Los Lunas Animal Clinic Team

Dr. MacDougall started off as an employee here from 1986 to 1988. In 1988, Dr. MacDougall purchased the Los Lunas Animal Clinic. Before he came to New Mexico, he spent 2 years at a mixed animal practice in Rapid City, South Dakota. Dr. MacDougall has an AA in Medical Science, BS in Veterinary Science with a minor in Wildlife Biology from Colorado State University, then graduated in 1983 from Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine. With his many talents, attention to detail, and diligence, Dr. MacDougall contributes his knowledge and expertise, as the veterinarian for the Wildlife West Nature Park in Edgewood, New Mexico, and is also the founder and part-owner of Pet ER Inc. in Los Lunas, New Mexico. Born in Denver, raised in Colorado and Arizona, Dr. MacDougall has lived in Wyoming and South Dakota before making his home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. He has an amazing and supportive wife Kay Rivers who is a graphic designer and has a beautiful daughter, Arriana M. MacDougall, born in April 2006. One of Dr. MacDougall’s favorite past-times is Cowboy Mounted Shooting. He is the two-time SASS World Champion!

Dr. Thompson obtained his D.V.M. from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, Grafton, Massachusetts. He obtained his Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of California, Davis. Dr. Thompson grew up in New Mexico and brings with him considerable experience in equine medicine and surgery and special training in small animal orthopedic surgery. His interests include working with small ruminants such as goats, sheep, alpacas, and llamas. His additional interests also includes avian medicine in addition to full services for our canine and feline clients.

Dr. Melissa Rigdon was born and raised in New Mexico, and earned a BS in Animal Science from New Mexico State University. After graduation, she learned the ins and outs of mixed animal and emergency veterinary medicine working as a veterinary assistant prior to applying to veterinary school. Dr. Rigdon graduated from the prestigious UC Davis College of Veterinary Medicine with an emphasis in equine and mixed animal medicine. She currently lives with her 3 cats Jean, Brayden, and Serenity. Dr. Rigdon’s prowess with felines often earns her the title of “cat whisperer” and she enjoys spending time cross-stitching, hiking, and keeping up with the sci-fi and fantasy world.

Dr. Emily Payne has wanted to become a veterinarian since she was a child. Her passion for animal care started with cats and dogs, and later extended to horses when she was 12. She excelled academically, graduating with honors from High School in 2013 and later with a B.S. in Biology from Stephens College in 2017, achieving Summa Cum Laude. Despite not being accepted into vet school on her first attempt, Dr. Payne did not give up. Instead, she worked tirelessly, juggling two jobs at a mobile vaccine clinic and a small animal private practice, only taking one day off every other week to gain clinical hours for a year. She applied again in the fall of 2018 and was thrilled to receive her acceptance letter from Oklahoma State University in February 2019. Dr. Payne has graduated amid the COVID pandemic, but she is confident in her abilities thanks to her experience at a practice with exceptional mentorship. Although she has considered continuing her education in radiology or surgery, Dr. Payne plans to focus on getting her feet wet as a practitioner and moving into relief work in the next 5-6 years. She has also completed an acupuncture course and exam and is only one case report away from obtaining her certification. Dr. Payne is eager and optimistic about her future as a veterinarian.

Keri Pacheco is the office manager here at Los Lunas Animal Clinic. She’s been practicing for 16 years and went to Central New Mexico Community College/ Lamar Community College. She prides herself in being able to communicate effectively with her team and clients and always makes sure clients and patients are happy with their service. In her free time, she likes to coach her 3 daughters in volleyball and basketball. She enjoys taking care of her farm, hunting, fishing, camping, and traveling with her family. She also enjoys working out as her me time.

Felicia went to school at Pima Medical Institute and she prides herself on the care she provides for her patients and their owners. She loves building relationships with owners so they can feel more comfortable with us providing medicine for their babies. Felicia also prides herself in her phlebotomy skills as well as her ability to train and work with aggressive animals!

