Our Doctors

Dr. Ritu Raj Aulakh is a highly accomplished and experienced veterinarian with a rich background in the field. Originally from India, he immigrated to California at the age of 24, bringing with him a strong passion for animal care.

Dr. Aulakh completed his undergraduate studies at The Punjab Agricultural University in India before pursuing his veterinary education at Iowa State, where he graduated in 1994. Since then, he has been practicing veterinary medicine in California, dedicating himself to providing exceptional care to animals.

His career began at a prominent 5-doctor general practice in San Jose, CA, where he gained valuable experience and honed his skills as a veterinarian. In 2000, driven by his entrepreneurial spirit and desire for greater independence, Dr. Aulakh decided to establish his own practice - ABC Pet Clinic - located in San Ramon, CA.

Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Raj is happily married and a proud father of two grown children. In his leisure time, he indulges in activities that bring him joy and relaxation. Golfing holds a special place among his hobbies as it allows him to unwind while enjoying the outdoors. Additionally, Dr. Aulakh finds pleasure in cooking delicious meals and immersing himself in reading during moments of leisure.

With decades of experience under his belt and an unwavering commitment to providing top-notch veterinary care services, Dr. Ritu Raj Aulakh continues to make significant contributions within the field while embracing personal interests outside of work.

I have had the privilege of growing up in the beautiful city of San Diego, California. However, during my teenage years, I had a unique experience living in New Jersey for a short period.

My passion for animals led me to pursue a bachelor's degree in Animal Science from the esteemed University of California, Davis. To further expand my knowledge and skills, I embarked on a rewarding internship at a small animal hospital in Japan. This experience allowed me to gain valuable insights into different veterinary practices and approaches.

In 2016, I achieved my lifelong dream of becoming a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Oregon State University. Throughout my academic journey, I developed an exceptional interest in soft tissue surgery and aspire to continue learning advanced procedures within this field.

At home, I am fortunate to share my life with two wonderful pit bulls named Cali and Tatsu, as well as an adorable cat named Hime. They bring immense joy and companionship into my life.

During moments of leisure, you can often find me exploring nature through hiking adventures or traveling with my family. Additionally, I have an artistic side that finds expression through painting, drawing, and pottery.

I am thrilled to be part of this team and look forward to contributing my expertise while continuously growing both personally and professionally alongside all of you.

Dr. Shrija Desai was born and raised in the East Bay and has had a love for animals since a young age. After graduating from Mission High School in Fremont, she pursued her undergraduate education at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Sciences/Pre-Veterinary Medicine and a minor in chemistry. She then went on to receive her doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from St. George’s University and completed her clinical rotations at the University of Georgia. 

Since graduating in 2017, Dr. Desai has practiced at several hospitals throughout the Bay Area. Each experience has enriched her understanding of veterinary care and allowed her to develop a well-rounded approach to treating her patients. She is now excited to settle down at ABC Pet Clinic, where she can build lasting relationships with clients and their pets. 

Dr. Desai is committed to providing exceptional and personalized care for every pet she encounters, helping them lead happy and healthy lives. She understands that pets are cherished family members and is dedicated to ensuring they receive the highest quality care and attention. She is also compassionate about end-of-life care, helping families navigate the difficult moments with dignity and love. 

She currently lives in San Ramon with her husband, son and their beloved pitbull, Squeaks. In her free time, she enjoys creating memories with her family, taking her son to the Oakland zoo and traveling. Her dedication to her career is a tribute to her late father, Vijay Desai, and her first two dogs, Missy and Khaleesi.