Jody Downhill

Hi, I’m Dr. Jody Downhill, and here’s a bit about me.

I’ve always had a special bond with animals. I grew up in Southern California with a house full of them—dogs, cats, horses, even a tortoise and a sparrow hawk. Animals weren’t just part of my life, they were my life. I started riding horses when I was seven and was heavily involved in Pony Club, competing in hunter/jumpers and three-day events. That experience shaped a lot of who I am—focused, persistent, and always learning.

To put myself through college, I waitressed, and honestly, that taught me as much about people as veterinary school did about medicine. I graduated from UC Irvine with a degree in Biological Sciences, earned my veterinary degree from Ross University, and completed my internship at Oklahoma State. I’ve worked emergency shifts in big hospitals and now own Fallbrook Veterinary Clinic in Woodland Hills, California.

I took over the clinic in 2003, and since then I’ve expanded it and moved it to a larger location to better serve the community. I treat everything—dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, pocket pets, and even farm animals like horses and goats. If it breathes, I’ll probably treat it. I believe strongly in preventative medicine. I’ve seen how early detection and regular care can truly save lives—not just extend them, but improve their quality.

What I love most is watching my patients grow. I’ve cared for animals from their first checkup to their last goodbye. And I’ve seen kids who once came in holding a puppy come back years later with pets of their own. That’s what makes this job so meaningful.

It’s not always easy. Being both a veterinarian and a small business owner means long nights, missed days off, and constant problem-solving. But I wouldn’t trade it. I love what I do, and I’m proud of the relationships I’ve built—with animals and with the families who love them.

When I’m not at the clinic, I’m probably still around animals—riding horses, spending time with my dogs, or just enjoying the outdoors. It’s all part of the life I’ve built, one patient at a time.