In her free time, she usually is out exploring with her six kids and four dogs. She enjoys hunting, fishing, four-wheeling, traveling, and playing sports. She also does a lot of pet sitting for friends, family, and clients.

Fran is passionate about helping animals and has been in veterinary medicine since 2016. She loves to use her skills and knowledge to help pet parents at Los Lunas Animal Clinic and prides herself on being able to work under pressure using Fear Free techniques.

When not at work, Fran loves arts and crafts and spending time with family. She has eight animals and loves walking them down the Rio Grande!

Tamara Donche is a registered veterinary technician at Los Lunas Animal Clinic. She’s been practicing for 9.5 years and went to Brown Mackie College. She takes pride in providing the best care possible for every patient and being efficient in her tech skills. Outside of work, she likes to help take care of the cattle on the Ranch. She loves the outdoors and going camping, hiking, and hunting as well.

Karina VamMeter went to Colorado Mt. College. She’s the Veterinary Technician at Los Lunas Animal Clinic and loves animals and being able to help them. In her free time, she rides her horse Emma, walks her dogs, and creates art.

Charity Laster has been practicing for one year now. She went to school at CNM and prides herself in providing the utmost care and gold standard of care and making sure to treat each animal as if they were her own. Outside of work, she likes to hang out with her kids and animals and go on adventures.

Andrew Zito has been practicing for 11 years. Andrew attended Central New Mexico Community College and prides himself in having happy patients and happy clients! He enjoys working on his cars, listening to music, and going on road trips with his family in his free time.

Josiah has been practicing for five months. He went to New Mexico State University and he prides himself in great patient and client care. Josiah enjoys reading, studying, and conversing in his free time.

Charity Burciaga has been practicing for two months now. She attended school in Los Lunas and prides herself on her work and compassion for all patients. She likes spending her free time with her kids, pet, and family as well as going fishing, camping, watching movies, cooking, and baking.

Sydnie Lowther is our vet tech at Los Lunas Animal Clinic. She’s been practicing for 5 years and went to Kansas State University. She prides herself in being consistent, providing quality workmanship and creating a positive environment. In her free time she enjoys hanging out with friends/family, reading, working out/ lifting weights and listening to music.

Chrissy Vaughn is our Lead CSR at Los Lunas Animal Clinic. She’s been practicing for 1.5 years. Chrissy attended Southern New Hampshire University where she was Summa Cum Laude. She prides herself in providing exceptional customer service reassurance for clients. She believes that happy and healthy pets are the greatest reward. In her free time, Chrissy enjoys spending time with her family and three dogs. She also likes to cook and make crafts. Being a mom is her favorite job of all!

Shawna is an RVT at Lost Lunas Animal Clinic. She went to CNM Community College and has been practicing for 15 years now. She prides herself in providing AAHA standard service, the most recent medicine, and professionalism with protocols. In her free time, she likes hiking, traveling, bike riding, and going on adventures.

Bobbie is our Kennel Tech at Los Lunas Animal Clinic. She’s been practicing for 1.5 years now and went to Los Lunas High School. She prides herself on keeping the clinic clean and helping the patients feel safe and cared for when they are here. She enjoys spending time with her family when she’s free as well as going on long drives, fishing, and camping.

Valerie is our Kennel Tech at Los Lunas. She has been practicing for 7 years. Valerie attended Rancho High in Las Vegas, Nevada. She prides herself in keeping the clinic clean and smelling good. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband.

Liliana has been practicing for over 6 months now. She’s currently attending CNM and is the customer service representative at Los Lunas. She prides herself in having the ability to help people and their pets even though she isn’t a veterinarian. In her free time likes to read, play softball, and sleep.

Becky is a vet tech at Los Lunas. She went to Belen high school and San Juan College. Becky has a total of 19 years of experience in the veterinary field. She treats every pet like they are her own, in a loving and caring manner. She really prides herself in giving the owners the best customer service she can. In her free time, she breeds, raises, and trains German Shepherds and spends as much time as she can with her amazing family.