Exploring Life & Business with Antonio Pedraza of Sevilla Veterinary Hospital

Today we’d like to introduce you to Antonio Pedraza.

Hi Antonio, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Before opening Sevilla Veterinary Hospital, I spent many years working as a mobile veterinary surgeon throughout the greater Los Angeles area. My focus was on complex procedures—orthopedic surgery, minimally invasive laparoscopy, and advanced soft-tissue surgeries—helping local hospitals keep their patients in-house rather than referring them out. I loved that model because it allowed pets to stay with the teams and doctors they already trusted, while still receiving high-level care.

After doing this work for a long time, I realized I wanted to create a single space dedicated to these advanced procedures—a hospital where complex surgery, thoughtful medicine, and collaboration could all happen under one roof. That vision eventually became Sevilla Veterinary Hospital.

In addition to referral and advanced surgical care, giving back has always been central to why I do this work. We partner with rescues on a daily basis and offer rescue discounts to help cover fracture repairs and other necessary procedures, with the goal of getting animals healthy and adoptable as quickly as possible. Being able to play even a small role in giving these animals a second chance is incredibly meaningful to me.

I’ve been in Santa Monica for almost two years now, and building this hospital in such a supportive and vibrant community has been deeply rewarding. I feel extremely humbled and grateful—both for the trust placed in us by pet owners and referring veterinarians, and for the opportunity to do work every day that truly makes a difference.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. Opening a veterinary hospital—especially one focused on advanced and complex procedures—comes with a steep learning curve. There were challenges in transitioning from being a mobile surgeon to building and running a full hospital, from designing workflows and assembling the right equipment to hiring and training a team that could grow alongside the vision.

Like many small business owners, we also faced the realities of opening in a high-cost area, navigating regulations, and balancing the demands of medicine with the responsibilities of leadership and operations. On top of that, earning trust takes time—both from clients and from referring veterinarians—and that trust has to be built case by case, day by day.

That said, every challenge pushed us to refine our systems, communicate better, and stay grounded in why we started in the first place. The struggles have ultimately made the hospital stronger, more focused, and more connected to the community we serve.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Sevilla Veterinary Hospital?
Sevilla Veterinary Hospital is a specialty and referral-focused practice designed around advanced surgical care, collaboration, and compassion. We specialize in complex orthopedic procedures, minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, and advanced soft-tissue surgery, and we frequently work alongside local veterinarians to help keep patients within the community rather than sending them far away.

What sets us apart is that our hospital was built by a surgeon, specifically for surgery. Every detail—from the layout of the operating rooms to the equipment we use and the way cases are scheduled—was designed to support precision, efficiency, and patient safety. At the same time, we place a strong emphasis on communication and partnership, making sure pet owners and referring veterinarians feel informed and supported every step of the way.

We’re also deeply committed to accessibility and giving back. We work closely with rescue organizations and offer discounted services for fracture repairs and other critical procedures to help animals recover and find permanent homes. That work is a core part of our identity, not an afterthought.

Brand-wise, what I’m most proud of is the trust we’ve built in a relatively short amount of time. Being recognized as a reliable referral center and a place where difficult cases are handled with care, honesty, and skill means everything to us. At the end of the day, Sevilla is about doing things the right way—combining high-level medicine with humility, teamwork, and genuine care for the animals and people we serve.

What I want readers to know is that Sevilla Veterinary Hospital isn’t just about advanced procedures—it’s about creating a place where pets receive thoughtful, high-quality care and where the community feels supported, heard, and respected.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The quality I believe has been most important to my success is humility paired with consistency. I’ve always approached my work knowing there is more to learn, more to refine, and more ways to serve both patients and people better. That mindset keeps me open to collaboration, feedback, and growth.

Equally important is showing up every day with the same level of care and commitment, whether the case is routine or extremely complex. Over time, that consistency builds trust—with clients, referring veterinarians, rescue partners, and my team. I think that trust, more than anything else, is what has allowed the practice to grow in a meaningful and sustainable way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sevillavet.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sevillavet
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Sevilla-Veterinary-Hospital-61564454010015/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sevilla-veterinary-hospital-santa-monica