Meet Our Team
Meet the Veterinarians & team of Long Drive Dog & Cat Hospital in Houston, TX! We’re pleased to provide exceptional vet care for your pets!
Dr. Patricia Castro, D.V.M.
Dr. Patricia Castro was born and raised in Houston, Texas. She grew up in a large Peruvian family as the youngest of seven. She has a Bachelors in Biomedical Science from Texas A&M University and she received her DVM degree from Texas A&M in 2006. Dr.Castro started working at Long Drive Dog & Cat Hospital immediately after graduating. She has a Calico cat named Monkey and a Maltipoo named Oscar. Her special interests include both surgery and internal medicine. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and her two sons.
Dr. Elizabeth Gallagher, D.V.M.
Dr. Elizabeth Gallagher, grew up in Opelousas, LA where her love of animals began early in life. Her childhood was spent caring for a variety of animals from cats and dogs to tadpoles, rabbits and birds. Following high school, Dr. Gallagher attended Louisiana University where she studied Biology and performed evolutionary DNA research. After graduation, she attended Saint George’s University in Grenada for veterinary medicine. This was followed by one year at University of Tennesse for her clinics where she worked on companion animals as well as tigers and bears. During her time in Grenada, Dr. Gallagher had the opportunity to work with and perform research on sea turtles. During veterinary school she served as the Bayer pharmaceutical representative and continues to teach clients about preventative care. Following veterinary school, she worked doing relief at small animal veterinary clinics, veterinary ER and the shelter.
Dr. Gallagher loves and enjoys working with all types of animals, not just dogs and cats. Her passion extends to the medicine and surgery of all companion animals.
When not at work, Dr. Gallagher can usually be found taking care of her own menagerie of animals which includes a chinchilla, cats, and dogs. She also enjoys scuba diving, skiiing, traveling, cooking, listening to music and just hanging out with family and friends.
Dr. Joshua Taylor, D.V.M.
Dr Taylor was born & raised in Franklin, New Jersey. He worked as a certified veterinary technician (CVT) for 3 years before applying to Vet school. He received his Associate of Science degree in Veterinary Technology followed by a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science at Becker College in Massachusetts. He recently completed his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at Ross University with a clinical year at Purdue University. He has decided to start his veterinary career here at Long Drive Dog & Cat Hospital. Dr Taylor has major interests in internal medicine, neurology as well as acupuncture which he will help bring into our hospital. When he’s not being your pet’s doctor, he enjoys volleyball, Netflix, amusement parks and dancing. Dr Taylor is of course a pet parent himself to his 3-year-old terrier, Brody.
Michael Schonefeld, Hospital Administrator
Michael joined Long Drive Dog & Cat Hospital in 2022. He’s been in animal medicine for over 25 years and has served in various capacities. His love of animals started while growing up on a farm in South Texas. He raised show pigs while in school and continue to help his dad with cattle on the family farm.
After graduating from Texas A&M University, he continued his work in animal medicine by becoming a practice manager. He has always had animals in his life and will continue.
In his spare time, he works on the family farm and spends time with his wife, son, and yellow Labrador, Birdie. Since his son got married, he has added a wonderful daughter-in-law and a growing family. Camping and the outdoors is a part of his happy place. He also loves boating and hunting with his family. Traditions and passing down family values are great gifts to give younger generations.
One of his goals in animal medicine is to educate staff and clients so they can advocate for their animals and raise healthy, happy pets. Education is the key to a happy animal life.
Interesting facts: Michael has raised dogs, cats, chickens, emus, cattle, pigs, goats, saltwater fish, rabbits, and birds, as well as having experience in treating large cats, apes and monkeys, large exotics, and Clydesdale horses.
Support Staff
Brittney
Lead Receptionist
Kim
Receptionist
Elianna
Receptionist
Alex
Receptionist
Jennifer
Kennel Associate
Robert
Groomer
Maria
Lead Veterinary Technician
Bianca
Veterinary Technician
Sheree
Veterinary Technician
Isabel
Veterinary Technician
Mari
Veterinary Technician
Camryn
Veterinary Assistant
Cynthia
Veterinary Assistant
Nathaly
Veterinary Assistant
Clarisa
Veterinary Assistant