DR. ZUNIGA, DVM VETERINARIAN
Dr. Nicole Zuniga grew up in a farming family and loves the outdoors. She attended U.C. Davis to complete her undergraduate education, focusing on animal behavior and agricultural animal management. She was a zookeeper and animal trainer for several years, as well as an emergency veterinary technician, before attending veterinary school at Washington State University where she focused on large animal/exotic animal medicine. She completed a rotating small animal emergency and exotics rotating internship at a busy specialty practice where she worked for several years thereafter.
She loves surgery, emergency, exotic companion, and behavioral medicine. Her interests include exploring the great outdoors -mountain biking / paddling / snowboarding, spending time with family, traveling, and running a small farm.
Fun Fact:
She has a pet that could live 90 years! (Hint...he's still working on "coming out of his shell.")
Quote:
“Over the years I've come to appreciate how animals enter our lives prepared to teach and far from being burdened by an inability to speak, they have many different ways to communicate. It is up to us to listen.” – Nick Trout
Dr. Peña, DVM VETERINARIAN
Dr. Peña hails from South Texas as one of four children with a deep connection to the outdoors. From a young age, she developed a strong bond with nature and animals, spending many cherished moments with her father at the family ranch in San Isidro, Texas.
Eager to jumpstart a career in agriculture, Dr. Peña moved to Kingsville, Texas in 2015 to attend Texas A&M-Kingsville. During her time there, she served as the University Rabbit Farm Manager and later interned as a Poultry Research Assistant for the USDA. She graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2017 with a B.S. in Animal Science, pre-veterinary focus. Inspired by these experiences, Dr. Peña continued her academic adventures and went on to attend veterinary school at Texas A&M, where she earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2024.
Although a new resident to the area, Dr. Peña is delighted to call the beautiful Hill Country (a place she once vacationed every Summer) her new home. In her free time, Dr. Peña enjoys the sweet company of her two dogs Bennie and Chappie, playing roller derby with friends, and traveling with her boyfriend.
Dr. Peña has special interests in surgery, dermatology, and preventative care. As a member of the Comal Pet Hospital family, Dr. Peña aims to build long-lasting relationships by practicing high-quality medicine and fostering positive veterinary experiences beginning the moment her patients walk through the door.
Fun Fact:
Dr. Peña was a Girl Scout and Venture Scout for many years.