I’m Dr. Rachel Mar, a California native who works as a small animal veterinarian at Mission Animal Hospital in San Luis Obispo, California. In addition to working full time as a general practice small animal veterinarian, I also offer mobile integrative services and virtual consults. With my mobile integrative veterinary care, I serve the central coast of California, travelling from San Luis Obispo to its surrounding areas, to offer acupuncture, herbal medicine and laser therapy to my patients.

I am a lactose intolerant cheese & ice cream lover, a coffee-addicted foodie and a beer & wine snob. I’d drink an IPA or Cabernet any day. Foods I could never get sick of include sushi, peanut butter, avocados, and anything dark chocolate. Outside of food & drink, I enjoy photography and fitness. I was always a runner growing up but when I moved to Dublin for vet school I grew to love strength training. I also love Batman and baseball (#sfgiants). However, all these passions mean nothing without my faith. Jesus is the reason I’m living today. He truly is my Savior. Read more about how He saved me here.

I obtained my bachelors degree in Animal Science from California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly SLO). Along with my bachelors, I also completed a minor in photography. Upon graduating from Cal Poly SLO, I worked full time in student ministry through an organization known as Campus Crusade for Christ. Though I absolutely loved ministry and the opportunity to mentor college & high school students, my passion for veterinary medicine kept growing.

After finding out I got into vet school, the decision was made – I would move to Dublin, Ireland to obtain my degree in Veterinary Medicine. Four years later, I graduated from University College Dublin as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM).

Within the field of veterinary medicine, I am specifically passionate about integrative medicine. I am a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) through Chi University and am currently enrolled in the Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP) course through the University of Tennessee. In addition, I am a Fear Free certified veterinarian (FFCP) and aim to make vet visits as stress-free as possible for both you & your pet (more information on this certification can be found here).

When I was a full time veterinary student consumed by a challenging academic course, I gradually learned the importance of a balanced lifestyle – physically, mentally and spiritually. As I discovered a balance in these different aspects of my life, I began to blog about my own journey towards wellness. I shared my journey of how I sought this vitality amidst a demanding lifestyle. It was through this journey that The Vitality Vet was born.

Though I believe wellness is important for everyone, I find it essential in the veterinary field (and health professions alike). In veterinary medicine we are taught in detail how to maintain animal health, and diagnose & treat ailments. However, we aren’t actually taught how to care for ourselves. Sounds a bit silly since animal & human medicine can be parallel, but it’s unfortunately true. It disheartens me to see so many veterinarians and many of my peers struggle with their mental and physical health. I commonly think, how can we as veterinarians give our all in treating animals when we aren’t even looking after ourselves? This is why a balance between mind, body & soul is vital.

Whether you’re in a medical profession or not, I hope to share some knowledge and help bust some myths for you.

To help you cultivate a healthier mind, body & soul for both you AND your pet.