Dr. Harvey is Health Director and chief veterinarian for the international House Rabbit Society. Since 2007, she has also worked as an associate at Chabot Veterinary Clinic, focusing on small animal medicine and soft tissue surgery, as well as on rabbit and rodent medicine and dentistry. After receiving her DVM from the University of California at Davis in 1985, Harvey did an internship in veterinary medicine and surgery at Washington State University, specializing in small animals and exotic companion mammals. Although she relies primarily on western medicine in her work, she has also studied acupuncture at the Chi Institute, and uses complementary medicine (herbs, acupuncture, and Tellington-touch) whenever they are indicated. She is one of the most experienced rabbit veterinarians in the country, and the first to focus on geriatric and palliative care, and quality of life issues for senior rabbits. She lectures frequently for rescue groups in California, educates other veterinarians, donates time weekly to care for rescued rabbits, and provides free exams bimonthly for foster rabbits from rescue groups in the Bay Area. She has cared for many of The Rabbit Haven’s special needs bunnies and serves as a resource for other veterinarians to help with difficult cases.
Dr. Stern works exclusively with exotic pets. She enjoys providing medical and surgical care for rabbits and other small mammals, birds, reptiles, and more. She graduated from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 1998, and has worked with exotic animals ever since. Dr. Stern works closely with the rabbit rescue group The Rabbit Haven, providing medical care and spay/neuter services for hundreds of rabbits in our community. She works at Animal Hospital of Soquel in Santa Cruz, CA, and can be reached at 831-475-0432. She will give a presentation entitled “The Healthy Rabbit: Preventative Care for Your Pet”.
Heather Bechtel, Founder and Director of The Rabbit Haven, began working with rabbits and other animals in 1958. Her family was involved in the medical field and provided much needed help and education to her in these early years. She founded The Rabbit Haven in 1987 as a way to help find medical care and homes for rabbits abandoned at shelters. Heather has helped rescue thousands of animals over the years, and continues to direct The Haven’s operations.
Additional Presenters
Ray Okamoto is a long time volunteer for The Rabbit Haven and adoption counselor. He is very experienced in bunny bonding, rescuing domestic rabbits loose in the outdoors, and caring for mothers with litters and orphaned baby rabbits. Ray is also one of the editors of our Facebook page.
Ray Milkey is the webmaster and adoption showcase photographer for The Rabbit Haven. He has many years of experience as a Haven foster site, specializing in the care of rabbits undergoing veterinary treatment for illnesses and injuries. Ray has also built dozens of condos over the years, for Haven foster sites and events.