Meet Our Doctors

DVM

Fernando Notario Britez

Born in Asuncion, Paraguay in 1981, Fernando Notario has always had a passion for the welfare of animals and became the first veterinarian in his family. Fully bilingual, Dr. Notario came to the United States with the dream of improving the lives of animals and their families as much as possible. He has practiced in several animal hospitals in Colorado and Arizona, and is now fulfilling his dream of owning his own clinic in the United States. He started his first clinic in the United States in February of 2022, and bought his second clinic in August 2024! Between 2014 and 2020, Dr. Notario also opened four different veterinary clinics in Paraguay, which are managed long distance. Dr. Notario loves mentoring new veterinarians, and enjoys the challenges of day to day general practice for dogs and cats. 

Besides working with small animals, he spends time with his family which includes his beautiful wife Liliana and their amazing children, Monse and Andrea.

DVM

Stephen Kastner

Stephen Kastner has been a DVM at Paradise Valley Animal Hospital, now Pet Life Veterinary Clinic Paradise Valley, since 1997! He graduated as an undergrad from University of Arizona (GO WILDCATS!!) in 1986, moved on to Colorado State University, and graduated from there in 1990. Dr. Kastner began practicing veterinary medicine when he returned to Phoenix in 1990.

Dr. Kastner has 2 animals at home with his wife of many years; Gizmo, a senior hyperthyroid cat, and Anubis, a 4 year old male chihuahua who they found severely dehydrated and terrified (and is now a big mama’s boy). An Arizona native, he enjoys fishing and hiking, as well as reading and playing softball.

TEAM

Meet our team of experienced veterinary professionals

Norma

Senior Technician

Norma

Norma has been working at Pet Life Veterinary Clinic since its inception in February of 2022. Norma was one of the first hired by Dr. Notario, and is the lead dental technician who helps keep our pets dental health in tip top shape. She started her veterinary career in 2001 as a veterinary assistant, and through continuing education, and hard work, has become a phenomenal veterinary technician. She has worked at many veterinary clinics throughout Arizona; from a humble beginning at Camp Verde Veterinary Clinic, to Eye Care for Animals, and all the others, she has honed her skills in many different aspects of veterinary care, and is currently studying to become a licensed veterinary technician. 
Norma currently lives in Peoria with her husband of 16 years, and has 2 dogs, and 1 cat; her doberman pinscher, Grace, her chihuahua, Coco, and her ragamuffin cat, Lollipop. She is an avid remodeler of her home and has built furniture since highschool. She hopes to continue her role at Pet Life with Dr. Notario and staff until she can retire.

Sara

LEAD TECHNICIAN

Sara

Sara has been a lead / surgical technician at Pet Life Veterinary Clinic since April of 2022. In October 2023 she also became a certified ultrasound technician, and is studying to become a licensed Veterinary Technician. She started her veterinary career in 2007 as a Kennel Assistant at a large boarding / grooming / veterinary facility. From there she moved up the ladder from veterinary assistant to technician, surgical technician, and ultrasound technician positions. She has worked at various clinics, and has also worked as an ICU and ER technician. 
Pet Life Veterinary Clinic became AAHA Accredited in March of 2023 due to the hard work of Sara and Dr. Notario. Our AAHA accreditation is a testament to the quality of care that the Pet Life staff strive to uphold. Sara continues to monitor and update our protocols to ensure that we keep that accreditation. She takes immense pride in what she does, and aspires to be able to help pets, and pet parents, in other ways in her future. She has a deep interest in animal communication and ultimately wants to become an animal communicator.
Sara has 1 dog at home, her little chihuahua Roo. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, painting by numbers, and building model cars.

Jonna

TECHNICIAN & LEAD RECEPTIONIST

Jonna

Jonna has been a lead receptionist and veterinary technician at Pet Life Veterinary Clinic since June of 2022. She started her veterinary career in 2017, and has worked for 2 other clinics as a receptionist and technician before Pet Life.
Jonna has 3 cats, Margo (who is harless), Barnaby (siamese), and Spencer (cream tabby). She works with her mother in Prescott every weekend, and really enjoys getting to spend extra time with her.

Samantha

TECHNICIAN

Samantha

Sam has been a veterinary technician at Pet Life Veterinary Clinic since December 2023. You might have seen Sam as your doctor’s scribe, your room technician, or filling your pets medications – she is our jack of all trades! Since she began at Pet Life, Sam has adopted many roles within the clinic including doctor’s scribe, pharmacy technician, surgery technician, and dental technician. She is a vital part of our team! 
At 17 years old, Sam started her veterinary career working as a kennel technician at an animal hospital / boarding facility. It was during that time that she discovered her ability to provide compassionate care to people and their animals and wanted to hone that ability. She is now an aspiring vet student who is working hard to accomplish her dreams. 
Sam has a dog named Axel (who she often calls Apple), 3 cats, Misha, Mordy, and Macchi, and a fiance at home. She enjoys gaming and listening to audiobooks during her free time.

