Our Doctor

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Dr. Horia Popa
Dr. Popa graduated from the School of Veterinary Medicine in Romania. Even though he was running a successful private practice in Romania, Dr. Popa decided to move Washington, D.C. with his two dogs -- a Doberman named Paco (pictured left) and a Miniature Pinscher named Kiddy.
After his move, Dr. Popa underwent further rigorous training and examination in order to be licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the U.S. He passed the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination and was accepted into a one-year clinical evaluation at Purdue University, one of the top veterinary schools in the country.
Dr. Popa completed the Purdue clinical evaluation program in 2003, and moved back to practicing general veterinary medicine in Northern Virginia. Then, to gain expertise in critical emergency care, he enrolled in a one-year internship at an emergency clinic in Annapolis. After this internship, Dr. Popa returned to practicing in Northern Virginia, while continuing to do emergency relief work in Annapolis.
After extensive searching and preparation, Dr. Popa became the proud owner and primary veterinarian of Seven Locks Animal Hospital in October 2009.
Dr. Popa has a special interest in surgery, internal medicine, imaging diagnostics, and emergency & critical care. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Veterinary Emergency Critical Care Society. He is proud to volunteer his time and hospital resources to support programs that train guide dogs for the blind.
Outside of the clinic Dr. Popa is a surf fishing addict! He also enjoys hiking, kayaking, biking, camping, and especially playing tennis several times a week. He now shares his life with Smokey, a spoiled but sweet senior mixed breed dog.
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Our Staff

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Emma
Emma is our hardened veteran, working for Seven Locks Animal Hospital for over 14 years. Her roles have included Veterinary Technician and Practice Manager. Luckily we are still able to have her help as a business consultant.
While working as an important pillar during Seven Locks Animal Hospital's development, Emma simultaneously completed an undergraduate degree in Agricultural Economics at the University of Maryland. Most recently, Emma finished a grueling program at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law and achieved her Juris Doctor.
Emma has been interested in animals all her life, and today her family includes two rescue dogs, three rescue cats, and a very special horse, Flash. Though Emma is no longer around on a day-to-day basis, she continues to provide support to the Seven Locks Animal Hospital team.
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Helen
Helen is our resident cat-lover, and has always loved all things with fluff and whiskers. Helen is one of our veterans, having started at Seven Locks Animal Hospital in 2018, and she now works as a veterinary technician, supervisor, and a key part of the administrative team. Additionally, Helen is one of our internship coordinators and she also helps train new employees.
Helen plans a career in veterinary medicine and is studying to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician through Penn Foster.
Outside of work, Helen enjoys traveling, gaming, and finding crazy hair dye colors. She shares her home with two rescue cats Pickles and Maeve. Sir. Charles the rescue cat and Jelly the South American horned frog, though now passed on, remain in her heart.
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Kaitlin
Another veteran of Seven Locks Animal Hospital, Kaitlin started in 2017. Kaitlin helps keep things running as Office Administrator and as a supervisor.
Kaitlin is interested in Health Economics, working towards an Economics undergraduate degree at University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Kaitlin finds the similarities and differences between veterinary medicine and human medicine compelling.
Kaitlin has had animals her whole life, including cats, dogs, reptiles, rodents, and birds. Kaitlin most recently shared her life with a sweet Newfoundland, Admiral, who trained in Obedience and Water Rescue. In her free time Kaitlin enjoys biking, kayaking, hiking, playing clarinet, and watching murder mystery shows.
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Taylor
Veteran, Taylor, started at Seven Locks Animal Hospital in 2017. Taylor is a supervisor, veterinary technician, and important part of our administrative team. She also is one of our internship coordinators and new employee trainer.
Taylor recently graduated with an undergraduate Biology degree from Towson University and is going through the vet school application process. Outside of work, Taylor interns with a marine research organization and with equine specialists.
Taylor is a Labrador fanatic, living with Chocolate Labs, Storm and Miles, and also sharing a home with Roxy the Chihuahua, and Rusty the Sheltie. In addition to devouring books, you can often find Taylor going for a hike, run, or beach adventure with her four-legged companions.
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Maddie
Maddie started with Seven Locks Animal Hospital growing up as a client, before joining our team in 2020. Maddie first trained as a veterinary assistant and now as a veterinary technician.
Maddie earned an undergraduate degree in Environmental Science at Johns Hopkins, and just finished her degree in Biology from Towson University.
A forever pet lover, Maddie especially enjoys trick training, obedience, and agility with her 3 dogs: Beagle-mix Winnie, Belgian Malinois Otter, and Border Collie Kuiper. Maddie's interests include traveling and backpacking, really anything outdoors.
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Madelyn
Madelyn joined the team in 2023, supporting the technician team and training to become a technician.
Madelyn has loved animals her whole life, and always takes every opportunity to learn more about them. She has worked with horses for over 20 years, and has her own beloved gelding, Wonderstruck - the two have been together for over a decade. Madelyn recently returned to Maryland from Colorado, where she worked as the lead Animal Caretaker at Mission: Wolf, a remote wolf and horse sanctuary.
Outside of work Madelyn enjoys reading, knitting, baking, and spending time with Wonder whenever she can. She recently adopted sweet and gentle Pittie Mix George.
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Ayellet
Ayellet joined our reception team in 2023.
Ayellet is a current undergraduate student at University of Maryland, College Park, studying International Business on the pre-law track.
In her free time, you can catch Ayellet training at the gym, or cuddling up on the couch and watching TV with her two dogs, Laney the Havapoo and Larry the Bernedoodle.
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Sophia
Sophia started with us in 2023 as part of our reception team.
Sophia would like to study veterinary medicine and business, currently double majoring in Biology and Business at University of Maryland, College Park.
Sophia has 4 dogs at home, Bobbi the Pitbull, Pippa the mini-Goldendoodle, and Riley and George the Dogo Argentinos. Outside of work Sophia enjoys volleyball, cooking, and hanging out with her pups at the beach.
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