Dr. Richard E. Hoekstra
Veterinarian / Owner
Dr. Hoekstra was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, and attended East Central High School. He attended Texas A&M University from 1980 to 1988, where he received his biomedical science, veterinary science, and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees. Upon graduation from veterinary school, he moved to Dallas, Texas, and opened Animal House Veterinary Clinic. He remained in Dallas until 2006, at which time he sold the practice and moved permanently to the League City area. He married Traci (Animal House’s business manager) in October 2009, and between them they we have four sons and a daughter. They have three exuberant dogs—a Dorkie (Dachshund/Yorkie mix), a Schnoodle (Schnauzer/Poodle mix), and a Papillon.
Degrees Held
- Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science, Cum Laude
- Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Science, Magna Cum Laude
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Magna Cum Laude
Professional Associations
- American Veterinary Medical Association
- Texas Veterinary Medical Association
- American Animal Hospital Association
Hobbies
- Sailing—Dr. H is an avid sailor and has been sailing for 35 years.
- Fishing and camping—He enjoys fishing and camping trips, especially with his sons and his father.
- Gardening—Dr. H has a green thumb and enjoys making things grow. His yard is always a work in progress.
- Woodworking and home repair—Dr. H enjoys fixing things and was the general contractor on Animal House Veterinary Hospital. He really sees it as his own creation. Home improvement stores love him.
Dr. Tom L. Dayton
Veterinarian
Dr. Dayton was born and raised in Oklahoma, he received his doctorate at Oklahome State University. He practiced both large and small animal medicine for 4 years in Oklahoma before moving to Houston in 1981, where he opened Parker Road Animal Hospital. His areas of special interest include diagnostic medicine, laparoscopic surgery and orthopedic surgery. He and his wife enjoy traveling, boating and spending time with his daughters and sons families, including 6 adorable grandchildren. He also enjoys time with his furry kid, Dolly.
Traci Hoekstra
Business Manager
Business manager and Dr. Hoekstra’s wife, Traci is an East Texas girl who attended Stephen F. Austin State University. She worked for many years in the legal field, but being a lifelong animal lover, was thrilled to leave the corporate world behind and join Dr. H in building and running Animal House Veterinary Hospital. Little did she know what was in store for her! Like Dr. Hoekstra, Traci is very proud of Animal House Veterinary Hospital and their wonderful staff.
Traci is an avid gardener and “do-it-yourself” person, and when they aren’t at work, she and Dr. H are always working on some sort of project. She is also an artist from way back. When at the office, their dogs can usually be found under her desk.
Roxie
Front Office Supervisor
Roxie was born in New York but raised in Texas. She married a New Yorker in 2004 who has earned his right to be called a Texan. She and Todd have three beagles (Jaxson, Molly, and Trinity). Jaxson and Trinity can often be seen helping out at work, greeting as many people as possible if they aren’t too busy napping. Roxie has been in the veterinary business since 2007. She enjoys all of the furry creatures. They don’t ask for much, except to get a little love, get some food, play tug of war, get some cuddling, eat some house plants, (did we mention more food?), eat a pair of eyeglasses, steal your cell phone and hide it in pieces in the yard… and so on. “The unconditional love that my pets give me is what keeps me in this field; I can see it in the people and pets that come in every day.”
Esmy
Esmy joined our team in May 2021. She is fluent in Spanish. She has been a veterinary receptionist for many years. Esmy and her husband Dustin have one cat named Shutter, and one dog named Dulce. When not at work Esmy and Dustin loves to go cycling, being oudoors, enjoying a tasty brunch, and enjoying a day at the beach.
Adriana
Veterinary Technician
Adriana (Ed) grew up between Mexico and the United States. She is fluent in Spanish. She joined our Animal House family in the fall of 2011. She’s lived in our area for about 6 years but did move away for a short time to Oahu, Hawaii. We missed her when she was in Hawaii; but are so glad that she is back home. Her mother also lives in our area and cared for Ed’s fur babies while she was away. Ed is the proud mother of 2 Dobermans, Luna and Calvin. She recently had to say goodbye to her childhood friend, Bobby. He was her 15-year-old dachshund. We all miss him, as well. Some of Ed’s hobbies include surfing, being in the water, photography, and loving animals.
Nikki
Veterinary Technician
Nikki was born and raised in South Oklahoma. She attended the University of Oklahoma for studio art. In 2012, she moved to Texas to be closer to family. Nikki has always loved animals and has worked at various veterinary clinics in both Oklahoma and Texas. Along with her husband Rob they currently own four dogs; Piko and Panda, the Dachshunds; Icarus, a Dachshund mix, and Rovie the lab. Along with 12 various reptiles. In her spare time, she likes to go walking with her dogs, listen to music, and paint.
Shelly
Veterinary Technician
Shelly, lovingly referred to as the mother of the clinic by the other techs, moved from Boston to Texas in 2009 where she attended the Vet Tech Institute of Houston. She graduated in 2011 with an Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology and is a licensed veterinary technician. She has lots of experience having worked in private practice as well as non-profit clinic. She has two lovely dogs, Brianna and Blessing, and she enjoys painting and gardening in her spare time.
Liz
Veterinary Technician
Liz was born in Lousiana but spent a good part of her childhood in southeast Texas. She attended Tusla Community College where she graduated in 2013 with an Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology, and she is a registered veterinary technician through the Oklahoma State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. She and her husband, Trent, have two beautiful daughters, two special needs dogs, a two-faced cat and a variety of scaly pets. Liz enjoys reading, writing and running in her free time.
Mason
Vet Assistant
Mason, our vet tech assistant, moved from Oklahoma to Texas to pursue a degree in Marine Fishery at Texas A&M University at Galveston. He is slated to graduate in 2026. We are very grateful to have him with us in the meantime as he is a quick learner and eager to assist with literally anything and evrything- our Cindefella, if you will. He reportedly enjoys long walks on the beach and Double Stuffed Oreos.
