🐾 Meet the People of Napa Humane: Jeni Reyes

If you’ve ever brought a pet to Napa Humane for surgery, there’s a good chance Jeni Reyes, RVT, played a key role in their care.

Jeni is our Lead Registered Veterinary Technician, and she’s been with Napa Humane for over 18 years—starting straight out of RVT school in March 2007. She even returned for relief shifts during a short break to focus on raising her kids. As she puts it:“I couldn’t stay away for long!”

As Lead RVT, Jeni is responsible for everything from anesthesia induction and monitoring to pre- and post-op care, medications, and even inventory and medical supply orders. She plays a critical role in ensuring the health and safety of every animal who comes through our clinic for surgery.

But it’s not just about the tasks. Jeni brings heart to everything she does.

“Even though we’re high volume, we take the time to give each animal the best individual care we can,” she says. “I truly treat each animal as if they were my own and want them to be as comfortable and happy as possible while they’re here.”

What she loves most? The variety.

“Every day, I get to work with a new group of pets and see so many different personalities. It’s so rewarding to know that they’ll live longer, healthier lives after their surgeries.”

One of her favorite moments is check-out time.

“Seeing the pets and their owners reunited—that’s when it really hits me how much this work means. I love knowing I’ve made a difference.”

Jeni doesn’t just care for animals at work—she lives it at home, too. Her family recently adopted Azura (“Azzy”), a Husky/Pit mix from theNapa County Animal Shelter that came to Napa Humane for her spay. It was love at first sight.

“She’s been an amazing companion—gentle with our kids and kitties. The perfect fit.”

Jeni and her family also share their home with four cats: Mochi (almost 18!), Babybear (born at Napa Humane 15 years ago), and bonded sisters Sugar and Cinnamon Toast, adopted from the Napa Shelter.

Working with animals has been Jeni’s dream since she was six years old, when she got her first cat. She worked as a kennel assistant at age 14, and in general practice before realizing her true calling was in animal welfare.

“I love knowing I’m making a difference for pets and their people—and helping control the pet population at the same time.”

If Jeni were an animal? She’d definitely be a cat.

“I’m a bit aloof at first—but once I warm up, I get very chatty,” she laughs.

Outside of work, Jeni’s life is just as rich. She’s been learning Korean for years in honor of her two children (ages 9 and 12), whom she and her husband adopted from South Korea. They recently traveled there as a family—and made unforgettable memories. She’s now learning Japanese, with hopes of a trip there in the future.

We’re so grateful for Jeni’s skill, heart, and dedication. She’s an essential part of what makes Napa Humane’s clinic so compassionate and effective—and we’re lucky to have had her with us for nearly two decades.