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Meet the Veterinarians & Team of Lone Star Animal Hospital in Victoria! We’re pleased to provide exceptional vet care for your pets!

Please call us at 361-570-7297 to speak to one of our caring veterinary staff members!

Veterinarians

Dr. Lee Zeplin

Owner/Veterinarian

Dr. Lee Zeplin was born and raised in Victoria, then attended Texas A&M University, graduating from the College of Veterinary Medicine in 1996. She practiced small animal medicine in the Houston area, eventually moving back to Victoria and opening Lone Star Animal Hospital in December 2004. She and her husband, Drew, have been married since 1996 and have 2 children; Tanner and Jordan who are attending college. Their family includes 3 rescue dogs and a polydactyl cat.  Outside of practice, Dr Zeplin enjoys spending time with her extended family, parents, 2 brothers, sister and their families and troupe of nieces and nephews. She also loves saltwater fishing, travelling, crafting, and building projects and anything outdoors including working on her family’s country place near Hallettsville.

Dr. Haley Daniel

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Haley Daniel grew up in Rockwall, Texas where her father and grandfather served the community as veterinarians. After growing up in the practice, Haley headed to Texas A&M to follow her dream of becoming a veterinarian. She graduated from Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2016. During vet school, she met and married her classmate, Dr. Paul Daniel. They have 3 dogs and a new son who has brought pure joy to their lives. Outside of work, Haley enjoys Aggie football games, running, traveling, reading, and spending time with her family.

Dr. Candida Chairez

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Candida Chairez grew up in the small border town of Del Río, Texas. She attended Angelo State University on a track and field scholarship and graduated with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in animal science. She received her DVM degree from the University of Missouri - College of Veterinary Medicine in 2023. She and her fiancé, Tyler, have two dogs named Chico and Gypsy. Outside of work, Candida enjoys everything outdoors, such as fishing and hiking, and spending time with family and friends.

Receptionist

Amy Prince

Receptionist

Amy moved back to South Texas several years ago when her husband who retired from the military. They have one son; he currently serves in the military. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her dogs, reading and being outdoors. She likes to freshwater fish with her husband whenever they get the chance.

Jessica Brewer

Receptionist

Jessica rejoined the team at Lone Star Animal Hospital as Receptionist in 2022. She was a Lone Star client long before being a part of the staff. Jessica has had a special love for animals since childhood – especially dogs. She loves that her job enables her to help pets and their people receive the best service and veterinary care available. She and her husband Jason live out in the country in Meyersville and have a daughter, 5 rescue dogs and 1 donkey. In her spare time, Jessica loves spending time at home with her family and their dogs. She also enjoys fishing, crafting, and watching movies.

Lindsey Lara

Receptionist

Lindsey has been with Lone Star Animal Hospital since November of 2006. She has worked in every aspect of the clinic beginning as a kennel attendant then to technician and now front desk receptionist.
Born and raised in the Amarillo area, Lindsey relocated to South Texas in 2005 to expand her horizons and attend college. She is married with 2 children and lives on a little farm in Nursery.

Alexis Ortiz

Receptionist

Alexis is a receptionist here at Lone Star Animal Hospital. She grew up in a small, agricultural town in South Texas. She has always shown an interest in the care of animals, and started by volunteering at a local groomer and pet sitting in high school. After high school, she studied animal science at a nearby university. She now enjoys being a part of our clinic here in Victoria. When she is not at the clinic, she enjoys spending time with her two small daughters and their two dogs

Marissa Castillo

Receptionist

My name is Marissa Castillo. I was born and raised in Victoria, Tx. I’m a mother to one sweet boy. In my free time I enjoy spending time in the country with family. I’ve always had a big heart for animals and enjoy caring for them.

Licensed Veterinary Technicians

Holly Janak

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Holly was raised in College Station, Texas. Her husband brought her to his hometown of Hallettsville in 2009, she has been a resident since. Holly has been in the veterinary field for 15+ years. In 2015, she graduated from Vet Tech Institute of Houston, where she was secretary of their student organization, on the deans’ list and received the vet tech award. She has an associate degree in applied science and became a licensed veterinary technician in 2016. She is currently taking online courses to further her education. Holly’s 10-year-old daughter is also interested in the veterinary industry. She has a family of animal lovers. They have a variety of animals including 5 dogs, 5 horses, 2 cats, 1 donkey, 1 turtle and a herd of beef cattle. Outside of work, she spends time volunteering with organizations that are close to her heart, spending time with her family and showing her horse.

