About Us | Meet The Staff | Our New Facility

Our Philosophy

Our goals for our patients are to eliminate pain and maximize mobility, function, and quality of life. We use a multi-modal approach, individualized for each patient’s needs and abilities. We strive to provide the ultimate animal wellness experience for our patients with hands-on attention, positive reinforcement, and a mentally and physically stimulating environment.

Heal. Hug. Help.

Meet The Team

Lauryn Harker, CCRP, RVT

Practice Owner & Rehab Practitioner

After years of experience in management, emergency medicine, and small animal care in pet hospitals throughout Orange County, Lauryn has found her niche in Canine Rehabilitation. A graduate of the University Of Tennessee School Of Veterinary Medicine Canine Rehabilitation Program, Lauryn has received her Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner's License (CCRP). Lauryn has a special place in her heart for older pets and enjoys giving impromptu massages to many of Canine Rehabilitation of Orange County's elderly patients.

When Lauryn is not at Canine Rehabilitation of Orange County, she is an instructor at Orange County Veterinary Assitant School in Garden Grove. In her spare time, she likes to "rehabilitate" her mid-century ranch home with her husband, daughter, and her bully mix, Wilbur.

Amy Wurbel

Veterinary Assistant

Amy is a student at Orange County Veterinary Assistant School to become a Registered Veterinary Technician. Amy is also an in-home care giver for seniors and has a special place in her heart for our senior pets. In her spare time, Amy likes to cook, color and crochet. Amy shares her home with Zoey the cockapoo.

Tiffany Downing, RVT

Veterinary Technician & Manager

Tiffany has been in the industry for 10 years, graduated from Heritage College, and earned her Registered Veterinary Technician license in 2017. Tiffany has a soft spot for XL and Molosser breeds and is currently "mom" to 2 mutts, Crash & Kratos, along with a menagerie of snakes and a tarantula. She is a strong believer in keeping pups fit and active to extend their quality and length of life. She is pictured here with her 10 year old mega mutt, Crash, who is still running and wrestling with the youngsters thanks to rehab! Her favorite part of rehab is getting to see her favorite patients improve each week as they recover from their injuries/surgeries.

Allyson Hakes, RVT

Veterinary Technician

Allyson joined CROC in 2017 and has filled many positions throughout her years here. She is a graduate of Orange County Veterinary Assistant School and has been licensed as a Registered Veterinary Technician since 2019. When she's not at CROC, she has also been working in Veterinary Neurology and enjoys neurological imaging and surgery. In her free time, Allyson likes hiking and spending time with her two cats, June and Doom. Allyson is CROC's only staff member that is not allergic to cats!

Samantha VanFossen

Veterinary Assistant

Sam is currently attending Orange County Veterinary Assistant School where she is working towards becoming a Registered Veterinary Technician. In her spare time she likes to hike, camp, pretty much any outdoorsy activity she can find time for. She loves pasta and wants to travel to Italy someday for some authentic noodles! Sam is a self-proclaimed cat person and adores her Domestic Shorthair, Chloe, but has a soft spot for our canine orthopedic cases that come into the clinic. Her favorite thing about being at CROC is seeing the rare and unique cases that come in and witnessing their recovery first hand.

Tara Haddad, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. Tara Haddad graduated from Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1997. She completed an Oncology Residency at University of Illinois. Her passion for special needs animals led her to open the first Daycare/Boarding Facility specialized for special needs pets in Orange County. Owning 7 special needs pets at the same time, Dr. Haddad has also been a loyal client to CROC as well as a valued team member. She now shares her home with a young Labrador, Flint, who does not have special needs.... YET!

Rachel Hollimon

Receptionist

With over 8 years working in Veterinary Medicine throughout Orange County, Rachel has plenty of insider tips on canine wellness! She is passionate about veterinary nutrition and enjoys educating pet parents about food trends and weight loss tips. In her spare time, Rachel loves taking her Staffordshire Terrier Ichabod for walks! Her favorite part of working at CROC is being part of a team that genuinely cares about each other and works hard to add quality of life to each patient we treat.

Katie Ellis, DVM, CCRP, CVMA

Veterinarian

Dr. Katie Ellis is a graduate of Western University of Health Sciences. She was inspired to join the field of rehabilitation after her own dog, Kaiah, had TPLO surgery. She pursued certification in Canine Rehabilitation through the University of Tennessee as well as Medical Acupuncture through CuraCore. Her favorite part of being at CROC is forming close bonds with all of her patients and pet parents. In her spare time, she can be found spoiling her Golden Trio, Kaiah, Keegan, & Arthur, or at the barn with her beloved horse, Sorcerer.