Meet Our Veterinarians in Escondido, CA
The doctors and staff at Village Veterinary Hospital provide personal veterinary care for dogs and cats in Escondido, CA. Our team combines new family ownership with familiar professionals who have built lasting relationships with local pets and their owners.
Familiar people and personal care
A Team Rooted in the Community
Husband-and-wife owners Dr. Catarina Benavides and Dr. Sean Rodriguez lead a practice shaped by continuity, collaboration, and local connection. Explore our family-owned story or review the veterinary services we provide to learn how our doctors and support staff care for dogs and cats through every life stage.
The people behind your pet’s care
Meet the Village Veterinary Hospital Team
Our doctors and support staff bring different backgrounds, interests, and responsibilities to the hospital. Together, they focus on clear communication, informed veterinary guidance, and an approachable experience for pet owners. Familiar team members remain part of the practice while its new owners guide Village Veterinary Hospital into its next chapter.
Dr. Catarina Benavides
Co-Owner and Veterinarian
Read Full Bio
Dr. Benavides is originally from Escondido and worked for Village Vet as a veterinary assistant before she went off to college and veterinary school. She graduated from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2021.
After 2 years working in emergency medicine, we were glad to welcome her back as a doctor in August 2023! Here she is with her dog, Calvin.
Dr. Sean Rodriguez
Co-Owner and Veterinarian
Read Full Bio
Dr. Alex Sherer
Part-Time Veterinarian
Read Full Bio
Dr. Alex was born in Gilroy, California, and grew up in Santa Clara County in northern California. He is a graduate of St. Francis High School in Mountain View, California. He spent his third year of college abroad at the University of Reading, England, and obtained his bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. His Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree is from the University of California, Davis, in 1986. Dr. Christine graciously shares her pets with Dr. Alex.
Dr. Alex is a past president of the San Diego County Veterinary Medical Association. He enjoys tennis and skiing in his spare time.
Dr. Christine Stewart
Part-Time Veterinarian
Read Full Bio
Dr. Stewart was born in Bakersfield, California, and grew up in northern California. She is a graduate of Gunderson High School in San Jose, California. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology from the University of California, Davis, where she also earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1991.
Dr. Stewart’s special veterinary interest is geriatric cats. Dr. Stewart has been with Village Veterinary Hospital since 1993.
She has several cats, including Cooper, Sally, and Jack, and a baby tortoise.
Dr. Stewart enjoys bird watching in her spare time.
Sarah Alonzo
Veterinary Assistant
Read Full Bio
Sarah was born in Poway and grew up in Escondido. She graduated from Orange Glen High School and studied Animal Science at UC Davis. She’s a bilingual veterinary assistant and enjoys helping the Spanish-speaking community. During her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her dog, Mia.
Diane Hildreth
Office Manager
Read Full Bio
Diane was born in San Diego and grew up in Valley Center. She is a graduate of Orange Glen High School. She has been working at Village Veterinary Hospital since 1986. As a result of her extensive experience, she is cross-trained in all positions in the hospital. She is our head receptionist and office manager.
Diane has one dog, Tala, and one cat, ‘T’. Diane enjoys gardening and music in her spare time. She also enjoys treasure hunting at garage sales and antique stores. She is passionate about helping people and their pets, and is here to assist you with your veterinary medical needs.
Sara Torres
Veterinary Assistant
Read Full Bio
Judith Villalobos
Veterinary Assistant
Read Full Bio
Judith grew up in Escondido and graduated from Escondido High School. She is attending Cal State San Marcos with a major in biology and a minor in physics. She has been working with animals for 5 years now. It is a passion of hers to help animals in need. She loves to spend time with family, friends, and her dogs, Toby and Mily.