Ivy Ruiz, Outreach Specialist

Ivy joined the UC Davis team as the new Outreach Specialist for the Koret Shelter Medicine Program in September 2022. Ivy has a long history in shelter care and medicine; she is a Registered Veterinary Technician who has worked in high-capacity shelters in California. She is excited to continue to serve the animals and the people by sharing her knowledge and experience gained over the years. Her passion for animals led her to a position as a Superintendent for the City of Visalia’s Animal Services Department where she trained her team to create change that would dramatically improve animal save rates in the city.

Photo of Ivy Ruiz holding her dog, Avocado.

Ivy’s passion for animal and human welfare shines through her community engagement as a member of the Tulare County Animal Services Advisory Committee, the Communications Committee with the City of Visalia, and the SMART team, which addresses issues surrounding the homeless community.

When Ivy’s not at work, she uses her college softball experience to help train young girls in the community, where she coached the Sequoia Softball 10U All-star team to a Sectional championship and into District playoffs. Ivy and her husband of many years enjoy traveling up and down the state watching her children compete in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Soccer, Baseball, and Softball. When her schedule permits, Ivy can be found on a date night with her husband at the local Costco.