Our Team

      Cheyenne Burnett DVM

       Founder

Dr. Burnett, a native of Carlsbad, California, is a seasoned veterinary professional with a passion for emergency medicine and fear-free handling of pets. At the age of 17, Dr. Burnett began her path into the veterinary profession by working as a veterinary assistant while still in high school. This gave her an opportunity to get an understanding of the veterinary profession. 

With her drive and determination, Dr. Burnett achieved a Bachelor of Science in Biology from UC San Diego. During her undergraduate years, she gained diverse experience and leadership skills from working as a vet tech in a general practice while also working at SeaWorld. These experiences not only enriched her knowledge but also honed her leadership abilities, setting her apart as a standout professional in her field. Her journey continued to unfold as she immersed herself in the complexities of surgery and emergency care, serving as a dedicated technician in specialty medicine while pursuing her veterinary degree at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona.

Western University of Health Sciences is where Dr. Burnett found her educational fit due to their problem-based learning approach. This was a natural learning environment for her which helped build critical thinking skills which she now utilizes in her approach to each medical case. Graduating in 2016, she furthered her experience through a rigorous rotating internship at Veterinary Specialty Hospital in San Diego, culminating  in 2017.

Since then, Dr. Burnett has dedicated herself to emergency medicine, serving in various capacities in specialty hospitals as well as urgent care facilities. Her commitment to providing exceptional care, coupled with her fervor for fear-free handling techniques along with soft tissue surgery has led her to establish Lifeline Animal Urgent Care. 

Dr. Burnett founded Lifeline with a vision to nurture both pets and veterinary professionals alike. Dr. Burnett's vision for Lifeline transcends mere treatment; it embodies a sanctuary where every pet receives personalized attention and where veterinary professionals thrive in an environment steeped in excellence and compassion. Her goal for pet parents is that they go home feeling educated and empowered to participate in their pets medical management and recovery.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Dr. Burnett and her husband are active members of the local community, extending their compassion and support wherever needed. They find solace and joy in the company of their beloved pets, who never fail to bring laughter with their playful antics. Dr. Burnett also nurtures her passion for horticulture in her rare moments of leisure, a testament to her multifaceted interests and dedication to a fulfilling life outside of work.

Guided by her steadfast principles and enriched by her diverse experiences, Dr. Burnett leads a formidable team at Lifeline Animal Urgent Care, handpicked to mirror her unwavering commitment to excellence and her profound vision for compassionate animal care.

Practice Manager

       Adam Murders

In the six years of being in the veterinary field in Los Angeles, Adam has worked as a doctor assistant in various clinics from small practices to urgent cares, yet mostly in the ICU at specialty hospitals. His background and skills have enabled him to help train staff members and build effective teams at the request of some of these establishments.  

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Prior to working in the veterinary field, Adam had over 8 years of management experience in customer service environments. Along with these endeavors, if not managing, he would be aiding in opening facilities and once again training teams of staff members to perfect customer service along with meeting company goals in an efficient manner. Customer service and proper education in the workplace settings have always been held as a high priority to consistently hold a healthy work ethic and provide successful workdays.  


Joining Lifeline Animal Urgent Care is a passion for Adam in terms of once again designing a fantastic clinic to not only give the best medicine to pets but to also train all staff members on how to handle stressful situations. A sick pet can be scary and having a properly educated staff can help a pet owner understand how the recommendations made for their pet will lead to a more effective treatment plan. A good team to Adam is not just the working staff and doctor but also the pet owners so that everyone can give the care every pet deserves. 


Some side activities Adam experiences are hiking and camping away from the world with his German Shepherd. Adam also writes as a hobby and self-publishes while being pestered by his handsome cat. He also enjoys reading while periodically glancing at his snakes and tarantulas. This is not to say that he enjoys being sociable and experiencing events and new adventures while making friends wherever he goes. 



Clinical Nurse Manager

       Zyrene San Juan



Zyrene brings a decade of dedicated experience to the field of veterinary medicine, with a focus on Emergency and Critical Care and a particular passion for intensive care for cats and dogs. Her journey began humbly, honing her service and interpersonal skills in her family's restaurant, which laid the foundation for her compassionate approach to veterinary care.


Starting as a kennel attendant, Zyrene's dedication led her through externships and proctorships at various clinic hospitals, including volunteering in shelter medicine during her veterinary technician program. Graduating with honors, she quickly earned her state boards and VTNE certifications, embarking on a career marked by continuous growth and development.


With a diverse background spanning general practice, private specialty hospitals, and UC Davis Small Animal ICU teaching hospital, Zyrene has cultivated a breadth of skills. From basic nursing care to advanced life-saving techniques like blood transfusions, mechanical ventilation, and post-op cardiac surgeries, her expertise is comprehensive.


Beyond her clinical proficiency, Zyrene is deeply committed to patient care advocacy and staff development. She finds fulfillment in mentoring new technicians and assisting them in achieving their career goals, imparting skills ranging from placing central lines to providing client education for optimal at-home care.


Certified in Recover CPR and Fear-Free techniques, Zyrene ensures a nurturing and low-stress environment for both patients and staff alike. Outside the hospital, she indulges in her passion for culinary arts, travel, and community engagement, advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights and savoring moments with her beloved senior Yorkie mix.


Zyrene's dedication to veterinary medicine is matched only by her zest for life and commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, both within and beyond the clinic walls.




Clinical Operations Manager

       Kassandra Angel

Angel is a seasoned Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) with an impressive 22-year tenure in the veterinary field and she brings a wealth of expertise and a profound dedication to animal care. Her journey began with eight years of honorable service in the Army, during which she assumed pivotal leadership roles overseeing the well-being of 86 military working dogs across 13 installations. 

 

Angel's responsibilities extended to managing the Okinawa base veterinary hospital, the sole emergency care facility in the region, servicing a diverse clientele of both military and civilian pets. With a patient load exceeding 9000, Angel adeptly led a team comprising military and civilian personnel, ensuring seamless healthcare delivery under demanding circumstances. 

 

Transitioning from military service due to injuries sustained in the line of duty, Angel seamlessly integrated into civilian veterinary practice, driven by her unwavering passion for animal welfare. Her affinity for surgical procedures and anesthesia underscores her commitment to providing comprehensive care to every patient. 

 

In addition to her practical experience, Angel holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Zoology, Biology, and Veterinary Technology and she is currently pursuing an additional degree in Wildlife Conservation. 

 

Beyond her professional pursuits, Angel finds joy in embarking on adventures, traveling, and indulging her love for Disneyland. Her passion for iconic franchises like Batman and Star Wars reflects her vibrant personality and diverse interests, enriching her holistic approach to veterinary care. 

 

Angel's extensive experience, coupled with her unwavering passion for veterinary medicine, makes her an invaluable asset to our veterinary urgent care team.