About Us
Our Mission
West Bexar Veterinary Clinic is a newly established, family-owned veterinary practice located in far west Bexar County. Our mission is to deliver exceptional, compassionate, progressive care including wellness, medicine and surgery for dogs and cats.
We aim to be a trusted resource for the community by offering not only expert medical care, but also a welcoming and personal experience to our clients.
Our Values
Provide compassionate, consistent, quality veterinary care to our patients.
Communicate openly, honestly, and empathetically with our clients in order to help them make the best decisions for their pets.
Develop lifelong relationships within our community founded on integrity and trust.
Dr. Tessa Downey hails from the small town of Attalla, Alabama, where her deep bond with numerous family pets sparked a lifelong passion for veterinary medicine.
Dr. Downey graduated with honors from Auburn University in 2007 and earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2011. In 2013, she moved to Texas to work at a veterinary emergency hospital, and she has called San Antonio home for over a decade. While Dr. Downey enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine, she has a particular interest in the human-animal bond, soft tissue surgery, dentistry, and preventive care. She is an active member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and is USDA accredited.
Outside of her veterinary career, Dr. Downey cherishes her time with her incredible and equally pet-loving husband, David, and their lively animal family. They share their home with five dogs—Eleanor (Australian Shepherd), Kaiser (Weimaraner), Rio (Australian Shepherd), Benicio del Toro (Chihuahua), and Under-dog (Chihuahua mix)—as well as three cats: Koi (Calico), Nelda Lewis (Tuxedo), and Alopecia (a(somewhat) hairless cat).
Dr. Downey founded West Bexar Veterinary Clinic, a family-owned practice, with the mission of providing exceptional, compassionate care for companion animals through advanced, high-quality veterinary medicine. She is dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships with both pets and their families, aiming to be a trusted resource for the community. At West Bexar Veterinary Clinic, Dr. Downey and her team strive to offer not only expert medical care but also a warm, personalized experience with every visit.
Dr. Pearl M. Chagolla was born in California and raised in Texas. She is fluent in Spanish and is especially passionate about supporting the bilingual community with clear, compassionate veterinary care.
Dr. Chagolla earned her bachelor's degree in Biomedical Science with a certificate in Spanish from Texas A&M University in 2018. She later returned to Texas A&M for veterinary school, graduating with her DVM in 2025. Her journey in veterinary medicine began in 2015 through shadowing, and she officially entered the field in 2019 as a kennel technician. She eventually worked her way up to lead surgical technician, gaining hands-on experience that solidified her dedication to the profession. Her clinical interests include small animal general practice and exotic animal medicine, particularly birds and pocket pets. Outside the clinic, Dr. Chagolla enjoys reading, drawing and painting, and exploring new languages-she's currently learning French and American Sign Language.
Dr. Chagolla shares her home with a senior dog named Muffin, a senior cat named Minette (affectionately known as "Crunchy Cat"), and two lively umbrella cockatoos named Bo and Sasha.
Our Staff
Serena
Practice Manager
Hi, I’m Serena!
I began my career in veterinary medicine over two decades ago as a receptionist. I instantly recognized that this was my true calling. Although I hold a license in vocational nursing, I ultimately returned to veterinary medicine because of my deep love for animals. I am a proud mother of three beautiful children and a devoted wife to a retired army veteran. We are fortunate to have a family that thoroughly enjoys being involved in our pets’ lives. Not only do we care for our own dogs, but we have also opened our home to fostering animals. I find great joy in meeting new animal enthusiasts and doing whatever I can to assist them in caring for their furry companions.
Bella
Lead Customer Service Representative
Hello! I’m Bella, the Lead Client Service Representative at West Bexar
Veterinary Clinic! With a background in psychology, I’m naturally
drawn to understanding people and supporting our clients through
emotional moments with their pets. I take pride in being a calm,
caring presence at the front desk and helping create a warm, welcoming
experience that feels personal.
