meet your veterinarian and the amazing team
Meet Dr. Sydney Pokard | Founder
Starting my own practice has been a dream of mine for as long as I have wanted to be a veterinarian. I started Fauna Veterinary Collective because of my love for all species & because I wanted to create something unique. My vision is so beyond the traditional standards of veterinary medicine. My focus for Fauna is to have a place where people (the team & clients) & pets love to be.
Meet Liz | Practice Manager
With over six years in the veterinary industry & a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, I bring my passion for animals, client care, & team building to Fauna every day. When I’m not here, you’ll probably find me hanging out with my two cats, watching football, or heading to Disneyland with my family. I’m also a new mom to a beautiful baby girl, & I want to teach her all about animals & why caring for them is so important. I can’t wait to make sure you & your pets fee right at home.
Meet Destini | Registered Veterinary Technician
I bring my passion for fear-free visits & relationship-based care to every patient we see here. I am dedicated to ensuring that both pets & their people have a positive experience at every appointment. Outside of work I love yoga, exploring new coffee shops & brunch spots, or relaxing at home with a good movie & my weenie dog, Minnie. My favorite animals are rats & giraffes, which really reflect my love for both the small & majestic. I can’t wait to meet you!
Meet Keli | Veterinary Assistant
My passion for animal rescue & welfare has been a driving force since childhood. At Fauna, I dedicate myself to animal care with the same enthusiasm for all creatures great & small. Outside of work, I also volunteer with our local unhoused community (both humans & animals) & care for hospice & handicapped pets. On the weekends, you can find me surfing or traveling with my rock & roll husband. I can’t wait to meet your pets!
Meet Yvee | Concierge + Content Creator
In my role, I aim to connect with & foster a sense of community among pet parents, both in person & online. M goal is to make every pet & their family members feel welcome when they walk through our doors. when I’m not at Fauna, you can find me hanging out with my husband & our two bunnies, Whiskey & Malibu, exploring local food scenes, or traveling to new places. I’m so excited to get to know you and your pets!
Meet Sarah| Concierge
I am the first person you see when you walk into Fauna! With a lifelong passion for working with animals. I have turned my love into a fulfilling career. I am grateful I get to work closely with the wonderful women of Fauna, where we are creating a place to ensure your pets receive top-notch care at all stages of their life. When I’m not pampering your pets, you’ll often find me lost in the pages of a good book or enjoying some quality time with my husband & our fur babies.
Meet Paddington | Ambassador of Small but Mighty Species
I may be small, but my role at Fauna is anything but tiny. When I’m not hard at work testing new bedding arrangements or perfecting my food stash, I can be found supervising staff from my habitat or accepting gentle pats from visitors. I’m also passionate about teaching pet parents that small species like me deserve big-time care. Life’s pretty great when you’re this cute—& I take my job very seriously.
hospital core values
01.
Our Team Comes First
We can’t take care of our clients and their pets if we don’t take care ourselves first. Fauna provides a supportive and comfortable environment for staff to be inspired, grow, and feel fulfilled by what they do. We enjoy working a a team and uplifting each other. We set boundaries and respect them.
02.
We Value ALL Species
Exotic pets are treated with the same care and respect as dogs and cats. Our focus is on wellness care for all species so that they aren’t just rushed in when they are sick. We care about and value all animal lives.
03.
Collaborative Pet Care
Our dedication is to collaborative care for our pet patients. We invite clients in with open arms and educate them with honest and compassionate communication. We treat our clients the way we would want to be treated so that every person has an excellent experience.
04.
Commitment to Mentorship
We welcome all students and strive to teach the next generations within veterinary medicine. We are a safe space for learning. Just because we had it hard does not mean that you should too.
your foothill ranch veterinarian
At Fauna Veterinary Collective, we’re proud to be Orange County's first open-concept animal hospital, redefining pet care with transparency and compassion. Led by veterinarian Dr. Sydney Pokard, our team ensures your pet is never “taken to the back” — you can stay with them throughout their visit, building trust and reassurance.
Dr. Pokard’s lifelong passion for veterinary medicine drives our mission to go beyond traditional care for both household pets and exotic animals. We’re thrilled to serve pet parents looking for a veterinarian in Lake Forest, Foothill Ranch, Irvine, and surrounding areas, offering comprehensive, high-quality care with a personal touch.