeys.
Ochoa loved caring for her pets and looked forward to spending bits of her summer vacay walking dogs at a local veterinarian clinic.
Education
During undergrad, Ochoa served as kennel assistant at a veterinary clinic.
In very little time, Ochoa advanced to a veterinary assistant before eventually becoming a veterinary technician.
In 2011, Ochoa graduated from Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana with a Bachelor’s degree in animal science. Following undergrad, Ochoa relocated with her dog Ruby to Grenada where she attended veterinary school.
In the months that followed, Ochoa thrived while learning under some of the most well-known veterinarians from around the world.
She also explored new cultures as she immersed herself into the Caribbean way of life.
While in Grenada, Ochoa assisted with sea turtle conservation.
Her summer break included both volunteering at spay and neuter clinics in Honduras, as well as working at a local veterinary clinic.
In between studies, Ochoa explored Coco plantations and waterfalls, and she always loved spending time on the beach.
Ochoa built friendships during these experiences that she still draws from in discussing difficult veterinarian cases today.
Ochoa returned to the States to complete her clinical year at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
She went on to graduate in 2015 from St. George’s University with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine.
Experience
Following veterinary school, Dr. Ochoa began serving at a small animal and exotic veterinary clinic in east Texas.
Dr. Ochoa enjoys developing positive relationships with her clients as she provides their pets with excellent care.
Dr. Ochoa’s professional interests include both surgery and exotic animal medicine.
Exploring different animal species is a favorite.
Not to mention, she has completed surgery on a variety of animals ranging from primates to snakes, lizards, rabbits, guinea pigs, and even fish.
Dr. Ochoa is intentional in helping her clients understand proper care for their animals, and she always loves helping “fur-kids” return to a happy and healthy life.
Ochoa will teach a pet owner about different diseases their pet may have, plus reaches out in teaching younger generations a variety of aspects in veterinary medicine.
Dr. Ochoa pours her free time into volunteering with both a local high school and a veterinary technician instructing students within a clinical setting.
Hobbies
When Dr. Ochoa is not treating animals, she enjoys spending time with her husband Greg.
Together, they enjoy traveling the world and discovering new places.
There’s seldom a dull moment as Dr. Ochoa wildly embraces creativity, whether that’s learning how to sew and make a quilt, or cooking up a masterpiece in the kitchen, or hiking outdoors while enjoying nature.
Perhaps more than anything else, Dr. Ochoa and her husband love spending time with their four-legged fur kids: a dog Ruby, a cat Oliver James “OJ”, and a tortoise named Monkey-Man.
