Dr. Al Schwartz
  

      A transplanted Midwesterner, Dr. Schwartz graduated with honors from the University of Illinois' veterinary medical school (a four year program) in May, 1981.  Upon graduation he moved to Moorpark which, at the time, was a small community of 5,000 people.  He worked at 2 veterinary hospitals prior to establishing his own hospital in 1990. Since then, Moorpark Veterinary Hospital has grown to become the largest veterinary facility in Moorpark.

      Dr. Schwartz served as president of the California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) in 1999 and 2000.  In this capacity he was the spokesman for veterinarians throughout the state, the country and internationally. He currently serves as Past-President of a veterinary organization of general practitioners, the Association for Veterinary Family Practice.  He continues to play an active role in Human-Animal Bond activities and in the California Veterinary Medical Foundation. He was a speaker at the Pacific Veterinary Conference in June, 2009.

     Dr. Schwartz was a contributing author of The First Aid Companion for Dogs and Cats, published by Rodale Press (who also publishes Prevention magazine).  This is an excellent collection of practical advice on what to do for your pet in an emergency.  He also serves as a media spokesperson for issues involving pets, and is a reporter for the Veterinary News network.  He was interviewed in March, 2007 by KTLA news for stories on the pet food recall, and was also a source for stories in the Ventura County Star.

      When not working, he spends as much time as possible with wife Lauren and daughters Lauren and Michelle. (In an amazing coincidence, the two Laurens also had the same middle name! Mrs. Schwartz replaced hers with her maiden name.)  He also enjoys exercise, travel, photography, and storm chasing! Every summer he and wife chase tornados and thunderstorms across Tornado Alley.