Certified Veterinary Assistants

Alison Cantu

Certified Veterinary Assistant

Alison is a compassionate veterinary assistant who rejoined us in 2023. She continues to be an integral part of our team. Her gentle personality shines through as she cares for our patients, providing comfort and reassurance to both pets and their owners during their visits. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends at the lake or cuddling on the couch with her cat, Larken.

Eileen Garza

Certified Veterinary Assistant

Eileen is happily married with 3 beautiful children. She and her husband currently own 9 working dogs and 1 house dog. She loves animals of all kinds and thrives to give the best care and effort in her line of work. Her hobbies include adult softball, outdoor hunting, and fishing along with many other outdoor activities.

Kelly Bueno

Certified Veterinary Assistant

Kelly grew up in Meyersville, TX and joined the LSAH team in January of 2021. She came to the LSAH after spending 2.5 years at Dorothy O’Conner Pet Adoption Center to further her knowledge and gain more experience in treating and caring for companion animals. Animals play a huge part in her life. Kelly has a greyhound name Camo, a lab named Macy and a cat named Tigger. Kelly and her husband Victor recently added a new member to the family, a maltipoo, they named Marley. In her free time, she enjoys hunting, spending time with family and friends, and of course her fur babies.

Veterinary Assistant

Alexis Carpenter

Veterinary Assistant

Alexis Carpenter started with us in August of 24. She was raised in north Texas town named Granbury. She received her Bachelor’s from Texas A&M University in Poultry Science in 2017. While in school she worked as a veterinary technician. She lived in North Alabama and worked for a primary breeder poultry company for almost 6 years. She relocated back to Texas and moved to the Victoria area in March of 24. She enjoys spending her time free time doing anything outside with her dog Axel and her boyfriend on a cattle ranch. She also has a white charolais heifer “pet” named Daisy and a bobtail tuxedo cat named Jaq.

Italy

Veterinary Assistant

Hi everyone, my name is Italy! I am new to the LSAH team! I’ve always had such a strong passion to care for animals since I was a little girl, growing up I knew I needed all the experience I could get to become a veterinarian one day. Which lead me to great job opportunities and volunteering experiences to care for so many amazing and sweet furry friends these past 4 years to make my dream happen until the time is right. I have 2 amazing babies of my own Luna, my Yorkie and Oakley, my Australia Shepherd. On my free time, I love to hangout with my family, my furry babies and friends; as well as travel to different places and I’m a huge fan of long distance running!

Animal Care Attendant

Cami Patek

Animal Care Attendant

Cami grew up in Victoria, Texas and joined the LSAH team in December of 2021. Since she was a preschooler she always dreamed of taking care of animals, and working at Lone Star is solidifying this goal. She is currently a sophomore at Texas A&M and pursuing a degree in animal science. After graduating, she plans to apply to vet school. In her free time she enjoys painting and spending time with her two cats; she has a calico named Patches and a shorthair named Luna.

Paige

Animal Care Attendant

Hi! My name is Paige and I’m a kennel tech here at LSAH. I get to spend my days caring for our furry friends ensuring they are happy, healthy, and comfortable. I’ve always had a passion for animals, which helps drive me to provide the best care possible for yours!

Megan

Animal Care Attendant

Hi, my name is Megan! I’m a recent graduate from Texas tech where I earned a degree in biology with minors in animal science and chemistry. I’ve always had a passion for caring for animals and have the goal of one day becoming a veterinarian! In my free time I enjoy volunteering at the local animal shelter, spending time outdoors, and learning more about veterinary medicine.

Lizzie

Animal Care Attendant

Lizzie Adams was born and raised in Victoria where her passion for helping animals sprouted. She received her Bachelor’s in Animal Science from Texas A&M University in the Spring of 24’ and is currently pursuing a path to veterinary school. During college, Lizzie volunteered at a wildlife center for five semesters. She has a dachshund named Mary Jane and a blue heeler named Scout. Lizzie also works at HEB curbside as a personal shopper. In her spare time, Lizzie enjoys walking her dogs, lifting weights, and caring for her chickens.

Kaitlyn

Animal Care Attendant

Hi! My name is Kaitlyn! For as long as i can remember i’ve wanted to work and care for our furry friends! i love animals of all kinds. I recently got a new kitten named Athena and we love to go on walks through wooded areas! my hobbies include playing & coaching volleyball, and watching movies with my kitty Athena.