Community Clinic

As Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jena Valdez oversees our most innovative and impactful veterinary care programs, which are designed to offer quality, compassionate care to shelter animals and affordable, non-judgmental veterinary care to clients and their pets.

In addition to overseeing veterinary services at the SF SPCA, Dr. Valdez pioneered the launch of the Community Veterinary Clinic, a first-of-its-kind, preventative care center in San Francisco’s Excelsior district (a longstanding veterinary-resource desert). She is also working to export the scalable Community Clinic model to under-resourced communities throughout California.

A graduate of Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Dr. Valdez has extensive experience in private practice, sheltering, and high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter services. She’s a nationally recognized advocate for increasing access to veterinary care and increasing diversity within the fields of veterinary medicine and animal welfare.

Dr. Valdez shares her San Francisco home with her husband, their ball-obsessed Dachshund mix, and a regal brown tabby.

When I was five years old, I was playing outside and saw a wounded pigeon in the street. I picked it up and tried to bring it home, but my mom had me take it back outside. I put the pigeon down and never saw it again. I regretted not caring for the bird, and from that day, I vowed to be a voice for animals and to advocate for them in their times of need.

My name is Andrea Montaño Hernández. I was born and raised in Mexico City, where I attended veterinary school at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. After graduation, I moved to the United States of America to pursue further veterinary training and then started my career path in animal welfare. I have always been passionate about animal welfare and helping animals, especially those who are in the greatest need. Working in the SF SPCA Community Medicine department allows me to provide care for these animals.

Growing up in my babysitter's house in suburban San Mateo, I was immersed in a world of caring for animals, ranging from chickens to rabbits to dogs and cats. This experience solidified my desire to become a veterinarian, as I witnessed firsthand the incredible bond between animals and their human companions.  

My experience both locally and internationally in India has shown me the importance of shelter medicine and population control. Performing surgeries that can prevent overpopulation and improve animals’ health and well-being is incredibly rewarding. I’m also passionate about access to veterinary care, and I’m thrilled to work at the SF SPCA, where we strive to make veterinary experiences positive and fear-free for both animals and their owners despite income level.  

I’m proud to be part of a team that is committed to delivering exceptional veterinary care and making a positive impact on the lives of animals and their families in the community.  

My first love in veterinary medicine has always been in nonprofit work. During and prior to my veterinary career, I have worked with organizations bringing high-quality veterinary care to communities in need. I wanted to be a part of this dedicated organization with a large, diverse, and collaborative group of professionals, sharing knowledge and advocating for the health and welfare of companion animals while serving the community who love and care for them. At the end of each day, I go home knowing that my team has positively impacted this community.