Dr. Horia Popa

Dr. Popa graduated from the School of Veterinary Medicine in Romania. Following starting a private practice in Romania, Dr. Popa moved to Washington, D.C. with his two dogs -- a Doberman named Paco (pictured left) and a Miniature Pinscher named Kiddy.

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 his Purdue program in 2003, and moved to practicing general veterinary medicine in Northern Virginia. To gain expertise in critical emergency care, he enrolled in a one-year internship in an emergency clinic in Annapolis. When his internship was finished Dr. Popa returned to practicing at his former hospital in Northern Virginia while continuing to do emergency relief work in Annapolis.

Dr. Popa has been the owner and the primary veterinarian of Seven Locks Animal Hospital since October 2009.

Dr. Popa has a special interest in surgery, internal medicine, imaging diagnostics, and emergency and 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.

Dr. Popa is a fishing addict and also enjoys hiking, kayaking, biking, camping, and especially playing tennis. He now shares his life with a sweet adopted mix-breed dog.

Emma

Emma is our hardened veteran, working for Seven Locks Animal Hospital for over 13 years. Her roles have included technician, manager, and she continues as a business consultant. 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.

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.

Though Emma is no longer around on a day-to-day basis, she continues to provide support to the Seven Locks Animal Hospital team.

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 is now an important part of our technician and administrative team. Additionally, Helen is one of our Internship Coordinators and also helps in training new employees.

Helen plans a career in veterinary medicine, she currently is enrolled at Montgomery College with the aim to eventually transfer to a 4-year university.

Outside of work, Helen enjoys traveling, gaming, and finding crazy hair dye colors. She shares her home with two rescue cats, Sir. Charles and Pickles, and the fabulous Jelly, a South American Horned Frog.

Kaitlin

Another veteran of Seven Locks Animal Hospital, Kaitlin started in 2017. Kaitlin plays important roles in the Reception and Technician teams, and also helps keep things running as Office Assistant.

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 especially engaging.

Kaitlin has had animals her whole life, including cats, dogs, reptiles, rodents, and birds. Kaitlin now shares her life with a senior Newfoundland, Admiral, who has trained in Obedience and Water Rescue. In her free time Kaitlin enjoys hiking, biking, kayaking, and playing clarinet.

Taylor

Taylor has also earned veteran status, starting at Seven Locks Animal Hospital in 2017. Taylor is an important part of our Technician and Administrative teams, as well as being another of our Internship Coordinators and new employee trainer.

Taylor recently graduated with an undergraduate Biology degree from Towson University, and plans to apply to vet school. This summer Taylor is interning with a marine research organization.

Taylor is a Labrador fanatic, living with Chocolate Labs Storm and Miles, and also Chihuahua Roxy. You can often find Taylor going for a hike or beach adventure with a four-legged companion.

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 is now completing a pre-vet program at Towson University.

A forever pet lover, Maddie especially enjoys training rescue Beagle-mix, Winnie, and Border Collie, Kuiper, who is starting to love Agility training. Maddie's interests include traveling and backpacking, really anything outdoors.

Ashton

Ashton is a fan of all things fluffy, growing up in a family that bred Pomeranians and now American Cocker Spaniels. Ashton brought us her expertise in 2021, first as a Veterinary Assistant before starting training to become a Veterinary Technician.

Ashton studied at Lindenwood University, graduating with an undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice. Initially she thought to apply to law school, but a deep love for her pets and a desire to help animals encourages her now to consider veterinary school.

Ashton has a variety of fluffy pets at home-- Evelynn the rabbit, Tommy the cat, and Dash the young Cocker. When not surrounded by cuddly faces, Ashton enjoys video games and traveling all around the world.

Diana

Diana is one of our newest employees, starting just this year. Diana is part of our Reception team, and also supports the Technician team.

Diana just graduated from Springbrook High School and plans to start pre-vet studies soon at Montgomery College.

Diana's home includes two kitties, Luna and Star. Outside of work she enjoys painting, and is very sporty, often playing basketball, softball, volleyball, and football.

Denise

Denise is another bright new face that came to us this year. Denise supports our Technician team, training as a Veterinary Assistant. Denise is also our resident artist and social media maven, making all of our cute posts and designs.

Denise currently studies graphic design at Montgomery College and plans to eventually transfer to a 4-year university.

At home Denise's family includes Witchy the black cat, Dusty the Lab, Beau the Havanese, and Marshmallow. Denise's free time is full of drawing, video games, and thrifting.

Sophia

Sophia started with us this year, making her one of our newest employees. Sophia works as part of our Reception team and also supports the Technician team.

Sophia would like to study veterinary medicine, and is currently working on an undergraduate degree in Biology 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 four dogs at the beach.