A Personal Passion Turned Community Fixture
When Dr. Jody Downhill opened the doors to Fallbrook Veterinary Clinic in 2003, she wasn’t just starting a business—she was continuing a lifelong commitment. Raised in Southern California surrounded by animals, Downhill had always felt a special connection with them.
“I’ve always had a way with animals,” she says.
From that early love of horses, dogs, and even a family sparrow hawk, Dr. Jody Downhill has turned her calling into a successful, full-service veterinary practice that now serves hundreds of families across Woodland Hills, CA.and beyond. This is the story of how one vet combined vision, hustle, and heart to build a lasting business that still puts care first.
Early Life and the Foundation of a Career
Dr. Downhill grew up in a home filled with animals—from cats and dogs to tortoises and birds. But her true passion started in the saddle.
“I grew up in Pony Club, showing in hunter-jumpers and three-day events,” she says. “Riding taught me responsibility and patience.”
She also worked her way through school waitressing, a job she credits with helping her later as a business owner. “It taught me how to talk to people. How to listen. How to serve. That translated straight into working with pet owners.”
After earning her undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences from UC Irvine, Dr. Downhill went on to complete her veterinary degree at Ross University, followed by clinical training at Oklahoma State.
She started her career in emergency veterinary care, “ I wanted to be able to handle anything that came through the door.. Starting with working overnight shifts at a busy Illinois hospital. It gave her a front-row seat to how quickly things can go wrong—and how important early care is.
Buying and Transforming Fallbrook Veterinary Clinic
In 2003, she took a leap. Dr. Downhill purchased Fallbrook Veterinary Clinic from its original owner, Dr. Sam Thomas. The practice was modest but held potential.
“I saw a place where I could do things differently,” she says. “Where I could treat every kind of animal—and do it my way.”
At first, the business was small. But the vision was big. She expanded services, took on more patients, and leaned into her belief in preventative care.
“I believe in catching things early,” she says. “It’s not just about fixing problems—it’s about helping animals live longer, healthier lives.”
By 2011, the practice had outgrown its original space. Downhill moved it to a larger facility on Fallbrook Avenue in Woodland Hills—a major turning point that allowed the clinic to serve more patients and invest in better equipment and care.
Treating “Just About Anything”
What sets Fallbrook Veterinary apart is the range of animals Dr. Downhill is willing to treat.
“Dogs, cats, guinea pigs, reptiles, birds, farm animals, and horses—I’ll treat just about anything,” she says.
That open-door mindset has made her clinic a go-to for both typical pets and more unusual cases. It’s also helped her build a multi-generational client base. Some of her earliest pet parents now return with their grown children—and their pets.
“It’s incredible to see that full circle,” she says. “It’s what makes this work feel like more than just a job.”
The Balance of Medicine and Management
Running a business isn’t easy—especially when you’re also the lead clinician. For Dr. Downhill, the biggest challenge has been managing the demands of business ownership alongside patient care.
“Being a vet is one job. Being a business owner is another,” she says. “It’s a lot of late nights and no days off. But when you love what you do, it’s worth it.”
She credits her success to staying hands-on and keeping things personal. “People come back when they feel like you care,” she adds. “And I really do.”
That mindset has paid off. Fallbrook Veterinary Clinic is now a fixture in the Woodland Hills community, known for its wide-ranging care, responsive service, and deeply rooted relationships.
Staying Grounded, Growing Smart
Despite the growth of her clinic, Dr. Downhill has stayed grounded. She still owns multiple animals herself—dogs, cats, horses, birds, and even a guinea pig. Her daily life is still centered around caring for creatures, both in and out of the clinic.
“My home is full of animals, just like when I was a kid,” she says. “It keeps me connected.”
Her advice to other entrepreneurs—especially in service industries—is simple:
“Start with what you love. Then work hard at it. It takes time, but if you build it with care, people will respond.”
Leadership Through Longevity
What Dr. Downhill has built at Fallbrook Veterinary Clinic isn’t just a business. It’s a reflection of a lifetime spent caring for animals—and the people who love them.
From a small, inherited practice to a thriving community hub, her journey is proof that deep passion, smart decisions, and patient growth can turn a personal mission into a professional legacy.
“I’ve seen it all—the good, the hard, and everything in between,” she says. “But I wouldn’t change a thing.”
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