Jody Downhill, DVM, is the owner and lead veterinarian of Fallbrook Veterinary Clinic in Woodland Hills, California. She has owned and operated the practice since 2003. Over the past 22 years, she has grown the clinic, expanded its location, and built long-term relationships with generations of pet owners.
Her connection to animals started early. She grew up in Southern California surrounded by dogs, cats, horses, a tortoise, and even a Sparrow Hawk. She began riding horses at age seven and competed in hunter jumpers and three day events through the Portuguese Bend Pony Club. That early discipline shaped her work ethic.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from UC Irvine after attending LA Harbor College. She put herself through school by waitressing, which helped her develop strong communication skills and resilience. She later earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Ross University and completed her ECFVG internship at Oklahoma State University.
Before becoming a practice owner, she worked as an overnight emergency doctor at VCA Berwyn Animal Hospital. That experience sharpened her decision making under pressure.
Today, she treats dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, pocket pets, horses, and farm animals. She believes in preventive medicine and long-term care. Her success comes from consistency, hard work, and staying committed to her community for more than two decades.
What does success mean to you after more than 20 years of owning a veterinary clinic?
Success to me means longevity. I have owned Fallbrook Veterinary Clinic since 2003. Many businesses do not last that long. Staying open, growing, and still caring about the work after 22 years feels like real success.
It also means relationships. I have treated puppies and kittens that later became senior pets. I have seen kids grow up and bring their own animals to me as adults. That kind of continuity is not something you can rush. It comes from showing up every day.
You worked your way through undergrad as a waitress. How did that shape your career?
Waitressing taught me more than people think. You learn how to read people quickly. You learn how to stay calm when things get busy. You learn service.
Veterinary medicine is medical, but it is also service. Pet owners are often worried. They need clear answers and patience. My time in the service industry prepared me for that side of the job.
You have treated everything from dogs and cats to horses and birds. Why keep such a broad scope?
I grew up with many kinds of animals. Horses were a big part of my life. We also had birds and reptiles. Treating a wide range feels natural to me.
It also keeps the work interesting. A farm call is different from seeing a guinea pig or a parrot. Each species requires attention to detail. That challenge keeps me sharp.
What was the hardest part of becoming both a veterinarian and a business owner?
Balancing medicine with management. As a vet, you focus on the patient. As an owner, you also think about payroll, rent, staff, and growth.
We moved to a larger location in 2011. That was a big step. It meant higher costs and more responsibility. But it also meant better space for patients and staff. Growth requires risk.
How did your emergency work early in your career influence you?
Working overnight emergency shifts at VCA Berwyn Animal Hospital taught me how to make decisions fast. You do not always have perfect information. You still have to act.
That experience gave me confidence. When you handle emergencies regularly, everyday challenges feel more manageable.
What role does preventive medicine play in your definition of success?
Preventive medicine is long-term thinking. Vaccines, dental care, early exams. Those visits may not seem dramatic, but they prevent bigger problems later.
I like getting young animals off to a good start. Watching them grow healthy over time is rewarding. Success is not just saving a life in crisis. It is helping avoid the crisis in the first place.
After all these years, what keeps you motivated?
I love animals. That has not changed since I was seven years old riding horses in Pony Club. I still have dogs, cats, horses, birds, and a guinea pig at home.
There are late nights and few days off. Being a business owner and a veterinarian is challenging. But when you care deeply about the work, the effort feels worth it. Success is staying committed when it would be easier to step away.