Abcde
Veterinary Technician
Hi, I’m Abcde! I joined West Bexar Veterinary Clinic as a Licensed
Veterinary Technician after completing my studies at Pima Medical
Institute. After completing my internship at the clinic, I was given
an opportunity to join the team. I hope have a positive impact on
everyone through my dedication to caring for pets and people with a
smile.
I have loved animals my entire life and am committed to continually
learning and growing in my career while supporting the health and
well-being of every patient I serve.
David
Veterinary Technician
Hi, I'm David!
I have been proudly serving the San Antonio community since 2016, bringing extensive experience from both corporate and private veterinary practices. My background includes caring for small animals, livestock, and exotic species, allowing me to provide comprehensive and compassionate care to every patient. I am dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of animals while building lasting relationships with their owners.
Cassandra
lead veterinary technician
Hi my name is Cassandra!
I began my journey in veterinary medicine back in 2015 as a veterinary assistant, and I’ve loved every step along the way. Helping animals live healthier, happier lives is more than just a job for me—it’s my passion.
At home, I’m lucky to be surrounded by four amazing dogs: Rei, Nymeria, Summer, and Yumi, who keep life exciting and full of love. In November 2024, I got engaged to the love of my life, and we’re thrilled to be building a future together based on our shared love for animals.
Working with this incredible team brings me so much joy every day. I can’t wait to meet you and your fur babies and be a part of their care and well-being.
Ellie
Veterinary Assistant
Hi, I'm Ellie!
I’m 19 years old and originally from Arizona! From a very young age I knew I was going to work with animals someday. I’ve always loved going to the zoo and seeing all of the exotic animals and witnessing them up close and wishing I could get closer!
I began going to school to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician in September 2024 and I’m currently still on my schooling journey!
I have two dogs currently, both Australian Shepherds, named Minnie and Ozzie. Growing up, we always had some sort of animal in the house, whether it was a dog, cat, or bird, and I was always trying to sneak in some reptiles too!
I love this team so much, and I hope you do too! I’m so excited to meet all of you and your pets as well!
Jayden
Technician Assistant
Hi, I’m Jayden!
I’m currently studying Biology at Alamo Colleges with plans to transfer to Texas A&M to pursue my dream of becoming a veterinarian. I’ve always loved working with animals and have gained hands-on experience working at a dog daycare, where I care for and play with dogs every day. In my free time, I enjoy watching sports, gaming, spending time with my friends and family, and playing with my new puppy, Hayley. I’m excited to start learning more about veterinary medicine and to be part of the team at West Bexar Veterinary Clinic!
Stella
Veterinary Assistant
Hi, I'm Stella!
I'm a Veterinary Assistant currently in school to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician. I've always felt a strong passion and deep connection to animals and I feel incredibly lucky to be able to spend my days helping and caring for them. The opportunity to make a difference in the lives of animals is truly a privilege, and a gift. I was born and raised in Connecticut, where I met my husband who is a serviceman. When I'm not at work, I'm at home with our four dogs, who are all named after characters from The Sopranos!
Sonyan
Customer Service Representative
Hi I’m Sonyan!
My journey with animals started almost two decades ago. My passion for this field moved me to get a Bachelor’s in Animal Science with a minor in Pre-Vet from the University of Puerto Rico. I have been around animals since a teenager starting as an animal rescuer. Throughout the years I have worked with USDA, PetSmart and as an Animal Caretaker for the Military Working Dogs in Lackland. I share my home with my devoted husband, my sweet son and my little zoo. I have 3 dogs, 1 cat, 2 birds and a huge fish tank. I love the opportunity to work in West Bexar Veterinary Clinic with all these lovely staff, Dr. Downey and Dr. Chagolla.
Christian
Veterinary Technician
Hi, I'm Christian!
Also known around the clinic as the "Dog Whisperer." I'm a veterinary technician and graduate of Pima Medical Institute. After serving in the military, I found my passion in veterinary medicine, where I enjoy creating positive experiences for pets and their families. I'm committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care while helping every pet feel safe and every client feel informed, comfortable, and supported.