River May, DVM, Fear Free Certified, Certified Mentor

My name is Dr. River May, and I am honored to serve as the Chief of Staff at Aptos-Capitola Veterinary Hospital. As your veterinarian, I would like to share a bit about my background and my goals for your pet's care. 

I have always shared a deep connection with animals. In fact, my earliest memory is of a territorial black rooster whose fiery attitude taught me a lifelong respect for all creatures on our family farm. Growing up surrounded by pets gave me a profound appreciation for the immense value and depth of the human-animal bond. When I was twelve, my family moved to California, where I caught my first wave right in front of Jack O’Neill’s house just a few months later. Following high school, I attended UC Santa Cruz and earned a degree in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology. During that time, I cherished living by the sea while gaining invaluable experience working in local veterinary hospitals, a marine biology laboratory, and a wildlife rescue center. When I eventually left for veterinary school, my dream was always to return to the warmth and beauty of this coastal community. 

After graduating from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 1998, I began my career at a premier Bay Area specialty referral hospital. Working alongside board-certified veterinary specialists for over a decade allowed me to hone advanced skills in endoscopy, ultrasound, critical care, and surgery. Driven by a desire to work closer to the community I love, I returned to practice here in Santa Cruz County and have been leader of Aptos-Capitola Veterinary Hospital’s team since 2010.    

At Aptos-Capitola Veterinary Hospital, we combine friendly, professional, and compassionate service with advanced medical expertise. Our progressive care philosophy emphasizes preventative medicine to ensure your pets live long, healthy lives. Through continuous facility upgrades and ongoing team education, we are proud to offer the highest quality and most comprehensive services possible—all while striving to minimize our environmental impact.  In fact, we have received statewide awards for our environmental leadership and have been proud certified Monterey Bay Green Business members for over 10 years.  

When I am not at the clinic or spending quality time with my family and my pair of hilarious Frenchtons,  I stay busy exploring an eclectic mix of personal passions. You can often find me out on the water surfing and fishing or in the mountains backpacking.  At home I’m usually gardening or woodworking.   When it’s time to relax, find me in the yoga studio or winding down with a classic novel or a game of billiards. 

I consider it a true privilege to care for your animals and look forward to meeting you and your furry family members. 

Dr. River May, DVM 
Chief of Staff, Aptos-Capitola Veterinary Hospital