DR. BARRERA, DVM MEDICAL DIRECTOR
Dr. Barrera was born and raised along the Southern California coast. Like many her age, she’s wanted to work with animals since the fourth grade. She ventured back East for her undergraduate degree in Animal Sciences at Cornell University in 2007, then returned to California to earn her Veterinary degree from UC Davis in 2011, with an emphasis on large animal medicine. After one year in Manitoba, Canada, working cow-calf operations, she returned home to California to practice small/companion animal medicine, until she moved to the great state of Texas. Dr. Barrera loves traveling, is very involved with her local church, and enjoys spending her time with her husband, three children, Labrador retriever “Penny”, and two cats “Reggie” and “Marlo”.
Fun Fact:
She is a classically trained pianist since the age of 8.
Quote:
“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength.” – Corrie Ten Boom
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.
DR. CRUZ, DVM VETERINARIAN
Dr. Cruz attended Texas A&M University for both undergrad and veterinary school. He graduated in 2019 with a Bachelors of Animal Science and in 2023 as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Cruz’s favorite thing about being a veterinarian is getting to see both his patients and clients grow as individuals. He finds it especially rewarding to follow a patient throughout their entire lives from their first puppy vaccinations to senior wellness visits. Dr. Cruz favorite parts of medicine are reproduction and surgery, and he hopes to be able to aid his future clients in practicing responsible breeding.
While not in the hospital caring for your furry friends, Dr. Cruz enjoys raising show livestock with his family, cooking, watching movies, and spending time with friends.
Dr. Cruz’s family has a Treeing Walker Coonhound (Gypsy), a Seal Point Siamese cat (Sammy), and a growing show pig operation.
Dr. Cruz is excited to get started at Comal Pet Hospital & Resort and looks forward to becoming a part of his new patient’s and client’s lives.
Fun Fact:
Dr. Cruz is Fear free certified.
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