Our Doctors
David J Shuman, DVM
President/Veterinarian: After graduating from UCSC in 1989 with a B.A. in Biology, Dr. Dave Shuman went on to earn his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis in 1993. He worked at other practices before opening his own practice, Santa Cruz Westside Animal Hospital, Inc., in 1999.
Dr. Dave is recognized as a successful local business owner and generous supporter of the Santa Cruz community. He is married to Hilary and they have two young children, Quintin and Madeline, as well as a new puppy named Darwin.
Since opening his practice, Dr. Dave’s Westside Animal Hospital has grown into the big family it is today. Let’s introduce the other doctors.
Kathleen Martinelli, DVM
Dr. Kathy Martinelli earned her undergraduate degree at Santa Clara University. She graduated from UC Davis in 1993 with Dr. Shuman. She practiced as a DVM in San Mateo for 7 years before moving to Santa Cruz in 2000, and started with Westside in 2001.
Kathy is married to husband Brian, and they have two little girls. They also have three dogs and two cats. Her personal hobbies include skiing and hiking, while her veterinary interests include internal medicine and endocrinology.
Sheena Logothetti, DVM
Dr. Sheena Logothetti came to veterinary medicine with a background in wildlife protection and environmental studies. She attended UC San Diego as an undergraduate and later earned a masters degree in Conservation Ecology from the University of Georgia. After years working to promote healthy ecosystems for wildlife, she enrolled in veterinary school at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, earning her DVM in 2007. Throughout her career she has had the opportunity to work with a variety of animals including sea turtles, dolphins, endangered whooping cranes, a tiger and an orangutan. While these amazing creatures continue to inspire, her true passion is found in the daily, hands-on experiences with clients and their incredible companions. The beautiful coastline and perfect weather brought her back to the Santa Cruz area in 2007.
When Sheena is not working with your pets, she spends as much time as possible outside with her two young daughters, husband and her old dog Dusty. Her cat, PJ Brown, also likes to accompany family walks around the block but prefers to stay home for adventures to the beach and mountains.
Dr. Charlotte Sugar, DVM
Dr. Charlotte Sugar, a Santa Cruz native earned her DVM at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in 1993. In 2000, she completed a Master’s Degree in Social Work (with emphasis in clinical Social Work) at California State University, Los Angeles.
Dr. Sugar’s area with special professional interest include oncology, feline medicine, end-of-life counseling and grief counseling.
Charlotte lives in Boulder Creek with her 3 kittens. She enjoys arts and crafts, reading, walking the local beaches and woods, also spending time with her extended family.