RHONDA MARCHANT, DVM
Dr. Rhonda Marchant was born and raised in Long Beach, New York. By the time she was eight years old, she already knew she wanted to become a veterinarian. Around that same time, her mother took her to a local animal shelter to adopt her first cat, Alley Cat, beginning a lifelong love of cats that continues to shape her career today.
Her passion for veterinary medicine continued through high school, where she completed an externship at a veterinary hospital on Long Island, gaining her first hands-on experience in the profession.
After earning an Associate of Applied Science degree in Information Systems Management from SUNY Delhi, Dr. Marchant spent 12 years working in the financial industry. Although she enjoyed her career, her lifelong dream of becoming a veterinarian never faded. In 2000, she moved to San Diego to pursue that dream, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology from San Diego State University before receiving her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Kansas State University.
Dr. Marchant believes the human-animal bond is sacred and that every medical decision should honor the unique relationship between cats and the people who love them. She understands that many cats experience significant stress when traveling to a veterinary hospital, which inspired her to establish a feline-exclusive mobile practice. By providing care in the comfort of a cat’s own home, she is able to reduce stress, observe patients in their natural environment, and partner closely with families to provide compassionate, individualized care.
Her professional interests include preventive medicine, internal medicine, nutrition, weight management, and senior cat health. She especially enjoys solving complex medical cases and empowering clients through education, believing that informed owners are better equipped to make the best decisions for their cats.
Dr. Marchant is an active member of the Feline Veterinary Medical Association, the California Veterinary Medical Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the San Diego County Veterinary Medical Association.
Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Marchant enjoys cooking, camping, rock climbing, yoga, and hiking. She and her husband share their home in Oceanside with their three cats—Macy, Tootles, and April—and Wendy, their Cocker Spaniel mix. She feels privileged to have built a career centered on improving the lives of cats while supporting the people who love them.
AVRI BARNETT – VETERINARY TECHNICIAN ASSISTANT
Born in Palm Springs, Avri grew up surrounded by animals, curiosity, and a family deeply rooted in medicine. With both of her parents working as nurses, she developed an early appreciation for science, healthcare, and helping others.
She earned her Veterinary Technician Assistant Certification from PIMA Medical Institute in San Marcos, where she discovered a passion for laboratory work, medical math, and medical terminology.
Veterinary medicine has always felt like a natural calling. From a young age, Avri was fascinated by animals and how their bodies function. Her first companion was a leopard gecko named Haku, whom she cared for from sixth grade through the next eight years. Haku will always hold a special place in her heart. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she adopted her cat, Oliver, who quickly became her whole world. Together, Haku and Oliver helped solidify her passion for veterinary medicine.
Although she has always appreciated human medicine, Avri realized her heart belonged with animals—especially cats and reptiles. Combining her love of science with compassionate patient care is what makes this profession so rewarding.
Outside of work, Avri enjoys crochet, photography, exploring engines, and dancing. She strives to bring optimism, compassion, and resilience into every aspect of her life and feels privileged to be part of a team dedicated to improving the lives of cats and the people who love them.