Dr. Denise Porte, DVM

​Prior to becoming a veterinarian, Denise studied French and Russian at Louisiana State University in New Orleans and later taught high school French. After being inspired by a very enthusiastic young vet, she changed her career path and received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from LSU Veterinary School in 1981.

Denise opened her own veterinary practice in San Jose in 1985, but the beauty of the Central Coast lured her here in the early '90s, where she has practiced since then.

In addition to practicing general medicine, she has a strong interest in animal behavior and encourages early puppy socialization and positive reinforcement training. She is an advocate for a strong human/pet bond, a fear-free and stress-free veterinary practice, and gentle handling of all pets.

​After being a student of Ian Dunbar, PhD, MRCVS, the founder of the first off-leash puppy and socialization classes, Denise taught many puppies and their people for 15 years at Puppy Playschool. In 2005, she completed a Fellowship in Behavior at University of California Veterinary School. To fulfill her strong interest in behavioral medicine, Denise also practices in-home behavior counseling. By treating both the physical and mental health of her patients, she strives to help them enjoy long, happy, and healthy lives with their families.

When she is not at the clinic, Denise enjoys yoga, movies, new restaurants, clogging, tap dancing, and steel drums. She shares her home with two very spry elderly cats, Andouille and Lagniappe.