Meet the Veterinary Team in Blaine, MN

Dr. Carlos Gandara

Doctor / Owner

Born in Torreón, Coahuila, and raised in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, Dr. Carlos Gandara made the decision at the age of 18 to become an American citizen, as both of his parents were born in Texas. Carlos grew up knowing he wanted to become a doctor. In 1984, he graduated from veterinary school at the University of Guadalajara and then headed to Minnesota to visit family and “check out the snow.” He met his future wife, Sharyl, and quickly learned to speak English.

Eager to begin his career, Carlos started studying for his license. Foreign veterinary graduates must pass a rigorous series of examinations to become licensed in the United States. Through hard work and determination, Carlos earned his license to practice veterinary medicine in the state of Minnesota.

Carlos and Sharyl married in 1988, and they have two daughters. Carlos and his family live in Minneapolis with their dog, Sola.

In his free time, Carlos loves to fish. Ocean fishing is his passion, but he never turns down an opportunity to catch a walleye here in Minnesota. He also enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing soccer, cheering on the Minnesota Vikings, and watching Western movies. Carlos is very handy and can fix just about anything that’s broken. His close friends also consider him a connoisseur of tequila.

Owning his own veterinary clinic was a lifelong dream that Carlos worked hard to turn into reality. He holds himself to high standards and continually strives to provide the best possible veterinary care for his patients.

Amanda

Office Manager / Veterinary Assistant

Hi, I’m Amanda. I have been a devoted member of the C.V.H. team since 2020, helping care for your pets from their first check-up through their senior years. I developed my love for veterinary medicine through a childhood passion. My favorite part of the job is ensuring that pets feel safe and comfortable during their visits and providing a gentle hand during dentistry or surgery prep. When I’m not in the clinic, you can find me camping, side by siding on the trails, exploring new places, or hanging out with my husband and children.

Taylor

Veterinary Assistant

Hi, I’m Taylor! I joined the team as a Veterinary Technician in 2023, bringing with me a background in Zoo and Aquarium Science and a love for all things animals—big, small, furry, or scaled. Before starting here, I spent time traveling to neighboring communities doing educational wildlife shows, which helped grow my passion for animal education and outreach.

When I’m not at work, I’m at home with my own mini zoo—cats, dogs, reptiles of all sorts, and even stick bugs. I love spending my free time camping, getting creative with art projects, and tackling home improvement projects with my husband. I’ve also been coaching gymnastics for over 10 years, which has definitely taught me patience and how to expect the unexpected. These are skills that come in handy in veterinary medicine, too!

Maria

Veterinary Assistant

Hello, I’m Maria! I graduated from the University of Minnesota and have been part of the team at Companion Veterinary Hospital since 2023. I truly enjoy building relationships with clients—getting to know both them and their pets, making each visit a positive experience, and connecting over shared interests. I love helping create a fun, welcoming environment at work while providing the best care possible.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my significant other and our yellow lab, Hunter. Whether we’re duck hunting, fishing, camping, or just enjoying time with family, I love making the most of every season!