Payton was born and raised in San Angelo, Texas. She graduated from Howard College in 2023 with an associate's degree in cosmetology. She's always loved animals, but her husky, River, has been a tricky medical case. Because of her, she felt inspired to join the veterinary field to learn more about how to help pets and families in similar situations. She noted that while caring for a pet brings both fun and hardship, her mission as part of our team is to make their care as stress-free as possible. She began working at VCA Preston Park in September 2026.
Payton is especially interested in learning more about allergic reactions and allergies in dogs. She wants to understand these reactions from cause to solution and, of course, ways to prevent them. So far, Payton's favorite part of her job has been helping pets in need and making lasting memories with them and their families. Of course, she also loves to see all the precious puppies and kittens! She believes every pet owner should know we're here to help. We understand how medical situations can be frightening, and we're here to help reduce stress and guide you seamlessly through your pet's treatment plan.
At home, Payton has two pets, River and Salem. River is a young Siberian Husky, and she's always full of energy! Whether she's having zoomies or lounging quietly (albeit rarely), she knows how to make her presence known. Once, on Easter, she raced around and chased birds in the backyard. She leaped and managed to catch one of them midair before devouring it whole. Payton and her family ran around chasing her to try and prevent this, but River thought they were playing a game. While alarming in the moment, it made for a funny memory to look back on. Salem is her black domestic shorthaired cat. Payton's family found her in an alleyway behind a Walmart beneath a storage container. They managed to lure her out with some food, and now she's the head of the household! Salem loves playing fetch, having zoomies, and playing with River. Payton reported that the two are like Tom and Jerry, and their activities bring the whole family amusement. If Payton were an animal herself, she'd be an otter. She loves to have fun and care for those around her, just like they do, and the idea of swimming around and eating snacks all day sounds amazing.
The best piece of advice Payton's been given is the golden rule: "Treat others the way you want to be treated." Her favorite quote to live by is from Cinderella, "Have courage and be kind." In her free time, Payton loves to perform princess-themed parties for kids. She loves bringing magic to life and seeing the glee and awe on their faces. It never fails to make her heart melt!
