In a time when independent veterinary hospitals are disappearing into the arms of corporate ownership, San Diego natives Tom Gibbings, Jr. and Dr. Megan Gibbings are doing things differently—investing back into the community they call home and expanding West Coast Animal Hospital to Pacific Beach.
This October, the Gibbings proudly unveil the grand opening of their second veterinary hospital location in Pacific Beach (1362 Garnet Avenue, 92109), honoring a legacy that dates back to 1946! The new facility marks an exciting expansion of their locally owned and operated veterinary practice, building on the success of their flagship hospital in Linda Vista (5269 Linda Vista Road, 92110), which has been serving families and pets across San Diego for the past eight years.
“We’re not just opening another hospital,” said Dr. Megan Gibbings, past President and Board Member of the San Diego Veterinary Medical Association and a California Veterinary Medical Board delegate. “We’re continuing the story of one of Pacific Beach’s most treasured veterinary institutions—and making sure it remains in local hands.”
A Legacy Preserved, A Community Served
This location isn’t just new—it’s historic. As Pacific Beach’s oldest veterinary hospital, originally opened in 1946, the practice has watched the neighborhood grow, evolve, and thrive. And now, with a fresh new space and a reinvigorated mission, the hospital is poised to serve future generations of pet families.
Medical Director Dr. Stefanie Young, who brings over 15 years of experience caring for San Diego’s pets, will lead the clinical team with compassion, excellence, and a deep love for her local community.
More Than Medicine
The Gibbings believe a veterinary hospital should be more than a clinic—it should be a pillar of the community. That’s why the team is deeply involved in local efforts, they are looking forward to supporting local neighborhood schools and events. They will also offer a charitable initiative that provides financial assistance to pet owners in need, ensuring every animal has access to lifesaving care regardless of their owner’s financial situation.
“We are raising our two kids here; the coastal community in San Diego is more than a place we work—it’s our home, and our staff, they’re like family,” said Tom Gibbings, a University of California Davis and University of Southern California (USC) alum, with a background in computer engineering and business.
Tom Gibbings, Jr. is also a third-generation graduate (class of 1998) of Point Loma High School, which just celebrated its 100-year anniversary!
Locally Owned. Passionately Operated.
At a time when corporate acquisitions are changing the landscape of pet care, the Gibbings are doubling down on what matters: community, relationships, and heart. Both Tom and Megan were born and raised in San Diego, and they’re determined to keep compassionate, high-quality care locally rooted.
The Gibbings’ two children are already growing up in the halls of the family’s hospitals—learning early what it means to care deeply, serve fully, and stay connected to your community, Megan Gibbings adds.
** Grand Opening Celebration: Saturday, Oct. 11 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. **
The grand opening event will include facility tours, family-friendly activities, local cuisine, beverages, a Happy Hour lounge with live music, raffle with local merchants to support the San Diego Humane Society and opportunities to meet the veterinary team making a difference in Pacific Beach and beyond.
For more information on West Coast Animal Hospital, visit www.westcoast.vet.
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