Meet Our Veterinarians
Dr. Danois Salas
Veterinarian, Owner, Surgical LeadDr. Danois Salas
Veterinarian, Owner, Surgical LeadEnjoys helping to lengthen the time that a parent and a pet can bond and enjoy each other.
Dr. Long
Medical DirectorDr. Long
Medical Director"This team is amazing ya'll, and I can't imagine going to work every day with anyone else. The care and passion is unparalleled."
Dr. Brandt
VeterinarianDr. Brandt
Veterinarian"I like working at TLC because we work as a team to provide excellent care. Everyone is willing to jump in and help each other."
Dr. Hood
VeterinarianDr. Hood
Veterinarian
Dr. Simon
VeterinarianDr. Simon
VeterinarianSimon believes in the power and strength of the human animal bond and looks forward to helping you with your pets needs.
Dr. Lavin
VeterinarianDr. Lavin
VeterinarianDr. Lavin sees pocket pets, poultry and waterfowl, reptiles and amphibians, as well as rabbits, chinchillas, ferrets and hedgehogs.
Dr. Pegouske
VeterinarianDr. Pegouske
VeterinarianDr. Pegouske and her husband, Matt, have 3 cats (Ally, Bilbo, & Mr. Bond) and 1 3-legged pitty named Brody.
Dr. Danois Salas
Veterinarian, Owner, Surgical LeadDr. Salas is the owner of TLC Pet Hospital. He purchased the hospital in July 2005. Undergraduate degree from NMSU, Veterinary degree from CSU. He is married with 3 beautiful daughters. Enjoys traveling and watching or playing soccer.
Medical Interests: Dermatology. Orthopedic surgery. Enjoys helping to lengthen the time between parent and pet bond.
Dr. Long
Medical DirectorDr. Long is an Albuquerque native. Dr. Long attended UNM and earned a degree in Biology before attending Colorado State University for Veterinary school. Dr. Long graduated in 2010 and moved back to Albuquerque in 2011. Dr. Long is an avid reader and loves movies, popcorn and drinking tea. Dr. Long and her husband, Joel, enjoy traveling and spending time in the mountains.
Medical Interests: Preventative medicine. Diagnostic imaging. Dermatology.
Why I like to work at TLC: “I have worked in a lot of veterinary hospitals over the years – very large ones, and very small ones. And I can say without a doubt – TLC is hands down the best clinic I have ever worked for. This team is amazing ya’ll, and I can’t imagine going to work every day with anyone else. The care and passion they have for our clients and patients is unparalleled, and I am honored to call this group people my teammates.”
Dr. Brandt
VeterinarianDr. Briana Brandt, DVM was born and raised in Albuquerque. After studying Animal Science at NMSU, she finished veterinary school at Washington State University in 2018. In her free time she can be found hiking with her dog, Bailey, making pottery, and teaching group fitness classes at Sports and Wellness.
Medical Interests: Soft tissue surgery, internal medicine and ophthalmology.
Why I like to work at TLC:
“I like working at TLC because we work as a team to provide excellent care. Everyone is willing to jump in and help each other and we work as one big family. I like having the ability for autonomy in my cases, but also being able to discuss with other doctors to ensure we are providing the best care for our patients.”
Dr. Hood
VeterinarianDr. Hood grew up in Albuquerque and attended UNM for her undergraduate degrees in Biology and Chemistry. For veterinary school, she attended Colorado State University graduating in 2019. In 2020, Dr. Hood became certified in Veterinary Medical Acupuncture through CuraCore Academy. When not working, Dr. Hood enjoys spending time with her cats, photography, video games and traveling.
Dr. Simon
VeterinarianDr. Alex Simon was born and raised in Chicago, IL. She received her Bachelors of Science in Animal Science/Pre-Veterinary Medicine from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She went on to receive her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from her alma mater. After graduation in 2020, Dr. Simon completed a Small Animal Rotating Internship at BluePearl Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center in Nashville, TN area. During her internship, she gained extensive experience in internal medicine, oncology, radiology, surgery, critical care and ER. The following year, Dr. Simon worked for a non-profit as head surgeon and medical director of the Middle Tennessee Spay/Neuter Clinic and part time as a general practitioner. In her free time she practices hot yoga with dedication, listens and plays music and enjoys spending time outdoors or inside with her sweet brown tabby, Loki. Dr. Simon believes in the power and strength of the human animal bond and looks forward to helping you with your pets needs.
Medical Interests:
Surgery, soft tissue, orthopedics, animal nutrition, feline medicine, emergency medicine, ophthalmology, and dentistry
Dr. Lavin
VeterinarianWhile not a native New Mexican, Dr. Lavin has lived in the Albuquerque and East Mountain area since 1998. The only exception to this was her time spent in Veterinary School at Colorado State University from which she graduated in 2012. She has an interest in exotic pets, soft tissue surgery, and dentistry. In her exotic animal care, Dr. Lavin sees pocket pets, poultry and waterfowl, reptiles and amphibians, as well as rabbits, chinchillas, ferrets and hedgehogs. Please feel free to ask about additional species, if your pet is not listed here. Dr. Lavin enjoys showing and breeding Mini Lop Rabbits, spending time outside with her children, and keeps hundreds of exotic houseplants at her home in the East Mountains.
Medical Interests:
Exotic Pets
Dr. Pegouske
VeterinarianDr. Pegouske grew up in Birmingham, Alabama. She attended the University of Alabama Huntsville where she ran cross country and track and graduated with a Bachelors of Science in biology. She then attended Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 2023. In her free time, Dr. Pegouske enjoys hiking, reading, and traveling. Dr. Pegouske and her husband, Matt, have 3 cats (Ally, Bilbo, & Mr. Bond) and 1 3-legged pitty named Brody.
Medical Interests
Dermatology, Soft Tissue Surgery, and preventative medicine
