“Veterinarians don’t just treat the animals, they
treat the people who love them.” ~Anonymous
Dr. Ted Burghardt MS, DVM
After finishing his Undergraduate Degree at University of San Diego, Ted worked at Scripps Research Institute in the Immunology department for 2 years. He took a break for 6 weeks to travel to Australia and volunteer at the Australia Zoo in Brisbane, where he was fortunate enough to meet Steve Irwin on a couple of occasions, and watched Steve perform with his beloved crocs.
The experiences at Scripps Research Institute prepared him to enter a Master of Science program at Colorado State University with a focus in anatomy. Immediately following, he was accepted to the Colorado State University Veterinary Medical School. He was President of his class for 2 years, and Vice President for 2 years..
In 2009 his first job as a veterinarian was at a small animal practice in Las Vegas. He learned some advanced surgical procedures there, including multiple knee and hip orthopedic surgeries, laparoscopic spays and biopsies, and other abdominal, ocular, and cutaneous soft tissue surgeries. As the second veterinarian hired on at that time he played a role in growing the practice to 5 veterinarians before he left in 2013. Looking to move back to the city he is most passionate about, he found a fantastic job opportunity at a 24-hour emergency clinic in San Diego.
At the 24 hour emergency Mission Animal and Bird Hospital in Oceanside, Dr. Burghardt was one of the emergency doctors attending to trauma, surgery, internal medicine, and a variety of other emergent cases. His long-term goal was always to become the owner of a veterinary hospital. After much diligence he found Companion Pet Care, and is ecstatic to have the opportunity to run this well-established, beautiful, and rare historic, family neighborhood veterinary clinic.
Dr. Aleks Canseco BIA (Hons. 1), BVSc
Dr. Aleks Canseco brings a unique and global perspective to veterinary medicine. Originally from Poland, she spent most of her childhood in Australia, which is still evident in her charming accent.
She earned her Veterinary degree from the University of Sydney in Australia in 2013. While in vet school, Dr. Canseco worked as a veterinary nurse at a small animal and exotics clinic and volunteered with a wildlife rescue organization, where she helped rehabilitate and release birds, reptiles, and marsupials.
In 2015, she moved to California to complete an internship in Exotic and Small Animal General Practice and Emergency Medicine in Oceanside. Since then, she has practiced in general medicine, emergency hospitals, and animal shelters, caring for a wide variety of species. She is passionate about Fear Free care and has a special interest in exotic animal medicine, surgery, nutrition, and integrative therapies. In addition to clinical practice, she teaches Emergency Exotic Animal Medicine to veterinary interns.
Before becoming a veterinarian, Dr. Canseco earned a degree in Interior Architecture with first-class honors from the University of New South Wales and worked in the field for over a decade in both Sydney and San Diego.
Now a proud San Diegan for over 12 years, Dr. Canseco enjoys exploring Southern California with her husband and son. At home, she shares her life with her husband, son, beloved cat, Theo, and her spirited budgies, McFly and Duff. In her free time, she loves birdwatching, painting, gardening, photography, and diving into any creative project that comes her way.
Kelsy – Office Manager
Kelsy is a Certified Veterinary Assistant from Southern Colorado, with 3 years of vet med experience. She has always had a passion for working with animals. Growing up in 4-H showing dogs and horses, she developed her work ethic and skills for animal care.. Kelsy has trained horses and competed professionally in rodeos, with her late dog, Cami (pictured) right by her side, which further cultivated her passion for how wonderful our four-legged friends are.
As a military spouse, she has adapted her expertise across various locations. Currently, Kelsy is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and an Associate of Science in Veterinary Technology. As a mother of two young children, spare time is limited, but she enjoys listening to music and podcasts and finds joy in horseback riding. She is committed to treating every pet with the same care she would give her own.
Alyssa- Veterinary Nurse
Alyssa was born and raised in Escondido and has had a love for animals for as long as she can remember. She has been working in veterinary medicine for the past few years and is a Certified Veterinary Assistant through PIMA Medical Institute. Alyssa is passionate about helping animals and supporting the veterinary team in providing compassionate care to every patient that comes through the door.
Growing up with four brothers, Alyssa is no stranger to a little chaos and thrives in a fast-paced environment. When she’s not at the clinic, she stays busy working a second job and making the most of her free time. She enjoys spending time with friends, going to the beach, listening to good music, trying new foods, and traveling whenever she gets the chance.
Alyssa loves being part of a field where she can combine her passion for animals with helping people and their pets live healthier, happier lives.
Jillian- Veterinary Nurse
Jillian was born and raised in Arkansas, where her love for animals began at a young age. She spent three and a half years working at a busy general practice that also handled a high number of emergency cases. Working in such a fast-paced environment helped her develop strong clinical skills, remain calm under pressure, and provide compassionate care to every patient she sees.
As a military spouse, Jillian recently relocated to San Diego and is excited to put down roots and become part of the community. She enjoys building connections with clients and treats every pet as if they were her own.
Outside of the hospital, Jillian loves going to the gym, spending time with her husband, shopping, attending church, and taking walks with her adorable dog, Rosie. She looks forward to meeting you and caring for your furry family members!
Kameryn- Veterinary Nurse
Photo coming soon!
Kameryn was born and raised in Carlsbad and has four years experience working in veterinary medicine, including specialty and emergency care. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, she was part of the triage team at an emergency hospital, helping care for pets when they needed it most.
She is currently attending Palomar College, where she is pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Biology. In addition to veterinary medicine, Kameryn also works at a local coffee shop, so she may already look familiar to some of our clients!
When she’s not at work or school, Kameryn loves spending time with her family, especially her one year old son, her Golden Retriever Levi, and her two cats, Ghost and October. She also enjoys relaxing at the beach and expressing her creative side as a manicurist.
CPC Ambassadors
La “Dolce” Vita
La Dolce Vita, lovingly called “Dolce,” is a sweet Italian Greyhound who joined Dr. Burghardt’s family in December 2025. True to her name, La Dolce Vita brings a little extra sweetness wherever she goes! She loves to play, zoom around, and meet new people. With her gentle personality and playful spirit, she has quickly become a beloved member of both the family and the hospital.
Fuzzy – The Tarantula
Dr. Burghardt has always loved snakes and other exotic animals but had a fear of spiders. He did not like having this fear, especially going into veterinary medicine so he got a pet tarantula to desensitize himself. Little did he know it would be something he would have for over 25 years. Fuzzy is getting close to the life expectancy for female tarantulas in captivity, so she isn’t as active as she once was but does enjoy eating her crickets and climbing on her log.