Our Staff

Dr. Daniel Horton, DVM

Dr. Horton was born in Salt Lake City, Utah into a family full of scientists and surrounded by animals. There was a goat, rabbits and chickens, as well as the full complement of dogs and cats. Exposure to veterinary medicine as an undergraduate at Utah State University in Logan, Utah solidified an already growing interest and led to the DVM degree (cum laude) through a combined program with Oregon State and Washington State Universities.

Working in veterinary hospitals in Idaho, Utah, on the Navajo Reservation, and in Alabama and provided a wide variety of experiences. Both Dr. Horton and his wife, who is also a veterinarian, were very excited by the opportunity to return to Arizona in 1994 and have been here ever since, sharing a home in Rio Rico with their daughter, 4 cats, a dog and a rabbit.

Professional interests include the diagnostic puzzles of internal medicine, canine and feline behavioral problems and abdominal surgery. Other passions include rock-climbing, playing music, travel, and attending theater.

Joanne Lefebvre, DVM

Dr. Lefebvre graduated from the University of Montreal, Canada in 2001. During her senior year she completed several externships in highly reputable schools such as Cornell University, Tufts, Colorado and Ohio State Universities.

She was one of the very few selected for an internship in small animal medicine, surgery and emergency at Michigan Veterinary Specialists, which she completed with honors and published a scientific study in the British Journal of Small Animal Practice. In spite of having opportunities to continue specializing, her devotion to her clients and care for her patients made general practice a better fit for her. She practiced for 3 years in Connecticut before moving to Arizona in 2005. She joined San Cayetano Veterinary Hospital in January 2007. Her medical interests include holistic medicine, surgery and dentistry. She also enjoys helping the Humane Societies and non-profit animal rescue groups.

She shares her home with her husband Dan, talented musician, as well as their dog Yogi and cats Munchie, Sunny and Grampa. Her personal interests include scrap booking, playing music, rollerblading and speaking French. She hopes one day to be fluent in Spanish as well!

Jose L. Jacquez III, Certified Veterinary Technician

Born and raised in Nogales, Arizona, Jose graduated from Nogales High School in 2001 and received an Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology Degree from Pima Community College in 2007. After passing the rigorous Arizona Veterinary Technician State Board exam in 2007, he became Santa Cruz County’s only practicing Certified Veterinary Technician.

Jose has worked at San Cayetano Veterinary Hospital since August 2005 and lives in Rio Rico with his wife, young son, 2 Labrador-mix dogs named Kiko and Benji and a thoroughbred mare named Black Betty.

What is it you like about Veterinary Medicine?

“The privilege to work and help animals in need of medical care. It’s a great feeling knowing you have saved an animal from suffering and pain. It’s also an honor to be a part of veterinary medicine because of the role in participating in preventative medicine such as vaccinations to prevent animals from horrible diseases.”

Araceli Orozco, Veterinary Technician

Araceli was born in Tucson, AZ but has lived in Rio Rico AZ since 1998. She has worked at San Cayetano Veterinary Hospital since July 2004. In addition to continuing her studies at Pima Community College and the University of Arizona, she shares her home with Amigo, a dog adopted from the humane society, and an Amazon Parrot named Solovino. Ranching is a family tradition and 18 horses and around 500 head of cattle round out the animal picture.

What is it you like about Veterinary Medicine?

“First and foremost I love all animals. The opportunity to help pets when they are ill or injured is a blessing. I get lots of satisfaction knowing that I had a part to play in helping an animal in their time of need. To see them bounce back from a great fall is great! My heart is in it 100%.”

Yamel O. Sanchez, Veterinary Assistant and Kennel Manager

Yamel lived the first two years of her life in Nogales, AZ until she made the big move to Rio Rico where she has lived for the past 20 years. She is a graduate of Rio Rico High School and has received additional training as a Veterinary Assistant at Pima Medical Institute. She has worked at San Cayetano Veterinary Hospital since June 2007.
Her menagerie includes a Ferret, 3 horses, 6 dogs; a German Shepherd, a Pit Bull, a Miniature Pincher, and three Chihuinies (Chihuahua and Dachshund Mixes), and somewhere in the mix there are around 20 gold fish.

What is it you like about Veterinary Medicine?

“Knowing that we are able to make an animal feel better without it letting us know what’s wrong. Also having the ability to help them with a matt in their fur, a wound on their skin or relieving them from an ache on their body. And after receiving their simple thank you, it being either a wag of their tail, a lick on the hand or a nudge when you turn your back, it gives a rewarding feeling at the end of the day.