Our Doctors

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Dr. Peter Dowell

Dr. Peter Dowell

Owner

Dr. Peter Dowell is the proud owner of Alto Tiburon Hospital. A little history about Dr. Dowell: He was born in New York City to British parents, subsequently moved back to the UK. He then moved back to the U.S. when he was seven, hence dual citizenship. He is happily married to his wife, Julie. They have been married for 25 years and have two kids in college. He acquired this hospital in June of 2019 (his 3rd practice that he's owned). He is the former practice owner of the Covington Creek Veterinary Clinic in Mendocino and the Helix Pet Hospital in San Diego. His interests include nature and science and, in fact, he used to work in National forests helping fight fires in his younger years. He has degrees in Forestry, Biology, graduate school in Parasitology and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine followed by a Matching Program Internship in surgery and medicine. Additionally, he has a membership in the American Veterinary Medical Association, The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, nominated to the Phi Zeta veterinary honor society.

His interests include endocrinology, dermatology, surgery, small exotic medicine, and most aspects of small animal medicine and surgery.

Dr. Dowell's practice philosophy is utilizing cutting-edge technology and good old-fashioned compassion and care for his patients. He really likes to take the time to get to know families and their pets and establish a long-lasting relationship.

Come. Sit. Heal.

Dr. Rebecca Riley

Dr. Rebecca Riley

Dr. Rebecca Riley was born and raised in Marin county. After attending Novato High School and Sonoma State University, she was accepted to the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2008. After graduating, she completed a rotating equine medicine and surgery internship at North Carolina State University. She continued there for another year finishing a fellowship in sports medicine and imaging. After two more years of practicing on high-level sport horses, she decided the smaller athletes in her life were where she wanted to spend her time. The last four years of small animal practice have been the best of her veterinary career and she knows that each year will get better still. She has a special interest in veterinary imaging. When not practicing medicine Dr. Riley enjoys being an active member of her church community, gardening, trail running, hiking, and generally any outdoor adventure with her Cairn terrier, Hickory.

Dr. Riley enjoys interacting with the clients and caring for their pets. She is available Wednesday – Saturday weekly.

Dr. Ratekin

Dr. Ratekin loves all aspects of the veterinary field. She is available on Fridays weekly.

Dr. Kate Della Bona

Dr. Kate Della Bona grew up in the South Bay Area riding horses competitively. She earned a bachelor's degree in animal science from UC Davis, and she taught and rode professionally at a show stable for three years. She then headed abroad for veterinary school at the University of Glasgow in Scotland.

After returning from Scotland, Kate completed a one-year internship in emergency medicine and surgery at the VCA Emergency Animal Hospital and Referral Center in San Diego, CA. Her first associate veterinarian position was at a busy general practice outside Denver, but she missed California and moved back in 2021.

Kate is excited to be part of the Alto Tiburon team, delivering the highest possible quality of care for pets and their owners. Kate’s clinical interests include preventative care and veterinary dentistry. Her goal is to promote owner understanding and involvement in every aspect of their pet’s care.

Kate lives in Penngrove with her fiancee and her miniature dachshund Ronan. In her spare time, Kate enjoys riding horses, hiking, traveling, and of course pampering Ronan!