Our West Loop, Chicago Vet Team
What can we say—we love animals, and helping the people who share their lives with them. Meet your veterinarian and his team of caregivers who want what’s best for your pet, just like you do!
Dr. Gerardo Hernandez
Dr. Hernandez has more than a decade of veterinary experience and practices medicine with the belief that your pet should trust your vet. He recognizes the importance of the human-animal bond to the general wellbeing and mental health of people and their pets, which is why he works hard to nurture relationships with his patients and clients.
By working with both underserved communities and wealthy communities throughout Chicago, he was exposed to a wide variety of medical cases, including emergencies. This experience allowed him to provide a broad-spectrum approach to veterinary medicine and an understanding that every family wants to do what is best for their pet. This includes offering care that can be delivered in many different ways to meet the needs of each pet and family.
For Dr. Hernandez, being a veterinarian is all about helping your family pet stay healthy using world class, science-based medicine, tailored recommendations specific to the patient’s needs, and cutting-edge technology so you can both enjoy a happy, healthy life together—and studies have shown that people who live with pets are, in fact, happier and healthier!
He was class valedictorian and received the Gabino Barreda Medal Award. He graduated from National Autonomous University of Mexico (ranked the best in Latin America, Spain, and Portugal). He enjoys all aspects of medicine, including soft-tissue surgery, dermatology, internal medicine, and best of all, puppies! They melt his heart every time. Dr. Hernandez is also a member of the AVMA, CVMA, and ISVMA and is fluent in Spanish and English. He became a Fear Free Certified Professional in 2023.
In his free time, Dr. Hernandez loves being outdoors, traveling around the world, spending time with his family, and most important, being with his fiancé and their Pomeranian, Gervid.
Dr. Patrick Hurley
Dr. Hurley is our newest edition to Partners Animal Hospital! He was born and raised in the southwest suburbs of Chicago but has been living in the city since graduating veterinary school. For the last five years he has been practicing in the suburbs until his recent transition to Partners.
Dr. Hurley earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Psychology at University of Dayton. He has a strong interest in soft tissue surgery and preventative medicine with a growing interest in orthopedics.
He originally wanted to be a human physician but senior year of college decided to look into other career paths. He knew veterinary medicine was the perfect fit after working in a veterinary hospital during college in the summers.
Dr. Hurley enjoys traveling and trying new restaurants in the city. Dr. Hurley can be found running the lakefront with his high energy Border Collie Riley. He also enjoys spending time at his family’s cottage in Michigan with family and friends.
Shawnda Practice Manager
Shawnda is honored to be a part of a team that shares her passion for animals. She was born and raised on the Westside of Chicago, and she loves her city. Shawnda has been in the healthcare industry for over 25 years. She has her MBA with a concentration in health systems. Providing animals with fear-free and quality care is her passion and her mission. She is extremely interested in canine behavior and training.
Shawnda enjoys spending time with her family including her 15-year-old Cockapoo, Bentley. Bentley and Shawnda are loyal Chicago Bears fans and enjoy watching their games together. GO BEARS, #BearDown!
Noe Dominguez Veterinary Technician
Noe has been working in the field of animal medicine for over a decade. He began his career as a Certified Veterinary Assistant through Animal Behavior College and later advanced to a Veterinary Technician after earning his Associate of Science degree in Animal Medicine.
His passion for animals started at a young age—he grew up collecting Zoobooks and was always fascinated by the wildlife he encountered during visits to Mexico. Coming from a Hispanic background, he spent much of his childhood in the vibrant community of 26th Street, Little Village.
Outside of work, Noe enjoys playing soccer, creating art, and exploring new restaurants and hangout spots with friends.
Chloe Vargas Customer Service Representative
Samantha Munis Customer Service Representative
Samantha is a dedicated Customer Service Representative at Partners Animal Hospital West Loop, where she takes pride in assisting pets and their owners. She is currently enrolled in school to become a Certified Veterinary Technician, further expanding her expertise in the field.
With a few years of experience in veterinary medicine, Samantha is passionate about her work and the impact it has on both animals and their families.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, getting lost in a good book, attending concerts and events, and cooking. She is thrilled to be part of the Partners family and looks forward to meeting new clients and their pets.
Estephanie Ibarra Hernandez Certified Veterinary Technician
Estephanie is a passionate certified veterinary technician who graduated from Fox College in May 2023. She has always had a deep love for animals and now shares her home with a loyal German Shepherd, a playful chinchilla, and two mischievous cats. Dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care, she strives to make every pet and owner feel comfortable and valued. Whether assisting in treatments or offering a gentle touch, she is committed to making a difference in the lives of animals every day.
Irene Cruz Avendano Veterinary Technician
A passionate Veterinary Technician with 7 years of experience in small animal medicine. Irene graduated from the Vet Tech Institute at Fox College in 2018. She truly enjoys assisting in surgery procedures and strives in providing the best standard of care for your furry friends!
During her free time, she likes to spend time with her five canine furry children: Buddy, Monzee, Mia, Pumba and Bando.