Meet The Team
Dr. Kayla Hough
Dr. Hough grew up in the Renton Highlands area outside of Seattle, WA. She knew from the young age of 4 that becoming a veterinarian was her ultimate dream. She attended Washington State University (Go Cougs!) for her undergraduate degree in Animal Sciences. She moved to The Cayman Islands (Grand Cayman to be specific!) for veterinary school at St. Matthew’s University School of Veterinary Medicine. For her final clinical year of veterinary school, she returned to Washington State University and graduated in October 2018. She has practiced veterinary medicine in the Greater Seattle area since graduation. After a few years of practicing at local clinics and providing needed relief coverage to local hospitals, she made the exciting decision to open Kestrel Veterinary Hospital.
Outside of life as a small animal veterinarian, she shares her home with her husband Joe, a long-haired tuxedo cat Charlie and a bonded pair of rabbits (Rory & Mac).
Her main hobby is competitive tunnel boat racing through APBA. She races alongside her father and her husband. In 2024, she placed 2nd in the country for Sport C, with her father getting 1st overall. She looks to expand to hydroplane racing in another smaller outboard hydro class starting this year. Her other hobbies include playing video games, watching local Seattle sports teams (Go Kraken! Go Seahawks!), and reading.
Her professional interests include dentistry, cardiology, and soft tissue surgery.
Our Team
Dasha
Office Manager
Dasha is Kestrel Vet’s Office Manager and has been in the veterinary field for just over 10 years. She has known Dr. Kayla Hough for about 7 years professionally and personally. Originally from Northern California, she has called Washington home since 2016. While originally from Northern California, Dasha moved up to Washington state in 2016 with her husband Danny. While Dasha does love dogs, she has four kitties at home; Junia, Onion, and litter siblings, Guenny & Roland.
“I’m incredibly proud to work at a women owned local business alongside Dr. Hough because she is caring, communicative, and trustworthy.”
Athena
Veterinary Assistant
Athena is a Veterinary Assistant with 3 years of experience. She is passionate about advocating for animal well-being through preventative care and client education and has deep fulfillment in providing care and love to all animals. Becoming a veterinary assistant allows her to combine her passion and desire in making a difference in the lives of her patients. Athena loves animals so much that she has a dog, 2 cats, a rabbit, and 2 horses.
Bai
Veterinary Assistant
Bailey has been a Veterinary Assistant for about 7 years and is proud to be studying and working towards becoming a Licensed Technician by the end of 2025! Bailey has 3 kitties and a sweet hound dog at home which she likes to cuddle with whenever possible. Her hobbies include crafting and she loves outdoor adventures like hiking and going to the beach.
Dani
Veterinary Receptionist
Our Veterinary Receptionist, Dani, has 9 years of experience in veterinary hospitals in the North and East Seattle area. Dani has three kitties named Grim, Luna, and Roxy and enjoys cuddling and spending time with them and her husband, Josh. In her spare time, Dani enjoys reading, being with friends & family, and spending time in the great outdoors. She is very excited to be a part of the Kestrel Veterinary Hospital Team!