Doctors

Dr. Rick Leininger is the founder of South County Animal Hospital in Morgan Hill.  A practicing veterinarian since 1989, he earned his undergraduate degree from Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, and his doctorate from the University of California, Davis.  His practice has earned certification from the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) for excellence in animal care-a distinction shared by only 15% of the veterinary hospitals in the country.
 
Dr. Leininger is active in several professional organizations including AAHA, the California Veterinary Medical Association, and the American Veterinary Medical Association.  He volunteers his time educating college and high school students about careers in the medical sciences, and is a frequent lecturer at community and state colleges.  He also volunteers as a leader in AWANA, a Christian youth group for kids in kindergarten through sixth grades.
 
In his spare time, Rick is an avid wine enthusiast, golfer, and accomplished tri-athlete.  Rick and his wife, Denise, are life long residents of Morgan Hill.  They have two children; Diane and Brett.

Dr. Michelle D. Griffin has been a practicing veterinarian since 1996, she earned her undergraduate degree from San Jose State University, with a concentration in zoology, and her doctorate from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine.
 
After graduation, Dr. Michelle practiced in upstate New York for 7 years. She accepted an associate veterinary position with South County Animal Hospital in 2004, and became a partner in 2009.

 Michelle is an advocate for the foundation "Air For Paws", a local organization dedicated to saving the lives of pets by providing resuscitation kits to our local fire departments.

Michelle has volunteered her time to train local firemen on the proper use of CPR equipment.

Michelle lives in Gilroy with her daughter Kyndra.