Our Doctors
At PacificPaws, we are committed to offering the best routine care services for pets
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At Pacific Paws, we believe exceptional veterinary care is built on more than advanced medicine and modern facilities — it’s built on connection, trust, and compassion. Our doctors combine years of clinical expertise with a genuine passion for animals and the people who love them. Each member of our team is dedicated to delivering thoughtful, personalized care tailored to your pet’s unique needs, while making you feel heard and supported every step of the way. Meet the doctors who make Pacific Paws a place where pets thrive and families feel at home.
Veterinarian
Dr. Raj Garhwal
Dr. Raj’s love for animals began when he was a small farm boy in India. He had the privilege of being around many different kinds of creatures and developed an intimate bond with them all. This passion for pets led Dr. Raj to pursue veterinary medicine, leading him to achieve his Doctorate at Virginia Tech’s Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. In 2017, Dr. Raj became Head Veterinarian and Medical Director at Greenwood Animal Hospital in Seattle, Washington – a position he still holds today.
Dr. Raj has observed the veterinary industry up close and personal for over a decade, noticing what it lacks in innovation and customer experience. To bridge these gaps, he created Pacific Paws offering pet owners access to 24/7 virtual veterinary services and surgeries at budget-friendly prices. His mission is clear: ensuring that no pet owner should ever be concerned about their adored animal’s health or well-being!
Dr. Raj aims to make pet care accessible and affordable for all. To achieve his mission, he desires to break down the barriers between veterinary assistance and those who need it most. Furthermore, Dr. Raj seeks to enable every pet owner with the data and tools required for the optimal health of their beloved animal companion. Because of Pacific Paws’ modernized solutions tailored to each individual case and their commitment to providing transparency throughout the process, Dr. Raj is confidently on track to making his dream a reality!
During his free time, Raj relishes precious moments with his family – including his wife, Arushi, and three-year-old son, Viraj. On his days off, you can find Raj and the whole family on an adventure to the zoo, the beach, or wherever you can find fun, friendly creatures! 🐾
Veterinarian
Dr. Hersh Garhwal
Dr. Hersh, younger brother to Dr. Raj, has loved animals from a very young age, helping his parents with farm animals and caring for the many pets they had as a child. From there, it grew into a lifelong passion for helping all animals, from the common to the most unusual.
Dr. Hersh earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree from the modern and exceptional Midwestern University after completing his Biomedical Science degree from the University of Washington. At Midwestern University, he was privileged and proud to be part of their small animal focus curriculum. This allowed him ample experience before graduating from vet school and, for instance, performing 52 surgeries by the end of the second year, whereas other schools commonly allow experience with three surgeries. This spiked a particular interest in surgery, however, Dr. Hersh also has interests in preventative care, emergency medicine, and internal medicine.
Being in the industry and around animals his entire life, he believes in strengthening the human-animal bond. He believes pets are part of the family and should be treated as such. His vision transformed into reality upon joining his elder brother to create Pacific Paws. Your furbaby can expect lots of love, treats, and a thorough examination during their visit.
Outside of work, Dr. Hersh loves spending time exploring the outdoors, hiking with his husky, riding his motorcycle, listening to and producing house music, and hitting the gym. He will always love dogs and cats but sees himself owning a couple of horses and other farm animals like goats in the near future.
Veterinarian
Dr. Singh, DVM
Dr. Singh has extensive experience and a deep passion for veterinary medicine. Originally from India, he earned his veterinary degree nearly a decade ago before moving to the United States to further his education and career. His interests lie in emergency care, surgery, and internal medicine. Dr. Singh is dedicated to delivering exceptional care and has been instrumental in establishing Pacific Paws’ urgent care and specialty services.
Outside of his professional life, Dr. Singh is a devoted animal lover, sharing his home with a variety of pets, including cows and horses, which reflect his lifelong bond with animals. He values spending quality time with his wife and two beautiful daughters, often enjoying outdoor adventures and family activities. Dr. Singh’s compassionate nature and expert skills make him an invaluable part of the Pacific Paws team, ensuring every patient receives the highest level of care.
Veterinarian
Dr. Jyoti Dhankhar (DVM)
Animals have always been a part of my life. Growing up in India, I spent my childhood around farm animals and shelter pets, and that early bond shaped everything I wanted to do. When I graduated in 2016, I dove headfirst into working with all kinds of animals — horses, farm animals, dogs, cats — always learning, always listening to their stories. It’s never just about the medicine for me; it’s about understanding each animal’s unique needs and the worries of the families who love them.
In 2024, I was lucky to continue my education at Oklahoma State University, where I deepened my knowledge and brought fresh ideas back to my practice. But what really drives me every day is the chance to build trust with pet owners — helping them feel confident and cared for, because I know how scary it can be when your furry family member isn’t feeling well.
Volunteering has always been close to my heart. Whether I’m at rabies awareness camps or helping pets find forever homes, it’s my way of giving back and making sure no animal is forgotten.
At home, my two daughters and I share our lives with our dog Johny. I cherish every moment we spend outdoors, whether it’s a trip to the zoo or just running around outside. Those moments remind me daily why I do what I do — because every animal deserves love, compassion, and a voice.
Veterinarian
Dr. Preethi Shankar (DVM)
Dr. Preethi discovered her passion for veterinary medicine during college, where she originally pursued a pre-med track. While volunteering at a local wildlife rehabilitation center, she fell in love with the unique challenges and rewards of caring for animals, inspiring a shift in focus to veterinary studies. Dr. Preethi went on to earn her veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania, building a strong foundation in small animal medicine through hands-on clinical experience and a commitment to lifelong learning.
After graduation, Dr. Preethi moved to Seattle, drawn by her love for the outdoors. She joined Pacific Paws this year and is passionate about providing personalized, compassionate care to every patient. Dr. Preethi has a special interest in internal medicine and feline medicine and enjoys working closely with pet owners to solve complex medical cases and support long-term health.
Outside of the clinic, Dr. Preethi enjoys rock climbing, hiking, cooking, going to concerts, and spending time with her two cats, Bean and Lulu. She is proud to be part of the Pacific Paws family and looks forward to helping pets live healthy, happy lives.
Veterinarian
Dr. Faith Satern (DVM)
Dr. Faith always knew she wanted to work with animals. She spent her time as a kid watching nature documentaries and petsitting her neighbor’s pets, forever curious and learning. After working as an assistant in a veterinary clinic in her home state of Iowa, Dr. Faith realized veterinary medicine was a great way to use her love of science for the good of animals and people. She achieved her DVM at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, and joined Pacific Paws.
In school Dr. Faith took a special interest in surgery and shelter medicine, and looks forward to continuing to advance her skills to match the needs of pets in Seattle. An extrovert at heart, she loves working with people as much as she loves helping their animals. She believes that communication and client education leads to better, less stressful pet care in the clinic and at home.
In her free time Dr. Faith loves hiking and exploring the many outdoor spaces nearby- part of the reason she chose to make Washington her home after graduating. She also is an avid participant of the fine arts and loves going to theater performances, dance events, and participating in local choirs.