Dr. Handel grew up in St. Louis, Missouri and moved to California in 1983 after graduating from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. In addition to his DVM degree he has a bachelors degree in biochemistry. Dr. Handel  enjoys general surgery, internal medicine, dentistry, ultrasound, and laparoscopy.  Dr. Handel has served on the San Diego Veterinary Medical Association Ethics and Peer Review Board since 1990.  Professional memberships include the American Veterinary medical Association, California Veterinary Medical Association, American Veterinary Dental Society, and San Diego Veterinary Medical Association.  Dr. Handel lives in San Marcos with his wife Mary, two sons, 5 dogs,  2 parrots, and 2 desert tortoises. When not working Dr. Handel enjoys horticulture, boating, and skiing.

 Dr. Lauralyn Cook knew that she wanted to be a veterinarian since she was very young and has worked in veterinary hospitals since she was 16 years old. She grew up in Southern California, has a degree in biology from Cal Poly Pomona, and graduated from U.C. Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 1991.She has lived in San Marcos since 1995 and joined the Palomar Animal Hospital team in 1997.  She shares her home with her husband Neil, her sons Andrew and Aaron,  cats:  B.J. and Oliver , fish, and  firebelly toads. Dr. Cook especially enjoys working with cats, dogs and small pocket pets.  Dr. Cook is a member of the San Diego California Veterinary Association.








Dr. Linda Knox grew up in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles.  She has a BS in Zoology from U.C. Davis where she continued her education earning her DVM degree in 1991 and a Masters in Preventative Veterinary Medicine in 1992.  In addition to cats and dogs Dr. Knox has always had an avid interest in small exotic pets. She has cultivated many years of experience treating rabbits, rodents, ferrets, and birds.  Her professional memberships include the American Veterinary Medical Association, Association of Avian Veterinarians, Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians, and the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association.  She currently lives with her Senegal Parrot, Bogart and rescue dog, Fiona .  She loves to travel, most recently visiting Africa and South America, Ireland, and Costa Rica.  When not working she enjoys skiing, hiking, cycling, and camping.