Isaiah

TECHNICIAN

Isaiah

Isaiah has been a veterinary technician at Pet Life Veterinary Clinic since we opened in February of 2022. He started his veterinary career in 2017 when he began his studies at Pima Medical Institute to become a veterinary assistant. He put his studies to practice in 2019 when he began working as an assistant at his first veterinary clinic.
Isaiah has since worked for 3 other clinics in the valley, and in that time has grown into a wonderful technician. Isaiah has 3 large dogs at home, Bear, Finnley, and Harley. He enjoys hiking with them when the weather isn’t brutal.

Gabriella

TECHNICIAN

Gabriella

Gabriella has been a veterinary assistant at Pet Life Veterinary Clinic since May 2023, she also cross trained in reception, and was promoted to technician August 2024. Gabriella began studying at Pima Medical Institute, launching her veterinary career in January 2022. It was concern for her beloved senior pets, Simon and Tess, who began having medical issues, that prompted her decision to choose a path in the veterinary field. Gabriella was previously one of our frequent clients, and when we learned that she was studying at Pima we prompted her to come work with us to help further her education. She is thriving. 
In her free time, Gabriella loves going to farmers markets, listening to her favorite musical artist, Chappell Roan, and watching movies. Her favorite movie is Spirited Away.

Lizzie

Technician

Lizzie

Lizzie started her veterinary career at Paradise Valley Animal Hospital, now Pet Life Veterinary Clinic Paradise Valley, in September of 2021 after taking a 4 year veterinary course as one of her high school electives. She began as a kennel tech and over a 2 year span began working as a technician. She is still refining her skills and learning every day.
Lizzie has 5 dogs and 1 cat at home with her family. She loves listening to and creating music, as well as drawing, and going on hikes in her free time.

Chloe

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS & LEAD RECEPTIONIST

Chloe

Chloe has been a lead receptionist at Pet Life Veterinary Clinic since January 2023, and in July 2024 she also became the director of public relations. Chloe started her veterinary career in January 2021 as a receptionist, and has since been a receptionist and technician at various clinics across the valley. She is passionate about providing the community with information on pet health, and advocating for pets and pet parents alike. She has worked in various animal care and management positions since 2017. At some point, Chloe wants to continue her education in veterinary medicine and explore other roles in the field. 
Chloe has 2 large dogs, 4 cats, and a beautiful human baby girl! She enjoys outdoor activities during the cooler months, and reading and crocheting indoors during the warmer ones.

Holly

RECEPTIONIST

Holly

Holly has been a receptionist at Pet Life Veterinary Clinic since July 2024. She began her veterinary career in 2020 after graduating high school and beginning her veterinary studies at Pima Medical Institute. She has since worked as a technician in emergency, general practice, and urgent care clinics across the valley. 
Holly is avid about weight lifting, dancing, and trying new foods! Holly has 2 dogs at home; Seven who is a sassy but loving blue heeler, and Brutus, her goofy younger malinois brother.

Dawn

RECEPTIONIST

Dawn

Dawn started her veterinary career in March 2023 when she began studying at Carrington College. By November 2023 she began her externship and was hired at Pet Life Paradise Valley. She decided to work in the veterinary field after working several years in childcare positions, she felt she needed a change, and has always had a love for animals.
Dawn has 6 dogs and 3 cats, and also fosters for a local rescue. She has a husband of 17 years and 2 older children at home. She enjoys spending time in her pool, going to farmers markets, and shopping at thrift stores.

Maria

GENERAL MANAGER

Maria

Maria is the general manager for both Pet Life Veterinary Clinic locations, and has been with us since July 2023; she plays a significant role in keeping our hospitals running smoothly. Maria started her veterinary career in 2007, and has since been a technician and manager at various clinics in Arizona. She became a certified veterinary technician in August 2024, and also intends to get a degree in veterinary hospital management. When Maria is not managing our hospitals, she often picks up shifts to help at an emergency pet hospital.
Maria has 1 large dog, 1 cat, 2 beautiful teenage boys, and a supportive husband. She enjoys spending time with her family, and finding time to kayak.

Find Us Here

Location

5940 W Union Hills Dr Ste D170
Glendale, AZ 85308

Hours

Mon-Fri : 8am – 6pm
Sat & Sun : CLOSED

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